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Don Gates, LAc
Categories: Health and Medical Acupuncture Health and Medical Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine [Edit]
Grand Acupuncture Ctr3931 Grand Ave, 2nd Fl
Oakland, CA 94610
Neighborhoods: Grand Lake, Lower Hills
(510) 428-9430
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
$50 for $120 Certificate
Calvin W. said: "I recently RAN into some knee issues after running a couple half marathons :P Unfortunately, as a result, I was out of commission for a couple months.…" read more »
55 reviews for Don Gates, LAc
55 reviews in English
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Review from Sasha P.
Oakland, CA
8/26/2011
When looking for a local Acupuncturist I found Don and couldn't be happier.
He really took the time to approach my issues holistically and takes a very blended approach to medicine. If a problem is better served through western medicine, he's honest about it and will set you on the right treatment plan.
My last visit was for a lower back injury. He was intuitive, gentle, and really helped me out during a difficult time. He treated me with Acupuncture, massage, and a few other modalities and in the end it helped me heal. I was on the verge of going under the knife for a surgical approach and following his treatment I was able to heal surgery free.
Don's incredibly knowledgeable and a careerist in Traditional Chinese Medicine. His prices are reasonable and has a gentle healing touch. You won't be disappointed. Very professional. -
Review from Rina M.
American Canyon, CA
1/20/2012
I went to see Don about a year ago and I did acupuncture therepy for at least 6 months and I finally stopped when I didn't get any relief to my problems. Worse yet the herbal medications I was given really made me sick. I have high blood pressure and the medicines he had given me was spiking my blood pressure to very dangerous levels so I stopped taking it.
I don't plan to go back again. -
Review from Nicole B.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
Don helped me with acupuncture for a rotator cuff injury, when I was sick and pregnant, and also prescribed some herbs for my son when he had trouble recovering from a constant cold. Great holistic approach to wellness. Also the thing with the needles for sinus pressure...instant relief!
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Review from Sean M.
Oakland, CA
10/19/2010
I'll keep it quick.
I got hurt on the job.PE teacher. Rough, right? Little did I know the risks. I picked up a basketball and BAM! Sciatica. OK for a few days, and then one day I tried to stretch it out and BLAMMO! KAPOW! MORE BATMAN NOISES!
I can't move. Literally. I'm putting all my effort into not vomiting from pain. The whole back of my left leg is tingling like it's radioactive and pulsing with pain like an evil ET heartlight. So I go to the ER and they prescribe Percocet and bedrest.
So now I know that sciatica LAUGHS at percocet. If it was a grudge match it would be a pin in 3 seconds and percocet would still be on the ground struggling to regain consciousness. A full week goes by. I'm calling into work every morn explaining that I'd love to be there but I can't walk without wanting to cry. Finally 7 days in I decide 50 million Yelpers can't be wrong and go see Dr. Gates.
I don't really believe in much of anything. I don't know for sure what he did. And I'm not saying it's a miracle. But he treated me on Friday after a full week of bedrest did next to nothing, and by Monday I was back at work and actually doing my job.
So... in my little world, that's a miracle. If you have pain and it's not going away, you owe it to yourself to check it out. -
Review from Lainie L.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2008 ROTD 9/21/2009
I am super stoic. I can take the pain and keep on going. I've broken toes while catering and still managed to pull off a sit down dinner for 250 people by fashioning a splint with duct tape and popsicle sticks (quelle McGyver!). I once got a grade 2 calf strain while playing tennis - heard that "pop" but kept on playing. I have knocked my back out more times than I can count by deciding it's a good idea to rearrange my whole house in the space of two hours, pick up two sacks of flour at once or move a fully loaded catering van by myself. I always bounced back. Always.
Well, in August I lost my bounce. My back went out and I stayed in bed the requisite day with R.I.C.E. and the remote fully expecting my back to bounce back like it always did. No dice. I had developed sciatica. I always thought of sciatica as an old folks problem . .. as in:
"How ya doing grandma?"
"Oye, my sciatica is acting up something fierce"
At first, I didn't even know what it was all I knew was that I couldn't stand without discomfort. I couldn't sit, I couldn't lie down. . . I just couldn't do anything to escape the pain. Nothing worked. Standing at my work station was torture. . even driving my car hurt. Being at work went from being a joy to being too painful to handle. It dawned on me that I had a career ending injury and I freaked. I went on vacation and just sat and rested and sat some more. My sister sent me to her acupuncturist and I think her and the combo of being off my feet worked wonders. It got better but the minute I got home to real life and standing for 10 hours a day, it all came back. Enter Don Gates.
