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Two weeks of unlimited email exchanges, resulting in a complete TCM diagnosis, a written herbal prescription, and lifestyle recommendations to restore health and maintain it. Get started now. only $89
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Acupuncture
At Shen Clinic. 1071 San Pablo Ave. Albany California
All Practitioners. Includes Herbal Consult. Book Here or Call 510-484-4372 $125
Meet Our Staff
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Reviews
Superb Knowledgeable Practitioners.
Patient and gentle.
Algiin Ford on September 7th 2024
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Bark Reviews
5/5
5 customer reviews
I Feel Blessed
Great Consultations
I have consulted with Joel twice in the past year for separate health issues and have experienced balance and well being each time. The herbal prescriptions were tailored to my conditions. I am open to future consultations as a means to address health issues.
🙂🙂😊 thanks.
Awesome results
My 9 year old daughter was diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS 1 year ago. After treating with antibiotics for 2 months, then adjusting her diet, then trying loads of different supplements, her motor tics persisted. After scouring the internet for alternative solutions I stumbled upon the Shen Clinic and the idea of treating her motor tics with Chinese Herbs. After doing just one online consultation with Dr. Joel, he prescribed a formula of Chinese herbs specific for my daughters symptoms and I ordered this right away from the Shen Clinic and had the herbs in hand (across the country) within 2 days. I gave the recommended amount to my daughter everyday, and was patient. The first 2 weeks of administering the herbs I would say her symptoms actually got a little worst-- but after about a month the tics started to return to baseline, and after 2 months her tics are GONE! I am so grateful to have found the Shen Clinic, and Dr. Joel. I will keep them in mind for any possible future return of her symptoms, or any other ailments for anyone else in my family!
Thanks Emily. You made my day. - Joel
Progress report for one month consultation
Dear Dr. Shen,
Nearly a month has passed since I began taking the herbal compound that you prescribed for me on June 11 (I started on June 15th). I just this morning began dosing from the 300 gram bottle after finishing the 100 gram bottle.
The results have been literally miraculous. Nearly every symptom has passed or is passing, and my tongue is looking much better, and I am too. I still need to gain more weight, but my appetite is much better, so that will probably come with time.
Since this concludes my month of consultation, may I ask how best to continue? Is it best that I take the herbs daily until the bottle is empty, or is it best to take a break from the formula at some point? I feel now that I was more depleted than I realized, so may I reorder, or may I return for a new consultation perhaps?
Please let me thank you SO MUCH for this help! I am truly grateful!
Excellent TCM Dr. with spot on understanding
I have been ill for 7 years, I had acute myeloid leukemia and had a bone marrow transplant. As a result of that treatment, I was left with a very broken body, many, many after effects, including scleroderma and other issues. I have tried for many years to get TCM help from many doctors, and each time I left them utterly confused, they had no idea how to treat me, really what to do with me. I actually had a TCM doctor say “you present in so many directions, your body is contradicting itself”.
Fast forward just 2 months, and I can honestly say something is working. I am not wholly better at all, because it will of course take a while, and was told by Dr. Shen that it would take at least one month for every year ill, I am seeing improvements, slowly,but they are there. I do have other issues arise, and the doctor is quick to answer and help when I need it.
I would happily recommend Dr. Shen, especially if you have a complex medical history like I do. Western doctors told me “I was fine”, and I am not at all. I always hear, “well, your tests look fine, so you are good”, but I am not, I need a lot more healing to become at least happily alive. I am very happy to feel improvement, a little each week, I’ll take it. Dr. Shen is the real deal, great at what he does.
Satisfied
I have been happy with the outcome of the consultation. I just received my herbs in the mail today so time will tell.
Joel was very thorough in asking questions and shed some light on why I was having such problematic symptoms. He helped connect the dots so I have a better understanding. I am hopeful that this will give me some relief.
5 Stars Service
Thorough examination, fast and easy communication, rapid shipping, already seeing improvements with the herbal prescription, thank you.
Great Service
I sought help from Dr Shen as I needed the convenience of doing everything on-line. The process was easy with the consultation completed over several emails. I was provided with a formula to address my digestive issue and it worked.
Thank you Dr Shen
Your Formula
THis is just to inform you that the formula you prescribed for mu Kidney and Lung Deficiency didn't work. I took 1 full bottle but no relief. Symptoms are still same - Throat mucus, shallow breathing, and slow metabolism. I am now checking, may be if I have Hypothyroid!
