What can I say? Not only is Don a kind, welcoming and professional person to work with in general, he gets results. This was my first experience with acupuncture and I will admit, I was skeptical. But the pain in my back made me willing to try anything. I went to "western" doctors when my pain was so bad I was fighting back tears. Their answer: pain pills. That was about 2 years ago, and I have been living in chronic pain for that time. Everyone I spoke to that had a back in jury said the same thing "a back injury never goes away." This is simply not true. In 3 sessions I have experienced a practically complete recovery. I haven't had to take a pain killer since my second visit. If you are a person who lives in pain, you know what this means. I am forever and ever grateful to Don for fixing my back. I recommend Don Gates to EVERYONE! He is wonderful! =) read more

I work in construction so my body is often achy and sore. I started seeing Don after my massage therapist said that massage therapy and acupuncture work well together. I found Don in Yelp. When I first went to see him, he found out I lived in Hayward, and offered to suggest an acupuncturist closer to home, since Oakland is a bit out of my way. I said I would rather stay since I read all his reviews. He won points right there, the fact that he was willing to send me someplace else for my convenience. I haven't regretted sticking with Don one bit. When I first started seeing Don, I would feel so relaxed and wonderful after my session that I would nap as soon as I got home. Now, I think I'm used to the effect the acupuncture has on me so while it relaxes me, it doesn't knock me out. Acupuncture is one of those things you have to do to really be able to understand. It's hard to describe the feeling of the way the muscle "grabs" the needle. It actually does feel like the needle is being grabbed, and for me, if I ask him to keep going after the grabby feel, I usually get a jolt. The best sessions are when I get a jolt from the needles, that means I get more reaction. I used to think that it was just a bunch of bull before I started doing it myself. Now, I'm a total believer, and Don is just great. Anyway, Don has such a calming demeanor that you feel totally relaxed with him. He has a very soothing presence. He's really knowledgeable, and he'll answer as many questions you may have as he can. He'll tell you if he doesn't know something, instead of just making something up. The herbal stuff he suggests, he doesn't force you to take it, he gives suggestions, and lets you know if any of his other patients have had bad reactions, or even no reaction. He really does try to get to know his patients well. I mean, we usually spend time chatting in the beginning so we can talk about life and then try to get an idea of where we should focus that day's treatment. Maybe it's just me, but I think it's totally cool that we bonded over the walking dead and carnivorous plants. I am now an absolute fan of acupuncture, and would suggest everyone see Don without hesitation. read more

I have had a slew of health issues stemming from my treatments (chemo, radiation and surgery) of rectal cancer. I decided to see Don on a whim. I didn't expect that he would actually be able to help me. I was wrong. Very wrong. Don gave me a Chinese topical ointment to help with pain that I had been walking around with for 3 months. I thought this was pain that I was just going to have to put up with. But within 24 hours of seeing Don, that pain had 100% vanished. Why my world class surgeon wasn't able to tell me about this amazing ointment, I have no idea. That alone has changed by day-to-day life. read more

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! read more

In addition to being a gifted healer, Don is an amazing human being -- so kind and generous. He puts his whole heart into his work and his patients. I feel blessed to know him and to have been on the receiving end of his healing energy! read more

My husband, who doesn't really believe in acupuncture, gave it a shot out of desperation when he threw out his back. He was like a new man (or rather was no longer the hunched creature that left the house) when he returned! I am new to tennis in the last few years, and as a result have had several wrist, elbow and knee issues. I cannot even express the difference after going to Don. If I was smarter, or had more time, I would probably go on a regular basis. But since I am not either of those things, I only go when I have an incredibly painful injury. Yesterday I could barely move my arm, after ONE treatment with Don I am almost at 100%. One last thing, the other part I like about him is that he never makes me feel bad about only coming in once or twice when I hurt myself. No pressure for preventative care- which I really like! read more

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. ;) read more

I have been seeing Don since December 2007 for moderate to severe arthritis. His methodical methods, his practice TCM, and his treating the "whole" body have brought me great relief in a short amount of time. I highly recommend Don and his practice; there is an alternative to western style medicine. read more