Like any good Yelper, I perused reviews and this guy had all 5 star reviews. .. good deal! So off I went for our first appointment. You fill out a very detailed patient form and bring it with you. Then he sits with you and asks you questions that meander all over the place - this is his way of getting to know you and detecting anything that might be affecting your energy or "Qi". Now, I know there are people who don't believe in this stuff but believe this, before seeing Don, I was seriously thinking of quitting my job and going back behind a desk. For anyone who knows me that is possibly the worst thing I could ever do. It would have been soul killing. Don saved my career and in doing so, saved my sanity.
Even if you don't have an injury or specific pain but are just feeling off balance, I highly suggest you check out Don - he answers all your questions, is a natural healer who magically puts you at ease and he seems genuinely interested in your well being. I can't say this without it sounding cheesy but here goes: Don Gates will change your life for the better. Believe it! -
Review from Simone F.
Oakland, CA
1/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
My first ever acupuncture with Don was amazing! I was skeptical at first but I should just try it at least once, right? I am so glad I did and glad I picked Don from the trusty Yelpers!
Don is a very calm and patient man has great understanding. He spends time listening to me and to learn about my history and my current lifestyle which help him to diagnose my problem(s). I do not see him very often but his notes during my past visits help him to refresh his memory about my history very quickly!
My last visit to Don was for some serious back pain. I wasn't able to stand up straight/walk normal for 6 days. I had a hard time to get out of a chair or bed. I put ice pack on, I put heated pad on, I ran hot water in the shower on my back, I slept on the floor.... nothing helped. After half hour of some needle poking and cupping by Don, I got up the bed with NO pain at all whatsoever and I was able to even twist my back to stretch! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! My visits with Don not only cure my physical issues but it also calms my mind! You would walk away feel like walking on clouds. His healing hands, needles and cups saved my life!!
I will keep coming back and do regular "maintenance"! If cars need tune up, so do our bodies and especially minds! Plan on relaxing and taking it easy for the rest of the day after your appointment. I think it's time for me to make that tune-up appointment now!! I look forward seeing Don at his new location! -
Review from Holly L.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2008
The idea of accupuncture is unnerving if you've never done it before; I mean really, who wants to have a bunch of needles stuck in them?!
When you first meet Don, you get a wonderful sense of calmness and caring. You realize he is exactly the person you want to take you on this journey you've embarked on. He is able to ask the right questions and to prescribe exactly what you need to feel your best. I have recommended Don to a number of people and they were all as impressed as I was with his knowledge and sensetivity. He is truly a healer. -
Review from monica e.
Oakland, CA
3/5/2008
OMG, how could I have forgotten to review Don Gates all this time! He's helped me deal with so many things:
1. Relief from the tension in my neck and shoulders from stress with acupuncture and cupping (is that the term?)
2. Averting or shortening colds and flus with Chinese herbs
3. Anxiety & insomnia with acupuncture and herbs
4. He even treated a bulbous spider bite with a herbal tincture
For those of you who've never tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine, please call Don. He's got the best bedside manner, a soothing voice, a calming presence, and the patience of a saint when you ask questions. -
Review from Jillian L.
Oakland, CA
1/29/2008
Miracle Worker!
I have had phenomenal results accountable to Don! Not only is he extremely professional and knowledgeable, he is a wonderful presence. Truly healing! When I first went to Don it was for ovarian cysts I have suffered from since I was a teen. Being diagnosed with more, with no solution but another invasive surgery, I searched for an alternative. Don surely was the answer! Within 3 months, there was no trace of it anywhere! Since then, I have seen Don for chronic stress and an ulcer. With his treatment, he has always proven to have a solution. I am blessed to have found him! -
Review from darlene T.
Berkeley, CA
5/23/2008
I just recently started seeing Don for neck and shoulder tension and found his treatments to be quite effective. He has a very calm and soothing manner and I found him to be very thorough in answering questions on diet, vitamins, etc. I feel like he has thoroughly researched the products that he recommends and trust that I am in good hands with Don.
i would definitely send my friends and family to him. -
Review from Kiki R.
Concord, CA
7/15/2008
Don is especially adept at listening and taking in his clients stories and needs. I was pleasantly surprised at how much time we took to go over my initial history and how intent and caring he was - so very refreshing!
His office is roomy, comfortable and soothing and even though sometimes those darn needles hurt I know that it's all for the greater good. Don has been a valuable resource for the wide variety of questions I've thrown his way and always follows up via a phone call or email.
I highly recommend him! -
Review from Chad S.
