TCM Advice, Consultation by E-Mail, Phone, or TeleVisit shenclinic.com

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

I love is line of herbs, LOVE!!!!

Anthony Trunzoon Facebook

2 years ago

The staff is very friendly and everyone I have worked with has taken the time to really understand my needs before making recommendations. I also received acupuncture from Nobue and it was amazing – I went from having breath-holding back pain that morning to being able to participate in a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu seminar that afternoon.

Kathleena Gorgaon Facebook
★★★★★ 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.

Enrique Ramirezon Facebook
★★★★★ 5 years ago

Great service & friendly A++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ed Fladung Sr.on Facebook
★★★★★ 7 years ago

Jeanetta Johnsonon Facebook
★★★★★ 7 years ago

Harald Leventhalon Google

★★★★★ 8 months ago

Great people with highest quality herbs. Would give them 6 stars if I could.

 Douglas Chamberson Google

★★★★★ a year ago

Very knowledgeable.

 8 months ago

Sam mamiaon Google
★★★★★ 2 years ago
Great Great place for herbs

Norma Ricoon Google
★★★★★ a year ago