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! read more

I have seen Don for several different injuries. Most notably was a pinched nerve and then another time for injuries sustained in a motorcycle wreck. He is great at listening to your problems then understanding how to alleviate the pain and relax the body. Obviously my visits were more focused on trauma injuries. It's interesting to see your own progress from visit to visit. Also get cupping, because it's the best. read more

Don Gates has treated my knee and foot pain, helped my daughter when she had acute ankle pain and treats my husband's sensitive back when it is necessary. The office is in a great location and parking is relatively easy; it is a very relaxing place, clean and quiet. Don is probably one of the greatest professionals in his field (and I have seen a few acupuncturists/TCM doctors). He is calm, focused and actually takes the time to talk to the patient and listen. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a competent and committed health care professional, especially for pain management. read more

This review is so very overdue. I've been seeing Don for about 6 years now. I found him when I lived in Oakland and although I now live in SF, he's so good I make the trip across the bridge when I need him. I've had lots of acupuncture over the last 22 years (from 8-10 different practitioners) and Don is hands down, the most effective practitioner I've seen. He's been amazing for me with crohn's disease issues, back problems and various other aches and pains. Not only is he affective, he's incredibly kind and is a great listener. He also is great at paying attention to what works for you individually and adjusting his technique to fit what you want and need. Thanks Don! read more

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. read more

I could not be more grateful for Don Gates and his exceptional work. Over the past four + years, Don has treated my back and neck pain, muscle spasms, digestive issues, fatigue, grief, and cold/flu symptoms. I always bring a range of issues, and he handles them all! His ability to dive deep into understanding what's going on, treat it comprehensively, and consistently leave me feeling better is just amazing to me. I've seen a handful of other practitioners, and Don stands out in his ability to place and activate acupuncture needles and do cupping. In addition to his extensive expertise, he's also one of the nicest, most empathic, and genuine human beings I know. I whole heartedly recommend him! read more

Don is a gentle, highly skilled, and compassionate healer. He is an excellent listener and considers your health holistically. His ability to expertly employ acupuncture needles exceeds other acupuncturists I have worked with in the past. He has helped me tremendously with thyroid challenges in the past year and has become an essential part of my care team. read more

Don is fantastic. It is hard for me to relay via text how much healing Don has done for me. The best thing that I can say is that I have been seeing Don for four years and I have recommended scores of friends to him and every single one of them has been immensely impressed with his skills and his sensitivity. He is a true healer. I highly recommend him. Dave read more

I went to Don on a whim, wanting to try acupuncture. My complaints were minor. The acupuncture made me feel great, but I felt decadent, like I had just spent the day in a spa (even though the price was much much less!). Then for more than a year, I fell back into the western medicine groove and ended up in the emergency room. The doctors sent me away with no treatment, only pain killers which shut down my digestive tract. I went back to Don after three days of barely eating, gritting my teeth against the pain since I could no longer take painkillers, and being told by my doctors there was nothing they could do. Don's treatment was the most dramatic healing experience I have ever had in my life. Energy flowed again through my body, the pain was gone, my digestion recovered, and I felt a new power to heal myself without medication. Don had the courage to suggest lifestyle changes that have helped keep me feeling great, and he encourages to follow my own intuition about what my body needs. I now see Don regularly, and do not consider it it a luxury. I recommend you see him now, especially if you are not sick yet! read more

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 read more

This review for Don Gates is long overdue. Don has treated me a few times over the years and is an excellent listener and diagnostician. My last visit to Don was after I had been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. I had a CT scan and saw an Otolaryngologist who recommended sinus surgery for my completely blocked sinuses. The surgery and recovery sounded terrible, especially since the success rate is marginal at best. After doing some reading, I decided to try acupuncture for my condition. Don had successfully treated my repetitive stress injury a few years ago and I contacted him for my sinuses. I had been sick for several months and was pretty miserable. I was unable to breathe through my nostrils and had to carry a box of tissues with me at all times for my runny nose. The constant pressure in my head and face was intense and had resulted in some painful pounding headaches. Don treated me with acupuncture and herbal treatments and soon I was able to breathe freely again. I am still astounded that Don cleared my sinusitis so quickly! He is an amazing acupuncturist as well as an excellent listener and diagnostician. It's unfortunate that I only see Don when I am in pain because aside from being a first-rate health care provider he is an all-around great guy with an excellent sense of humor! read more

