Decided to give Stephen a try due to the rave reviews he has on Southern Marin Mothers Club and the various awards he's won in the community as the "best of...". On initial meeting he came across as quite serious, somewhat reserved and uber business-like/professional. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I'm sure this persona instills confidence in many of his clients, but I tend to prefer establishing a more personal rapport with my practitioners, which lets you see their true personality and who they really are. I view it as a partnership, vs. a Teacher/learner relationship or a superior/underling relationship. (I know many folks like their practitioners or physicians on a pedestal of elevated knowledge and superiority - I don't go for that.) He warmed up a bit on subsequent visits, but always maintained a certain level of aloofness that I associate with old school conventional medical practitioners. He doesn't freely describe his impressions and findings as you go along - I found I had to initiate the conversations about what he was finding with his assessments. After seeing him for several weeks, two main issues came up for me that made me decide to return to my previous practitioner... 1. His needle technique hurts! Granted, I'm pretty wimpy, but I've been to four other TCM practitioners and have never had the needles hurt in this manner. Essentially out of 8-12 needles per session, only 1-2 would go in with a minimal amount of pain & the rest really hurt. Many of the sites would bleed more than just a tiny drop after needle removal and again, this has not been common in my experience. I found myself dreading appointments because of my anticipation of pain with the needles. 2. His recommended herb changes were not helping me feel better. He had recommended a different course of herbs than my previous LAc, but I was not having improvement and was having issues keeping with the program due to side effects here and there from the various things. I was actually feeling worse and could no longer blame it on other things going on in my life, such as stress, etc. I began to suspect the herbs. All-in-all I decided to go back to my previous acupuncturist because I was feeling so lousy. Within just a few days of returning to Miki Shima and going back to Miki's recommended treatment plan I was feeling amazingly better! For whatever reason Stephen and I just aren't a good fit. He seems a nice enough guy and tons of people love him, I dread telling him that I'm "breaking up" with him to go back to my previous acupuncturist, but hey - people get back together with their ex'es all the time, right? read more

Well, it's allergy season here in Sonoma county, and there is no one else I would go to for relief except Dr. Zilber. I have been going to him for over ten years now, and he alone makes my eyes less runny and my allergy-induced sore throat always feel much better; he is truly a miracle worker, and he is caring, kind, and knowledgeable as well. He even helped my daughter with her milk allergy, and she no longer is as allergic- who knew that was even possible?! Allergy expert extraordinaire! I've recommended him to friends and co-workers, and everyone has thanked me. Dr Z is the real deal for healing. read more

Stephen Zilber is not only an exceptional person, calming and personable, but exceptional at his profession. I have been seeing Stephen on and off for ten years and he has helped me tremendously! I have seen Stephen for multiple reasons all of which he was exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend Stephen Zilber to anyone and everyone! read more

I can't recommend Stephen enough. After Kaiser tested me for everything including consults with an endocrinologist, neurologist and an MRI, they said I would just have to live with my symptoms. I went to three other accupuncturists who all said something was off but they couldn't quite figure it out. One accupuncturist recommended a medical specialist who is very expensive and has a long waiting list. My friend recommended Stephen and he figured it out in the first consult. He's truly a "whole health" practitioner. Some people may be put off by the extensive new patient form but it is an excellent exercise in taking personal stock of your health. Check it out on the website. Stephen also wanted to review my Kaiser tests. He read everything before my first visit, which meant we could dive right in and didn't have to spend the session on the basics. Of the accupuncturists I went to, he was the only one to ask for my Kaiser tests. And he was the only one to supplement my care with additional blood work and lab testing. I'm feeling better than I have in years. I now only go once a month or so and soon I'll only need a seasonal check-in. I can't recommend Stephen enough, especially if you have a tough case. read more

I started seeing Stephen two years ago and now I fly in from New Mexico to keep in good shape. The best thing that happened to me is that he COMPLETELY Eliminated my shellfish allergy. I also had had an aortic dissection and very erratic blood pressure. He, of course , took care of that and feels that that is much more important than my shellfish allergy But what a joy it is to have shrimp and lobster after years of denial. Three cheers for Stephen! read more