The ‘rule of thumb’ for determining the course of treatment is ‘A month for every year’. You’ve had these complaints for 8 years. That would mean your course of treatment is 8 months. Why do you think 1 bottle of anything would work? The first bottle is mainly to see if you can take the medicine, or if there are any side effects to taking it. If there are no problems with the medicine, I suggest you take it for 1-2 months before judging its usefulness. Please be realistic.
Amazing so far
I've suffered with severe osteoarthritis in my left ankle and had barely any movement in the joint and the pain was off the charts. The doctors had me full of pain killers( oxycodone and morphine) just so I could work my job. Well I got my prescription from Dr. Shen and OMG I'm barely limping at all, the foot has movement in it again and I haven't had to take my pain pills in over a week. I can't even believe this, I've suffered for over 10 years and within 4 days the relief started and the motion started coming back. I still get some stiffness at the end of the day and the beginning of the day but nothing even close to needing pain pills and the stiffness goes away after about 10 minutes of walking around. I am VERY greatful for this!!!!
Thank you for the review, we are pleased to hear about your improved condition and wish you a full and speedy recovery!
Great help for infertility over 45
I have been struggling with infertility issues for over 2 years and trying to use Chinese herbs to fix my issues for a year now. I self diagnosed myself and bought some formulas and after about 5 months of nothing changing decided to pay the big bucks for a Chinese herb consultation. The doctor was thorough but very rude to me when I kept asking questions even though when I paid for the consultation it said I could ask as many questions as possible. He gave me his recommendations, not a specific formula for my needs but general formulas anyone can buy and told me not to talk to him anymore. I was angry. I have been taking those herbs for 3 months and felt they weren't working so I decided to have a second Chinese consultation just to double check. That's how I found dr. Shen. His consultation has been very thorough and very quick and he has been very kind and thoughtful. He has made a special formula with just the herbs I need, nothing extra. I feel very confident in his expertise and would recommend anyone seeking help with Chinese herbs have a consultation with him. His consultation fee is very reasonable and you will get answers before a Western doctor would even be able to see you. He is very trustworthy and will treat you with care and consideration.
A Wonderful Experience
I found this service while searching Chinese patent remedies for some skin problems and borderline anemia. I decided on the online consultation, which was conducted very efficiently and proved thorough and enlightening. I think this is perfect for anyone, like me, who cannot find a really good local practitioner and who wants to be primarily responsible for his/her own health but just wants a traditional diagnosis and some specific guidance and herbal support. Once you have a traditional diagnosis, you have everything you need to research foods, and exercises, and acupressure points to help yourself further while on the herbs, which are CUSTOM formulated, which is so important. I have often failed to help myself with patent formulas because although they seemed right for me in general, the ratio of herbs was not right for me personally. Dr. Shen is very kind and took time to explain the details of his diagnosis. Within three months, I was greatly improved, and now I am returning for a second consultation, which along with time, will see me through to a complete healing, though I plan to return in the spring for some allergy support, if needed. Dr. Shen’s complimentary book is medicine in itself, a very detailed guide for how to take the herbs and support them through diet especially. A valuable service at a reasonable price and in the comfort of your home, highly recommended.
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Meet Our Staff
Joel Harvey Schreck L.Ac.
Co-Founder of Dr. Shen's and Shen Clinic
Joel is Shen Clinic's founder and principal herbalist. He's been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine for over 30 years. He is co-founder of the Shen Clinic and co-founder of the popular Dr. Shen line of natural medicines. Joel has published articles about herbal medicine in print and on the web including articles in the California Journal of Oriental Medicine and on Acupuncture.Com.
Joel was an adjunct faculty member and lecturer at AIMC, Berkeley's Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College. His first book, A Patient's Guide To Chinese Medicine, is published by Bay Tree Publications of Point Richmond, California. His second book, Chinese Herbs for the Mind, is in progress.
Dr. Nobue Nobematsu, DAOM, L.Ac.
Shen Clinic Senior Practitioner
Dr. Nobué Nobematsu, DAOM, L.Ac is a California Licensed acupuncturist and herbalist based in the Bay Area with over a decade of experience. In her practice, Dr. Nobematsu maintains the core value of Traditional Chinese Medicine by treating the body as a whole. She applies ancient methodologies with a modern perspective and lifestyle consultation to empower the body's natural healing capacity.