Don Gates was my acupuncturist in when I lived in Oakland. I've been receiving acupuncture for 15 years on and off and Don Gates has one of the most effective needling techniques I have ever experienced. In addition to general health concerns, I have received immediate relief from his work when I was in 2 crisis situations. One was terrible flu and the other was when my low back when out last year. He was able to tend to what was needed and I felt a dramatic shift. His kind and gentle nature allows you to relax in his care. Whenever I return to the Bay Area, I make a point to see him for treatment. He is truly wonderful. read more

Don is WONDERFUL. He as an awesome healer that is focused on you and all of your needs. He is calm, nurturing, and really tuned in to what he does. I had been experiencing numbness, vertigo, tingling, nightmares, hotflashes, and the list goes on. Doctor after doctor and test after test... They finally diagnosed me with PTSD and anxiety/panic disorders... Pills and pills. It just made things worse. I decided to give TCM a shot and its been the BEST thing for me. All of my symptoms have decreased significantly except for my dizziness, but I plan to go back for more treatments. The day after my first session with Don, my hand numbness was gone and never to return. Thank you Don!! read more

I went to Don after doing some research to find my husband an acupuncturist; I already had one, but he was geographically undesirable for my husband. So Yelp led me to Don, and I tried him out before sending my husband. Hands down, one of the best acupuncture experiences of my life. Don is caring, warm and very down-to-earth -- he is very easy to talk to and has a sense of humor. His office is comfortable, welcoming and clean. And I left feeling taken care of, calm, and have slept like a baby for the last week thanks to needles and herbs. As someone who has trouble staying asleep and have in fact not slept through the night in many months, this is amazing. I am now a permanent fan, and will be seeing him regularly. And my husband, who has referred to acupuncture as "juju" is now a fan as well; he is uncomfortable with non-traditional approaches to health, etc, but this experience changed his mind. read more

i would reconmend Don to anyone whos interested in acupuncture. he has cure me with my headache that i was having for 2 months, anxiety issue and stress he listento your needs and offer great advice. read more

This is literally my first Yelp review. I'm compelled to write one by Don's excellence and truly good work in the world. He is intelligent, thorough, patient, and skilled in his practice. He manages to balance a keen logical mind with an intuitive approach, which works well for those of us who want measurable results from an ancient, sometimes arcane healing tradition. Don has helped me solve some difficult and elusive health issues. This guy rules--I have much gratitude for his healing expertise. read more

After reading the great reviews on the Berkeley Parents Network, I decided to give Don a shot. I was very impressed by the amount of time he devoted as well as his level of detail evaluating me for treatment. Don is a great listener and has a leave no stone unturned approach when recommending treatment. In my case, Don was able to show me that my diet was crucial to my recovery. It was difficult to make changes in old routines, but Don was very supportive and adiment that I focus on this. In 3 months and only a couple of acupuncture sessions, my ailment had subsided. And this was after a year of struggling with western treatments. Don has certainly earned all 5 stars. read more

I've been going to Don for years stimulate my immune system, for muscle cramps, acute chronic sinus nerve pain. His calm presence is healing by itself. read more

I have dealt with chronic back, neck and shoulder pain for most of my life. A month ago my back was so bad that I was not able to really move that much at all. So I came here, to see what the Yelpers had to say about who would be a good acupuncturist to see, and that is how I found Don. In a very short amount of time he has put me on the right track and I am not sure where I would be without visits to his office. I work as a personal trainer and I have no hesitation in recommending him to clients. In short he is very capable of isolating the root of the problem and working with you to treat it in an effective and honest manner. He takes his time to understand your history and your current situation to be better able to find a workable solution for you. I never feel that I am being hustled or sold something I don't need. In a very short amount of time I have come to trust Don's opinion completely, simply because the results speak for themselves. There is no question that this is a professional who cares greatly about what he does and the people that he serves. read more