Carlsbad, CA
8/5/2008
Don Gates is an amazing healer. I have seen him twice for assistance in my attempts to leave nicotine behind. His techniques and after care have been wonderful. His ability to research alternatives was very helpful.
Im on my third attempt at leaving nicotine behind, and i can tell you ... being in southern California leaves me missing several gems of the bay area and Don Gates is one of them.
Don is the first alternative healing practitioner that didnt leave me feeling like i had just been blessed by some wierd witchy lesbian. Dont get me wrong, I love alternative healers and alternative options, but, i want a professional point of view.. not someone who simply wants to rub my heart chakra.
Thank you Don! -
Review from Tanya T.
San Ramon, CA
Updated - 5/8/2011
I'm just updating again about how awesome Don is! I'm still going! He's helped with my neck/back pain, congestion, anxiety, you name it! He is a true healer! I know I have a lot to do with this too, but I came back from New Zealand with a numb hand after some backpacking. After a session with Don, the numbness gradually went away....(I did lose some weight as well which might have taken pressure off the pinched nerve) but, I realliy believe the force is with him. ;)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2009
I got an account on Yelp just so I could recommend Don Gates. He is amazing and I recommend him to… Read more »
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Review from Karen L.
El Sobrante, CA
5/6/2011
Don Gates is amazing! He is extremely great at what he does. I had gone to another acupuncture clinic and they not only did not help me, the process was painful and ineffective. The 'acupuncturist' told me a knot in my neck would probably never go away, and they just kept scheduling appointments. Don worked on me once and I am pleased to say the knot is gone and I can turn my head without experiencing the extreme shooting pain up my neck and into my head. I'm going back next week for a follow up, not because he told me I should; because I want to go back! I felt that he not only addressed my issues with acupuncture treatment, he recommended (and used) herbal therapies that are equally awesome!
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Review from Samantha D.
Alameda, CA
5/13/2008
"An Angel Healer on Earth!"
I had the most awful pain in my upper stomach area in the middle of the night last week. It was so bad that I felt like I was dying. I was scared and didn't know what to do. The first person I thought of was Don and how he had a vast knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Don gave me three supplements to take and by the end of that day..I was CURED!
I am a firm believer that your health is one of the most important assets and was so afraid that I had something serious. Thanks to Don, I am back to feeling good and I am so extremely grateful for him and his healing gifts. Thank you Don! -
Review from Christine B.
Berkeley, CA
7/21/2008
What I really love about Don is his presence.
I have been to many accupuncturists, Don took the most time to do an intake interview with me to get to know me and my body and he was the best listener. I really felt heard and supported.
The treatment was fantastic, no pain, just tingles and energy moving. I can feel the accupunture points and chi energy moving very easily and some accupunturists are not sensitive to that and dig in the needles too deep......but Don took his time and was very sensitive and made sure I was comfortable. I fell asleep almost immediately.
He has a wide experience in a lot of physical issues and I have referred many of my clients to him with great results for issues such as anxiety, addiction, colds, weight loss, pain and just stress relief.
It has been a real compliment to my Hypnotherapy clients to get accupuncture at the same time...it seems to support their healing faster.
I trust referring to Don Gates and know my clients and I will always be in good hands.! -
Review from Michele M.
Hayward, CA
10/23/2007
I highly recommend Don Gates!
He has a warm and welcoming presence that makes you feel at ease despite what might be going on in your body or your life.
He bedside manner is kind and compassionate. And hs expertise in Chinese medicine and accupuncture is vast.
You'll be in good hands and leave feeling better than when you arrived!
Sincerely,
Michele Molitor -
Review from Prez F.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2008
Don is great!!
He is very nice and gentle.
As a Hair Stylist, I work a lot with my hands.
I had this pain in my elbow three years ago and Don
treated me. I was amazed because the next day the pain was gone! -
Review from Sri L.
Berkeley, CA
3/15/2008
Don Gates is a wonderful. He really seems to appreciate what being a doctor is all about.
He was recommended to me by another mother who sought his advice when she had given her child antibiotics and wanted to build up her immunity and digestion again.
When I called him, it was 9 p.m. on a Friday night and my little one was ill with an ear infection. I was quite concerned. He got back to me 8 a.m. the next day with recommendations and herbs. He treated my son and we had great results. (No antibiotics!) Moreover, he called to check in on us more than once to keep tabs on his progress.
I firmly believe that quality of care, knowledge and professionalism like this is what is bringing acupuncture and other traditional, natural healing modalities out of the realm of spa treatment fluff and into its rightful place as primary care for the whole family. -
Review from Natalie C.