Dr. Nobematsu holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from ACTCM San Francisco and a Doctorate in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University, San Jose. She has been trained in diverse clinical settings, challenging cases, and was a regular volunteer acupuncturist at the San Francisco Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic.With a decade of experience as the Senior Clinical Practitioner at Shen Clinic, Albany.
Dr. Nobematsu has taught the Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) program at Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences (ACCHS), Oakland, and is now the Clinical Director of Education for Masters and Doctorate programs at Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) in Berkeley.Dr. Nobematsu currently maintains a private practice and is also a provider for the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation for Cancer Patients.
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Dmitrius Spartos, L.Ac.
Shen Clinic Acupuncturist and Herbalist
Dmitrius has studied and practiced herbal medicine for over twenty years. He received his Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is the Director of the Academy Learning Center. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Five Branches University, specializing in Jing Fang (Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine) and Chinese Medicine Psychology.
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More Reviews of Shen Clinic
Maggi C.Contra - Costa County, CA - Yelp
12/2/2016
I have been a Shen Clinic patient for many years, working primarily with Joel in whom I have the utmost confidence. Recently I have had the opportunity to work with Rodney Artiles for heart palpitations and other complex issues. Rodney's treatment has been focused on successfully balancing the internal systems with acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, Chi-Gung exercises and dietary advice. While I regularly consult with expert MDs, I prefer eastern medicine for general health care. My MDs have noted the improvement and encourage me to continue with treatments.
Joel M. - Davis, CA - Yelp
12/1/2018
Dr. Joel Shrek and Rodney Artiles are both skilled in Accupuncture and Chinese Herbs. My wife and I have been receiving treatment here for many years and have always experienced great benefit from their treatments. Mr. Artiles cured my BPH after I was SO dissatisfied with the side effects of the prescribed Western Medical medications. The herbs provided to my wife for her asthma and COPD help her with the symptoms that Western Medical medications don't help with. We heartily recommend Shen Clinic for all your Chinese Medicine needs.
Alexandra B. - San Francisco, CA - Yelp
7/6/2016
I came in for my first treatment today and feel so much better already. My father was a patient of Joel's 25+ years ago so when I was searching the web I was so happy to stumble on a familiar clinic. This is my first time trying acupuncture and so happy I did. Joel asked me a series of questions and listened to all my concerns. He took his time and took notes. Then he walked me through exactly what the process would be and had me doing some breathing techniques which helped so much for the first session. It was completely painless there was some relaxing music and I rested in a room with a beautiful star light that reflected on the room while the needles were doing there magic. I feel that helped me relax. He gave me a copy of his book to help me understand acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I appreciate that he did not try and oversell me anything and the pricing for everything was so reasonable. I'm aware from friends that one treatment is not most beneficial you need to come for a few treatments in order to see and feel the best results. He has deals when you come regularly which is amazing. I'm so happy I stumbled across this gem after so many years and feel blessed that I was able to be treated by Joel "healing master".
Airhorn Annie B. - El Cerrito, CA - Yelp
9/17/2007
Joel Harvey has been my acupuncturist for many years. After spending over a year off work & being told that I'd never be able to return to my job due to a back injury, I tried acupuncture... with Joel... this was about 9 years ago, when his office was right off Solano. He treated me twice (or was it 3 times?) & I was back to work. He is excellent at what he does. His staff is very calm, very professional.
I honestly think that in addition to being a great doctor, he also has magical powers. I mean THE GUY FIXED MY BODY!
Great place for herbs for cold, flu, whatever...
Wonderful to see the business grow over the years.

Munch M. - San Francisco, CA - Yelp
8/5/2009
I've been going to Shen Clinic for over ten years now. Whenever I have pain or an illness, Joel takes the time to go over my case thoroughly. He is a knowledgeable and gentle acupuncturist with a good sense of humor, which also helps when one is in pain. I highly recommend Joel as a practitioner. Acupuncture has helped relieve my stomach pain, discomfort and stiffness from back and leg injuries, and fibromyalgia.
Shen Clinic also offers Chinese herbal medicine from their large apothecary.
