About Us
About Dr. Selma S. Gladney DAOM, Founder, Director, and Lead Acupuncturist
Dr. Selma S. Gladney, DAOM, uses Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbs), combined with Functional Medicine for a patient-specific approach vs. a disease-specific approach. Dr. Selma says, “Everyone heals differently. Many times, I find myself treating 2 or more patients with the exact same symptoms, but I use entirely different protocols for each of them. The patient-specific approach is the foundation of what we do at The Emperor’s Medicine”.
Dr. Selma specializes in women’s health, autoimmune diseases, and cancer care. She has taken advanced acupuncture classes for cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston. MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the largest cancer research centers in the world. And at their cancer center, 90% of their patients receive acupuncture. At The Emperor’s Medicine, patients who receive acupuncture along with Functional Medicine accelerate and progress about 50% faster compared to patients who don’t.
Dr. Selma carries her positive, patient-centered approach to her speaking engagements on topics ranging from women’s health to inspirational talks for women and girls. She is also an active board member of the Illinois Society of Acupuncturists where she serves as co-president.
Dr. Selma is Board Certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). She obtained her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor Degree in Nutrition from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago Illinois where she also received the academic award of Cum Laude.
Dr. Selma has had advanced classes and internship in Beijing China at the Training Center of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences where she receiced her doctorate degree. While in China she worked in the hospital alongside top Chinese medical physicians and learned from medical scholars. “It was truly a learning experience that will never be forgotten”. She has studied in China 2007, 2012, and 2018 learning many advanced techniques using acupuncture and herbal formulas.
In 1996 she also graduated from The Chicago School of Massage Therapy where she specialized in chronic muscle pain and works with many Medical Doctors, Chiropractors and Physical Therapists.
With over 17 years of experience in acupuncture and Oriental medicine she will tailor a health plan specifically for your needs. She helps patients regain their health by addressing the true cause of disease, not just the symptoms.
Book Appearances
Images of Modern America - Naperville
Selma Gladney, MSOM, LAc, LMT, has been practicing holistic medicine for the past 20 years. She is a licensed acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist with a master of science in Oriental medicine. She is the founder and director of The Emperor's Medicine, which is located at 932 North Wright Street. Her patients include referrals from the Edward Cancer Center and other area hospitals. (Courtesy of Selma Gladney.)
Legendary Locals of Aurora
Dr. Gladney is a 1996 graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and graduated from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. She studied advanced acupuncture in Beijing and Shanghai, China, at the Training Center of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and is a certified advanced master of Tung's orthodox acupuncture. Gladney founded The Emperor's Medicine, LLC.
My China Studies
In Beijing China, I worked with some of the best third and fourth generation Oriental Medicine Physicians. There, I earned a doctorate for Advanced Acupuncture Studies. They passed their knowledge down to me and I am using what I learned to heal as many people as possible naturally without drugs. They taught me about extra acupuncture points that are not taught in Traditional Oriental Medicine schools in the United States. These acupuncture points can make a real difference in a patient’s treatment. I use these acupuncture points quite often with my patients here in the United States with great results. I also attended Advanced Oriental Medicine classes where we learned many different Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture point combinations. Depending on the patient's health problem, the correct herbal formula will aid in a patient’s recovery.
Dr. Gary Tennant, DC, Functional Medicine Practitioner, DACRB
Dr. Gary Tennant's passion for helping patients in their mission to live healthy lifestyles has been a passion of his for over thirty years. Dr. Tennant is committed to better health and wellness for each patient. Having trained in the most up-to-date Functional Medicine procedures and techniques used by practitioners today, you can rest assured that your health is in great hands. Dr. Tennant specializes in digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, blood sugar disorders, and neuropathy. He can successfully advise you on specific recommendations on nutritional supplements and healthy food choices to enhance your return to optimal health and help you achieve your health goals. Many patients credit Dr. Tennant over the years for preventing surgeries, reversing serious ailments, and being able to get off of medications to prolong their life.
- Licensed by: Illinois and Indiana
- Registered Nurse
- Bachelor’s of Science Degree
- Master's of Science Degree
- Diplomate in Chiropractic Rehabilitation
- Certified in Functional Medicine
- Doctorate of Chiropractic, National College of Chiropractic
- Certified Acupuncturist
- Clinical Director of Functional Medicine at Functional Medicine of Valparaiso
Joelna Robleza., Nurse Practitioner
Joelna has been a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner for over 17 years. She initiated her career 7 years prior, working as a registered nurse in a medical-surgical unit and clinical research, providing direct patient care for subjects participating in phase I research studies. Aspiring to deliver a higher level of patient-centered care with a holistic approach, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has experience treating acute and chronic illnesses in family medicine and integrated medicine settings.