Berkeley, CA
11/20/2008
Although Don was highly recommended to me, I wasn't sure what to expect from him or acupuncture. After only three sessions with him, I think it's safe to say that if I had any expectations, he would have far exceeded them.
Don is an amazing healer- he has a gift that is far greater than his long list of credentials.
As he was recommended to me, I would love to have the opportunity to recommend him to others. -
Review from Emily B.
Oakland, CA
9/23/2008
Don is very thorough, kind, intuitive, and an amazing healer. I have seen him for a variety of troubles such as - neck pain, allergies, stress - and the results have been great.
I am not surprised at all of the other rave reviews here. I have seen other acupuncturists, allergists, and doctors for the same issues and Don is the best. -
Review from Unmani S.
Piedmont, CA
10/23/2007
Don is a talented and knowledgeable health care provider. I have been searching for a doctor to help me with a variety of surface and long-term imbalances, and Don's approach was comprehensive and immediately effective on all levels.
I often feel like he's an angel come to visit me in my life. I have that much gratitude for his support.
He is fun and empathetic, such a great combination. In one session we can enjoy a good snicker about some common cultural misperception, and then minutes later he switches gears to listen attentively to me talk about my deepest sources of tension.
He is a natural. -
Review from Beth B.
Berkeley, CA
11/13/2007
I refer to Don Gates frequently and without hesitation. He is a consummate clinician - sharp, knowledgable, and reassuring. He connects with his patients. He knows how to ask the right questions to distill the core of the problem to treat.
One friend I referred to him trickily asked me "Is he intuitive?" I hesitated and said, "yes, I think he is, but in his practice he sticks to the medicine." My friend said, "good! I'm very wary of alternative health practitioners who call themselves intuitive."
The medicine works. Don works it. He makes straightforward sense of a complex and, for us Westerners, foreign system. Try him first. -
Review from Diana A.
Emeryville, CA
8/7/2009
I left the clinic after my first visit with two adjectives in mind - compassionate and professional, a combination so rare it is worth celebrating.
I'm coming back for more. -
Review from Hugh D.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2007
Don is a fantastic acupuncturist. He is attentive and a good listener, which is really something in a health professional. He really cares about his patients, and always goes the extra mile.
Don has treated me for a variety of ailments, and I have always been satisfied with the results. A couple of colds were basically knocked out of my system by his expert needles -- and he treats chronic conditions well too.
I am always happy to recommend Don to friends -- they always report back happily that his treatments were great. -
Review from David K.
Oakland, CA
8/4/2011
He was nice and the services were very soothing, but I guess this service is just not for me. He also provided me with additional products and does not mention the cost until he rings you up
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Review from Obe L.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2007
I've been consistently impressed with Don's expertise and knowledge of his practice. I would recommend him to anyone seeking acupuncture. I was not even sure what acupuncture could do for me when I went for the first time, and since then a whole world of alternative medicine has revealed itself to me.
I doubt that just anyone can practice acupuncture with the level of proficiency that Don has proven to have. Each session has been a success, and has improved the quality of my life and health. His herb prescriptions have also helped a great deal and work really well in conjunction with the needling.
I'm moving to Germany soon, and wish I could take him with me... :)
Thanks Don!
BK -
Review from Paul S.
Oakland, CA
1/21/2011
Don is a gifted acupuncturist, a sweet man with a gentle sense of humor. For almost 5 months I couldn't walk more than four blocks without doubling over in pain. I have seen Don off and on for years. This time I told him that x-ray revealed I that my lumbar 3 and 4 verterbrae were compressing so he could go to that area with his needles.
My back improved immediately and I could walk longer distances without pain. I still will have an consult with a neurosurgeon but I'm hoping I can continue to see Don for treatment rather than scalpel. -
Review from Elisa D.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 6/5/2009
Don Gates set out to help us restore our daughter's compromised immune system, and within one year...thanks to his guidance, we've done just that. This update is to share that this week, 11 months after beginning a TCM approach with Don, our daughter's infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital (Oakland) pronounced that it appears her immune system has been restored, and to continue doing whatever it is we're doing (see original review below). Thank you, thank you, thank you Don Gates. The TCM approach is certainly worth exploring if you have a stubborn medical issue that is troubling you. What a different way to approach health and vitality!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/12/2008
Thanks to Don Gates, my daughter is recovering.
A year ago, for the eleventh time in two years, my… Read more »
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Review from Ross T.