Lakshmi V. - Emeryville, CA - Yelp
8/5/2014
Yesterday I had a consultation with Joel and wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for the great care I received. Both Joel and his assistant were sincere , helpful and very nice. Joel was very attentive and asked probing questions about my condition and history. He spent a long time with me and also allowed me to delay payment until I had the funds. I felt very taken care of and am confident in both his wise advice and the efficacy of the medication I received. Amongst many so-called healers, I believe that Joel is the real thing.
D H.- Danville, CA - Yelp
10/22/2009
"I saw Joel Harvey after going to another local acupuncturist and herbalist for almost a year with very minimal results. I went to Shen Clinic as a last resort to seek help with my digestive problem (this was also after seeing various well thought of Gastro Endocrinologist throughout the eleven years I have had this disorder; which resulted in no constructive remedy whatsoever). After seeing Joel only two times, he was able to determine the correct treatment for me, which has changed my life completely. He has given me my life back due to his expertise and knowledge in his practice. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking help in his field. Thank you again, Joel Harvey."
Herman i. - Berkeley, CA - Yelp
5/12/2012
I never had much luck with western medicine: they treat the symptoms not the root cause of anything that is wrong with you, whereas Joel can figure out if you have a systemic problem that needs addressing. If you dont want to trust your body to lesser skilled people, Joel is the one to see.
Christine H. - Burlingame, CA - Yelp
2/4/2009
I have been seeing Joel Harvey for 5 years and have seen him for various things. Colds, sinsus, sadness, immune system to name a few. I have never been disappointed. I have always felt better within 24 to 48 hours. I have moved to Burlingame, but will continue to make the trip to the Shen Clinic because the treatments work and the people are great. The herbs work too. If you haven't gotten results elsewhere, I recommend you try Joel and the Shen Clinic.
Joan G. - Berkeley, CA - Yelp
7/17/2010
I highly recommend the Shen Clinic. I've had acupuncture from Joel and it has been very helpful. In one case, it helped me heal from a painful foot injury. I've also received herbal medicines from Joel. In the last year, I had difficulty sleeping and nothing western seemed to help. But the Chinese herbs that Joel gave me really worked! It's almost miraculous. It's well worth a trip to the Shen Clinic. Joel and his staff are all very nice.

margaret l. - Oakland, CA - Yelp
8/30/2009
I've been seeing Joel at the Shen Clinic for over five years. Initially I went for my severe seasonal allergies since my prescription medicine (Claritin, Flonase, etc) stopped working after taking it for so many years. I've gone for regular acupuncture and have taken herbs and have found that the combination has worked better than anything else in my 25 years of having allergies. I have also gone for various other maladies: back pain from an old injury, low energy, swelling, colds--and have referred dozens of friends as well. In particular, Joel has treated my husband for lower back pain and a girlfriend for infertility (she got pregnant and has a beautiful baby girl). Joel is wise, gentle, funny, and warm to boot. And I love his staff as well.
Jocelyn S. - San Francisco, CA - Yelp
5/6/2010
I highly recommend this clinic for both acupuncture and herbal consultation. I was very much a skeptic but the herbal medicine given to me by Joel Harvey has been unbelievable to me in terms of its efficacy. Thank you!
Sean F. - Berkeley, CA - Yelp
1/21/2020
Very wise, healing energy there. I get acupuncture and Chinese herbs there every few weeks and I always feel better when I do. Highly recommended for all sorts of healing. Thank you!
Chloe S. - Valley Village, Los Angeles, CA - Yelp
6/8/2020
I ordered three bottles of health concerns, eight treasures, which is out of stock everywhere but I was able to get 3 bottles! They shipped it super fast and I was able to get my product a couple days later! Amazing business! Super happy customer! highly recommend!
Ben B. - Berkeley, CA - Yelp
10/10/2019
Shen's clinic is a great place to get herbs and get acupuncture treatment. Their herbs are sold all over the country, and The doctor there is a leading expert on herbs and acupuncture. It's an institution in Berkeley.
Angela H. - Richmond, CA - Yelp
2/14/2019
I was surprised that I had such a hard time finding a Chinese herbalist in the east bay (north of Oakland). Thankfully, Albany isn't too far away from me in Richmond, and I was able to come in and buy some moxa sticks (was trying moxibustion at home to flip my breech baby).
I spent $4/stick for high-quality moxa. The moxa that my acupuncturist had sent me home with (Tao to Wellness) was smokeless moxa, but the stuff I bought from the Shen Clinic was definitely NOT smokeless. Whew, that stuff stinks up the house! And burns WAYYYYY faster.