Dr. Stephen Zilber is the most knowledgeable, professional, and effective holistic practitioner I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I first saw him about a year ago when my I began suffering from "senior onset" allergies ... which proved to be just one symptom of a body in decline as I moved into my 60s. My other issues included skin rashes, fatigue, nosebleeds, erratic sleep patterns and general feelings of low energy and low spirits. Dr. Zilber always took the time to explain what's going on, and we began working with the most troublesome issues first -- and then kept going deeper, including work on the emotional level with his expertise in the Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). I am now stronger and more energetic than I've felt in years, look younger, have more energy, and am naturally motivated to eat better and find ways to move and exercise on a regular basis. I continue to work with Dr. Zilber on a "maintenance" basis and give him credit for helping reverse my downward spiral, and recommend him to anyone who's serious about improving their health. An equally high recommendation comes from a friend who originally went to him for cat and pollen allergies (after being treated for 5 years with monthly shots and daily pills) ... and who is now drug-and-symptom-free and is cruising along in great health in his mid-70s! Thank you, Dr. Zilber! read more

Stephen and Rebecca are wonderful. They definitely go the extra mile to make your experience the best it can be. I came to Stephen with a challenging chronic health condition, along with allergies and and other things, and he has been extremely helpful. He explains everything and takes the time to help you understand. He gives you an initial evaluation and report--which I took with me to my other health care practitioners to help them understand what I was doing. He has many tools that he uses--acupuncture, of course, but also kinesiology, laser treatment, and extensive knowledge of herbs. I look forward to my appointments--they are definitely part of my crack team of practitioners in my ongoing quest for superior health. :) read more

Stephen is a top notch acupuncturist and I credit much of my wellbeing to his practice. Stephen's bedside manner is warm, collaborative, and he's an excellent listener. Not only have the symptoms I reported initially retreated over time, but I've noticed a significant overall improvement in my energy level and sleep patterns. If you're considering acupuncture for the first time or seeking a new practitioner, Stephen is an integrated, gentle, and effective holistic healer. read more

I have had acupuncture treatments since 1980. Dr. Stephen Zilber is the best acupuncturist that I've had in all these years. Not only is he a skilled acupuncturist, he is compassionate, intelligent, wise, and has a vast array of knowledge. He has an answer for whatever question I ask him. He listens with concentration, pauses to contemplate, and answers carefully in a clear, concise manner and always with either an empathetic look or a big smile. He is more than an acupuncturist. He is competent with deep-rooted issues (emotional and physical), helping me solve dilemmas and issues that have a long history. I trust him completely. It is a testament to his skills that I'm willing to travel from a distance to be treated by him. It was a lucky day when I discovered Dr. Zilber. He also has an excellent receptionist. Stacey is also very warm, always greets me with a smile and is genuinely interested in making sure I'm comfortable. I'm in good hands with Dr. Zilber and Stacey. read more

My family came to Stephen Zilber in April of 2015. I have 3 sons and in Oct. of 2014 one of them had a massive immune system shut down after a course of anti-biotics. Within 4 months, Dr. Z had completely turned around extremely sever acute & chronic conditions. Not just that, but I credit him with giving me my child. After some months of working with him he really & truly did gave us a miracle. My son had been in such discomfort due to immune system challenges & chronic sever allergies/allergic reactions that in his four yrs of life we never really got to see HIM. Due to the relief Dr. Z was able to give him, he gave us our child, we got to see his real personality for the very first time. Now we all see him & he has become an integral part of our family's health system. Aside from that I find he and his office staff, Stacy to be extremely good with children, contentious, considerate and a general pleasure to work with. He always seems to take the time to listen & answers questions fully & completely. I really couldn't recommend him higher! I feel I should say, I was very skeptical at first, but any opinions I may have previously held, have be replaced with the highest respect. read more