One key lesson she has learned from her years in practice is the importance of collaborating with her patients when choosing a treatment plan. Joelna strives to mindfully listen, educate, empower, and guide her patients as they work towards achieving their personal health goals. She is passionate about preventative care and weight loss management. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, camping, hiking, snowboarding, playing the ukulele, exploring new places, and immersing herself in nature as much as possible!
Dr. Princess Burnett, ND, Dipl OM, LAc, MSOM
Dr. Princess Burnett, ND, Dipl OM, LAc, MSOM, became interested in medicine at a young age. She always knew that she wanted to help people. Dr. Burnett is a Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. She is currently licensed as an Acupuncturist in the state of Illinois. She graduated from National University of Health Sciences with a dual degree consisting of a Doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine in which she graduated as the valedictorian with Summa Cum Laude (highest) honors.
Her extensive clinical training has allowed her to be knowledgeable and experienced in treating a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions. She believes in putting the health of the patient first and equipping patients with healthy lifestyle tools to increase their longevity. With her knowledge, Dr. Burnett seeks to optimize results for patients utilizing modalities from acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine to provide individualized holistic treatment. Dr. Burnett specializes in women’s health, emotional well-being, general wellness and pain management.
She has written several publications featured in the Natural Medicine Journal as well as a published case study in the Naturopathic Doctor News and Review on thyroid disorder. Dr. Burnett seeks to further her research efforts to additionally include evidence-based literature in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, doing self-care and mentoring upcoming students.
Mariya Duquene, MSOM, L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist
Mariya’s passion for acupuncture began after she saw the great relief that her father received from it after an at-work injury left him in pain. Mariya has completed a one-and-a-half year Massage Therapist certificate program from Pacific College of Health and Science and a three-year Master’s Program at National University of Health Science as well as over 1000 clinical hours including an externship at the Pain Clinic of John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. She furthered her education by studying other acupuncture modalities abroad in Japan as well as continuing education in Cosmetic Acupuncture and Kiiko Matsumoto style acupuncture. Utilizing techniques such as acupuncture, electrical stimulation, cupping, and massage, Mariya will use whatever treatments afford her patients the best results in order to aid them in their healing journey.
After having two children of her own and seeing how many women struggle with fertility, Mariya has taken additional training in reproductive health courses and fertility seminars including assistance with ART, IUI, IVF. She is currently working on getting the ABORM (The Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine) certification. She is focusing on unexplained male and female infertility and pregnancy over the age of 35. Mariya loves to help patients on the way to pregnancy as well as throughout their pregnancy journey. She believes that it is important to have a healthy baby AND a healthy mother.
Mariya is excited to help patients through the use of both Eastern and Western Medicine modalities. In her spare time, she enjoys watching thought-provoking documentaries, taking nature walks with her family, and cooking up delicious meals for them to enjoy.
Soju A., Office Manager
Soju was born in India but came to America when he was just 2 years old. He grew up in Elmhurst, IL from grade school through high school. Being from India, Soju grew up with two different cultures and has a balance of both American and Indian traditions that he follows.
He went to the University of Illinois at Chicago and studied psychology and also studied accounting.
Having been a manager from the age of 18 in two different industries, Soju has gained a lot of knowledge on how to operate a business from A to Z.
The Emperor’s Medicine is a new home where he hopes to bring value to the office from all the previous experiences he's had. "Acupuncture is a new and very intriguing field for me, but I am excited to grow and learn new things with the amazing team at The Emperors Medicine!" he said.
During his free time, he likes to watch basketball or football. He also enjoys golfing, hiking, and trying food from different cultures. He hasn't traveled everywhere he wants to yet but hopes to get to soon!
Denise Y., Clinic Assistant
Denise is our Lead Clinic Assistant who enjoys providing a welcoming environment for all our patients. She brings more than 30 years of experience that have included roles as an administrative assistant, spa manager and office manager. She is a Licensed Esthetician who believes in a holistic, organic approach to health and wellness, and she provides facial services here within our clinic on Fridays and Saturdays. Having grown up in an agricultural community, she has an appreciation for the great outdoors and staying active. Denise and her husband have two grown children. Together they enjoy leisure golf, travel, hiking (especially exploring our National Parks), reading, and are avid fans of college football. The Emperor's Medicine is honored to have Denise as a part of the team!
Giving Back
The Emperor’s Medicine believes in giving back to those in need. We have chosen two non-profits to donate funds and/or supplies to:
Hope for Paws (Hopeforpaws.org) is an animal rescue organization.
CARE (CARE.org) changes the world by empowering women and girls and those living in poverty all around the world.
We at The Emperor’s Medicine are encouraging all businesses big and small to adopt a non-profit (or two).
Voted Naperville's Best Acupuncture Clinic in 2023 & 2024!