Acupuncturist of the Month Dr. Jose Pena MAOM, DACM, L.Ac, originally hails from Monterrey, Mexico, and grew up in a family of doctors fostering his draw to healing. Dr. Pena graduated from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine with a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is very involved in his community and a strong advocate for holistic medicine being a member of the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association as well as the Maryland Acupuncture society.
He has developed acupuncture specialties with sports performance, mental health, fertility, pediatrics, and internal medicine. As an acupuncturist, he is passionate about working together with patients towards optimal health and wellness.
Hello Dr. Jose Pena MAOM, DACM, L.Ac!
Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, how long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
I have been practicing acupuncture for 4 years. I’ve been practicing at Round Rock Health and Wellness for the past 2 years. My specialties include internal medicine and pain management. Currently working on a fertility specialty course.
Tell us more about your experiences in treating professional athletes with acupuncture and TCM. What do you find most rewarding about treating this patient population?
I have experience working with professional athletes in different stages of their professional and personal lives. From the beginning of their career to retirement, acute/chronic injuries, mental wellness, and much more. The most rewarding thing is hearing about the young athletes’ success stories and how motivated they are as they work towards their goal. In addition, improving the quality of life and helping them get stronger feels very rewarding.
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I worked through acupuncture school. In my last semester, my mother had an accident and she couldn’t work till her knee healed. During that time, I started substituting for her job along with my full time job. It was a very difficult time for my family. I was also very determined to finish my internship and boards without causing much delay. I had great support from my family and friends who made it possible for me to graduate on time.
How have your experiences growing up in a family of doctors shaped how you practice acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine today?
Throughout my experience growing up in a family of doctors, I learned the importance of communication with the patient. I always admired how much respect and admiration patients had when listening to my mom in her consults or my uncle explain the anesthesia process. Not only did they explain the procedure and expectations but reminded the patient of the importance of long term health goals and health management. In today’s world, health is not taken into consideration until one is too ill to miss exercise, work, or family events. Therefore, my practice is shaped for patients to experience and understand the difference between illness management and health management with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Share a recent success story you had with a patient. What acupuncture points, herbs, or other interventions (meditation, yoga, nutrition, etc.) did you use to help them achieve results?
Patient came in 3 months before seeing the doctor for IVF. They have been trying to get pregnant for several years. Nobody ever talks about how hard pregnancy is from beginning to end and how important the rest of your bodily functions are crucial for fertility to be most efficient. I have worked with this patient to improve her cycle, sleep quality, gut health, and anxiety. By the second month, the patient’s health had improved tremendously and she was able to get pregnant naturally. Acupuncture points included were Lu7, Kd 6, Pc 6, Sp 4, Ht 7, Gb 34, Du 20. Gui pi Tang was added to the treatment plan in order to supplement the heart and spleen. In addition, home exercises such as core workouts, yoga, and daily meditation in the morning were added to benefit her mental and emotional health that took a toll.
You have a world of experience in the eastern medicine field. Which work or educational experience do you feel impacted you and your practice the most to get you to the point you are today?
Working with my mentor Dr. Lin Jia has impacted me and my practice the most to get where I am today. I have learned a lot from Dr. Jia, from communication, to efficiently and effectively treating the patient.
What makes you feel inspired about acupuncture?
Day after day, every time I hear how TCM has been able to benefit the patient to be happier and healthier constantly inspires me about acupuncture.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
I would advise my younger self to pay extra attention while learning the basics. The core knowledge benefits in analyzing each layer in understanding the patient better to be able to form an efficient treatment plan.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
Genuine care for the patient in helping them achieve their health. Also educating the patient the difference between illness management and health management so they can lead a healthy lifestyle.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
Confidently communicating with the patient could be a big roadblock for new acupuncturists. In the end, it is very important to remember to go back to the basics and explain to the patient how TCM will be able to benefit them and make them understand the importance of the treatment plan.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
Gb 20 because you can see the calmness overtake the patient’s mind and relax.
Tell us about some herbal formulas and foods you find yourself consistently recommending to your patients, friends, and colleagues. What makes these herbs/foods so helpful?
Number one thing I recommend people do is to stay away from cold drinks and food. Cooking their vegetables and proteins. Avoiding too much smoothies and adding ginger in their diet. Gut health impacts not only physical aspects but mental and emotional health as well.
Sometimes, the best resource for improving our skills is by learning from the other acupuncturists we meet along our professional journey. What is one thing you learned from a fellow acupuncturist or holistic practitioner that has helped you in your professional growth, or in your care for patients?
Learning TuiNa pediatric massage from Dr Lin Jia helped me develop not only the skill but the confidence to treat newborn and children.
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self,” both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
My most important habit/ritual is to say something positive with a prayer first thing after waking up. It is very important what you think and say first thing in the morning because it will set the rest of the day.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
Blessings from my patient when she was able to keep up with her grandkids again is the most recent kind thing from my patient.
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
“Are you gonna put dots on my mom now?” (referring to cups) from a very curious 10yr old who has been accompanying his mom for her treatments.
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
My proudest moment was right out of my internship, helping one of my first patients who suffered from a stroke. Helping my patient go from wheelchair to driving themselves to family events. It wasn’t until the patient talked about going to the family event that I felt truly proud of myself.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
Stop Managing Illness and Manage your Health
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is being happy with my family and friends.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation so I could travel all over the world in an instant, explore, learn, and share my experiences. Opening multiple clinics around the world and treating people in different time zones.
*Rapid fire questions! *:
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Tea
Sun or moon? Moon
Cupping or Tui na? Tui Na
Yin or Yang? Yin
Meditation or exercise? Exercise
Instagram or Facebook? Facebook
Top 3 Favorite Books? The bible, the hobbit, the alchemist
Spirit Animal? Bear
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
https://www.rrwellness.com
https://www.facebook.com/RRHWC
https://www.instagram.com/roundrockhealthwellness