Oakland, CA
5/27/2008
I went to Kaiser for shoulder pain that had steadily worsened over nine months. The doc gave me a prescription for anti-inflammatory horse pills (I never even bothered to fill it). Went to Don Gates instead. He stuck me with his little needles. Didn't notice an improvement at first. Then, after a week or so passed, I suddenly realized I hadn't been in pain for several days. Highly recommended.
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Review from Jana B.
Oakland, CA
4/26/2008 1 photo
Don Gates is amazing! I have been to many acupuncturists, and Don's combination of solid expertise and focused presence make for a winning combination. I was impressed by his spot-on analysis of my health status just by describing a few issues happening in my life. He has successfully reduced my upper extremity Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) pain, and I now know that regular acupuncture visits will keep my pain in check and I can avoid surgery to my hands and arms. What a blessing! I also went to see Don for chronic stomach pain, and that is now gone too. I give him my highest recommendation and encourage you to give him a try!
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Review from Alexis C.
Berkeley, CA
8/2/2010
I found Don on yelp and was quite impressed with all the rave reviews. Discovered at my first appointment how accurate they all are! Don is incredibly kind, caring, insightful, and a very talented healer. I always felt heard, respected, and cared for, and that he took my concerns seriously. I never felt rushed, and always felt that he was truly present, both when talking with me and when providing a treatment.
I have been to several acupuncturists before, and only with Don have I been able to consistently feel the chi from the needle points at at every session! He is amazingly precise and a highly skilled practitioner.
Between sessions Don always responded quickly to emails and phone calls, and readily offered suggestions and referrals for additional things I could do to support my healing. He went above and beyond consistently to make sure I received the best care possible.
I cannot express strongly enough what an incredible human being Don is, and how lucky we are to have him in the Bay Area. I wish all doctors and service providers could learn from him how to help their clients. This is truly healthcare at its best. Ten stars to you, Don! Thank you! -
Review from Simona F.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2008
Don Gates is an incredible Acupuncturist and wonderful healer. I started going to him to increase my fertility and continued seeing him throughout my pregnancy. Whenever I'm feeling sick, tired or stressed Don helps! He has a calm and soothing presence and obviously knows what he's doing. I highly recommend him!
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Review from ken b.
Oakland, CA
10/9/2009
Healing hands, needles and heart! Don is a true Mother Theresa-esque holistic health provider that serves so many folks in the East Bay that otherwise could not access acupuncture. I truly admire his commitment to the health and well-being of his patients! Thanks for inspiring me and others!!
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Review from Keren B.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2007
Don Gates is by far the best acupuncturist I've ever been to. I had a sinus infection, and in the past, have always had to resort to antibiotics. After seeing Don and taking the herbs he prescribed, I felt so much better and never ended up needing the antibiotics. It really works! Don knows what he's doing, and I highly recommend him.
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Review from Dr. Karen K.
Oakland, CA
3/4/2008
I went to Don for acupuncture and he has such a nice bedside manner and explains the treatment choices clearly and he listens to your concerns. He also makes you feel cared for and is gentle.
I have recommended him to 5 people in such a short period of time, because he knows what he is doing in the relm of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Dr. Karen Kartch, D.C. -
Review from sacha p.
Berkeley, CA
8/21/2008
5 stars!
Everyone has already said everything there is to say.
Also, if you're thinking about an doing accupuncture but are at all nervous - Don's the one for you. He'll walk you through the process and make sure you're comfortable with what he's doing and how it all works.
And his willingness to listen, and helpful recommendations were a wonderful antidote to my traditional doctors. -
Review from Kristina G.
Emeryville, CA
3/26/2008
I went to see Don Gates because i was suffering from a concussion and did not want to medicate myself through my recovery. The results were immediate and in fact i feel more balanced and centered than i have in a long time.
Don is welcoming and truly has a calm and healing energy. Every session with Don has proved to be very effective. I've since decided to continue seeing him to help me manage everyday stress. I highly recommend seeing him. -
Review from Kristina W.
Berkeley, CA
1/30/2010
Don has been working on my body for the past six months. I went to him a broken down person suffering from inflammation, poor digestion, etc. Not only did he help me with the acupuncture, but he made me understand why my body was responding to stressors the way it was. He also recommended a few tests that confirmed his diagnosis even though my doctor said I didn't have what we thought I had. Don was right, the doctor was wrong!!! I love this guy. His gentle spirit is also amazing.
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Review from shelly s.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2008
I highly recommend Don Gates. Amazing, awesome, the best acupuncturist around. He's intuitive and truly one of the most genuinely nice people I've met. Consider yourself lucky to be a patient of his. I'd recommend him to anyone! Go already.
