Dr Arno Kroner is a Board Certified California Licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and integrative medicine doctor who specializes in endurance sports medicine, trauma care, post op and injury recovery as well as pain management, sleep disorders, migraines and addiction treatment. Arno graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctorate & Master in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, CA. In addition to academic studies, he completed residency training at The Roy and Edna Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank as well as at the Being Alive Community Clinic in West Hollywood, CA. Dr Kroner has his own private practice in Santa Monica, CA and also works at Reconnect Trauma Center. Finally, Dr Kroner is also a Medical Reviewer and a member of the Medical Advisory Board at Very Well Health and health.com.
Hello Dr. Arno Kroner, DAOM, L.Ac, MTOM, Dipl. OM.! Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, how long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
5 years. I specialize in trauma: from injuries, surgeries to psychological trauma
What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?
Nothing. I stumbled into it when I went to school to study Chinese medicine. I was only interested in herbs then realized acupuncture was part of the package.
Tell us more about your residency training at the Roy and Edna Disney Family Cancer Center. What were some lessons learned there that you still utilize today in your practice?
I learned how to approach and help terminally ill patients and this supports my trauma practice to this day.
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I can’t think of obstacles except the state of healthcare in this country, the insurance companies in particular. Those players aren’t helping anyone. I solved that problem by becoming a cash only practice.
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?
I tend to work in an integrative mode and collaborate with other physicians or mental health practitioners. I can’t claim a success story on my own. When patients get better it’s usually the result of team work and that also includes patient work.
“I use age proven tools when they are validated by evidence. Every treatment is backed up by scientific evidence.” – Dr. Arno Kroner
Your website says that your practice runs on the idea of proven tradition meeting modern science. Can you explain what that means, and what patients should come to expect at your practice?
This means that I use age proven tools when they are validated by evidence. Every treatment is backed up by scientific evidence.
Describe how you got into endurance running. What drew you to this sport, and how has it served you as a healthcare provider?
I transitioned from Ironman triathlons to ultrarunning because it was cheaper and also the vibes were nicer. Since I also coach endurance athletes I have a unique perspective when it comes to maximizing their performance and well being.
What makes you feel inspired about acupuncture?
I don’t think I’m inspired. I just work hard to provide the best care possible to my patients.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Build it and they will come.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
Results and referrals from satisfied customers.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
Not everyone is able to run a small business and there are very few “jobs” for practitioners.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
Someone who is late or frustrated needs more care so I always tell them with a smile and a welcoming attitude to take a big breath and take their time. The frustration needs to be treated too.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
Each patient is unique and receives a unique point prescription. Some auricular protocols are quite effective.
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?
I base a lot of prescriptions on blood tests so usually I make sure levels are well within range etc. No favorites and everyone is unique and so are the formulas and supplement blends I prescribe.
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?
I learned great auricular acupuncture skills from the dean at my school and also I am very grateful for my case management and energetics teacher there. I often think “What would they do here?”
The COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt had a significant impact on the acupuncture practice community and small businesses alike. How have you been handling the COVID-19 situation as an acupuncture practice owner and individual? What advice or wisdom would you like to share with other acupuncturists who are also navigating through these precarious times?
I had to close my clinic for over a year and start over again. It’s just what it is. Keep going, there’s no shortage of people in need of care.
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self”, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
Sleep, diet, exercise, mindfulness = the four pillars of wellness.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
“Spasms almost all gone and very little pain. Thank you again for helping me. It feels good to be able to walk again.”
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
They asked if I was recycling and reusing the needles!
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
Learning and learning
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
I’d raise money for a good cause and we can feature my cat for attention.
What is your definition of success?
ROI, helping others, staying in one piece.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Kindness & Compassion
*Rapid fire questions! *:
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Tea
Sun or moon? Yang and Yin
Cupping or Tui na? Tuina
Yin or Yang? Can’t separate them
Meditation or exercise? Running
Instagram or Facebook? Both
Top 3 Favorite Books? Anything by Ian McEwan, In Remembrance of Things Past (in French) and Dune.
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
https://www.instagram.com/dr.arno.kroner/
https://www.facebook.com/drarnokroner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnokroner/
