Rebecca Cates is a graduate of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (A.C.T.C.M.) in San Francisco, where she received her Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is licensed by the California Acupuncture Board.

Rebecca initially started working with people to improve their health and well being in 1993 when she earned her Massage Therapy certification from the San Francisco School of Massage. Two years later, she completed her studies at the Shiatsu Institute and Therapy Center becoming certified as a Shiatsu Massage Practitioner in 1995. It was during this program when Rebecca first became interested in the principles of Chinese Medicine.

Over the next few years, Rebecca read and absorbed everything she could about Traditional Chinese Medicine while working to finish her undergraduate studies in preparation for the Masters program at A.C.T.C.M. It was during this time that she first worked at the Immune Enhancement Project (IEP) and at Quan Yin, two San Francisco community based clinics dedicated to bringing quality healthcare to people living with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and the traditionally underserved populations.

After graduating and subsequently passing the California State Licensing exam, Rebecca spent three months studying in China’s Sichuan Province at the teaching hospital of the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She spent a lot of time in the Diabetes Department, Liver/Gallbladder Disorders, and Ear/Nose/Throat Departments, as well as Dermatology, Cancer and Pediatrics. After the completion of her studies, Rebecca’s husband came out to join her and the two of them traveled through the south of China and other countries of Southeast Asia, soaking up culture, enjoying delicious food and meeting friendly people.

In addition to helping people feel their best, Rebecca also enjoys taking care of herself, her husband, their two kitties and their home. She takes her own advice and eats well, exercises most days and enjoys laughing, knitting and fireworks!