Dr. Justin Penoyer MS, LAc, DACM, earned his Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009 and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2016 from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

A native of a small farming town along the Mississippi River in Northwestern Illinois, Justin began his academic journey with a trade degree in horticulture before graduating from Clarke University with a double major in history and philosophy. There, he earned Dean’s List honors and received the Socrates Award for excellence in philosophy. A traumatic injury shortly after graduation introduced Justin to acupuncture, which played a transformative role in his recovery from nerve damage. This experience inspired his deep respect for needle therapy and the natural philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine.

In addition to his medical practice, Justin directs operations at Three Hawk Ridge, an American ginseng farmette and regenerative agroforestry study in Illinois. He co-founded AcroAma Blends with renowned chef Stephen Dowe, creating a line of artisanal culinary blends rooted in sustainable practices. He also co-founded Su Wu Herbs, a Chinese herbal compounding service that bridges classical herbal traditions with modern healthcare needs. Justin’s work spans clinical grand rounds, consulting on classical treatment strategies, and studying the effects of climate change on microclimates in the Driftless area of the Midwest.

Outside of his professional life, Justin enjoys playing guitar, reading about medical science, ethics, early Chinese history, systems thinking, and environmental conservation. He is the proud father of three and lives with his children and their Australian shepherd, Charlemagne, in Northwest Illinois.