Joel Penner, O.M.D., L.Ac.

Dr. Penner graduated with a degree in music from The University of California at Berkeley. Prior to returning to school to study Oriental Medicine, he spent many years in the entertainment industry as a  jazz trumpet player. He bridged the best of both the East and the West into two career paths that coexisted, supporting and nurturing each other. American Dragon is the bridge between these two worlds.

Dr. Penner received his initial training at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California, and received his Doctorate from SAMRA University in Los Angeles. He was licensed as an Acupuncturist by the State of California.

He was active in the Oriental Medicine Community on many levels. In addition to operating a successful practice in the Los Angeles area, he served on the board of directors and was Treasurer of The California Association of Oriental Medicine. He was also past president of The Center for Oriental Medical Research and Education.

Dr. Penner was also a noted author, lecturer and teacher. He was a Professor of Oriental Medicine and served on the faculties of Yo San University of Oriental Medicine, SAMRA University and Emperor’s College where he also served as chairman of the Department of Herbology.

He wrote two textbooks on Oriental Medicine, “Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment” with John McDonald, a complete examination of the internal causes of disease, which is the leading text on the subject in the English language and “Shang Han Lun-Wen Bing: A New View”, an examination of the external causes of disease.

Dr. Penner was technical advisor on Chinese Medicine and was filmed doing acupuncture for the hit TV series "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice".

Dr. Joel Penner passed away in January of 2020.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental Medicine encompasses a variety of health care therapies and is in fact a way of looking at medicine that integrates all therapies in its understanding. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular in the United States. Other aspects include: diet, nutrition, lifestyle choices, Tai Qi (martial arts/physical exercise), Qi Gong (breath exercise), Tui’na (massage), and Feng Shui (environmental balance).

It has been scientifically determined that human beings are actually unique bio-energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental Medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called “Qi” (pronounced chi), in the west it is often referred to as “energy”. Energy, (Qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs and the tendo-muscular system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues; pain or illness results. Oriental Medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances by breaking up any obstruction and encouraging an even flow of Qi, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use Oriental Medicine to achieve optimum performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are safe procedures and are well known for their efficacy and lack of side-effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Dr. Penner uses pre-sterilized, disposable needles when administering an acupuncture treatment. All practitioners licensed by the State of California comply with strict regulations for proper needle sterilization.

Commonly Treated Conditions

Allergies/Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Anxiety/Depression, Immune Deficiency, Arthritis/Joint Problems, Infertility, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Bladder/Kidney Problems, Menopausal Discomfort, Childhood Illnesses, Neck Pain/Stiffness Conjunctivitis/Diarrhea, Paralysis/Numbness, Colds/Flu Rhinitis Cough/Bronchitis, Sciatica, Dizziness, Sexual Dysfunction, Drug Addiction/Smoking, Shoulder Pain, Fatigue, Sinusitis, Frozen Shoulder, Skin Problems, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Stress/Tension, Gynecological Disorders, Tendinitis, Headache/Migraine Vision Problems and Heart Problems/Palpitations. These are just samples of commonly treated conditions. Of course, there are many more.