I didn't know there was a difference in the type of moxa available.
I don't think I'll be back any time soon, but if I were to come back for moxa, I would ask if they have any smokeless.
Zeury G. - San Pablo, CA - Yelp
6/5/2019
Great Clinic. They helped me with anxiety and stress meds. I want to specifically, thank Dr. Rodney . He was kind and patient with me, while carefully observing my body, tongue, eyes and ears. Shen Clinic is lucky to have such a great man.
Now, am healed and feeling great.
Susan J. - Richmond, CA - Yelp
8/9/2017 Updated review
It's time for an update of my previous review.
I wrapped up treatment 6 months ago and remain almost pain free. My knee, hurting since 1970, is good 95% of the time. When the weather changes I just have to apply heat and it improves. I haven't taken any ibuprofen for a year!
In addition, the changes I made in my diet at Rodney's recommendation, keep the inflammation down and keep me ticking.
Overall, I feel far, far better than I felt a year ago. I highly recommend Rodney at the Shen Clinic!
10/1/2016. Previous review
I've waited until I've had six treatments, along with the herbs, before writing my review. I am happy to have found the Shen Clinic and Rodney, my acupuncturist. If you're used to a doctor popping into your exam room, never looking you in the eye and then handing you a prescription even though they barely asked questions, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Rodney asks questions, questions and more questions. Oddly enough, he listens to all the answers, really listens. So tell him the truth because he can feel your pulse and know if you ate lunch or not. True story. He knew I hadn't eaten enough during the day by the feel of my pulse.
I have had pain in my knee since 1970. Really. I have had an arthroscopy, X-rays, and an MRI and I was facing knee replacement. My pain is virtually gone after 6 treatments. I'm still leery of going downstairs and will always use the handrail, but it is tremendously better.
My energy level has skyrocketed. My house is so clean, I even got the ceiling fan blades dusted, the yardwork is under control and I pop out of bed in the morning to get my yoga done.
A side effect of all the energy is weight loss. Now that we have my herbs correct for me, I'm losing slowly and consistently.
I'm also sleeping more soundly and through the night.
I highly recommend a visit to the Shen Clinic and Rodney for acupuncture and herbs,.
Grace C. - Los Angeles, CA - Yelp
3/15/2013
1 check-in
My herniated disc acted up again so I came here as fast as I could and within 3 treatments my lower back pain was gone! They do a great deal where if you get weekly treatments then it costs about $45 instead of $80 (which is a steal in this neighborhood)
I highly recommend shen clinic to anyone with back pain!
Sue Ellen E. - Santa Clara, CA - Yelp
1/20/2012
Ordering from the Shen Clinic has been hassle-free and their site is very convenient to navigate! The prices are reasonable, but always comparison-shop if it's something that is sold from multiple places.
If you're not familiar with Chinese medicine, it may be a good option to explore when Western medicine fails to heal. It's also a nice complement to Western sometimes. It's a really different way of looking at health, and also helps species other than human.
I'd go there in person, but it's out of my way. Great site though!
Michelle Katusich Cosgroveon Facebook
a year ago
Anthony Trunzoon Facebook
2 years ago
★★★★★ 4 years ago
I just started working with Joel at the Shen Clinic recently and highly recommend him. He was very thorough in our first appointment interview and I felt safe. I have been recovering from a nearly fatal illness from 2.5 years ago and I believe that my body needs the wisdom and care of a Chinese medical doctor like Joel to help me to fully restore my energy and well-being. I was also given a copy of his book which explains how Chinese medicine works which was very helpful. My experience was so positive that I have continued my acupuncture treatments and am taking the prescribed herbs as I am confident that he can help me. Also, the rates are very reasonable compared to other places I have gone for acupuncture. So, I highly recommend Shen Clinic.
★★★★★ 5 years ago
Great service & friendly A++++++++++++++++++++++++
★★★★★ 7 years ago
★★★★★ 7 years ago
Douglas Chamberson Google
★★★★★ 2 years ago
Great Great place for herbs
Norma Ricoon Google
★★★★★ a year ago
Information from consultations is meant for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your regular physician. Herbal supplements have not been approved by the FDA, and are not meant to treat prevent, or cure any disease.