Our Mission
"Olakino," a Hawaiian word meaning "health and vitality for the body and mind," resonates with a similar Chinese character “康.” Our mission is to combine time-honored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices with relevant Western treatment modalities to tap into our body's natural healing potential. We focus on alleviating pain and chronic illnesses to help our patients achieve optimal health and vitality to live life to the fullest.
We welcome patients of all ages and background, helping them to stay healthy and active. We are committed to providing effective and compassionate care for each of our patients. By combining traditional knowledge with modern science, we develop thoughtful and effective treatment plans that enable our patients to lead fulfilling lives with vitality and integrity.
Katherine Chen, L.Ac.
I am a board-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in California. I come from a family with deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
I studied Nutrition & Biochemistry at Cornell during my undergraduate years. After my MBA from Wharton, I worked in finance and tech for many years in NYC and the Bay Area. I rediscovered the healing power of TCM after suffering from a serious ski accident with multiple injuries and TBI (traumatic brain injury). This personal recovery journey ignited my passion for modern Eastern medicine, with its holistic restorative power and effective pain relief.
I have an MS in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the University of East-West Medicine in Sunnyvale, CA. I previously practiced at several top-tier acupuncture and sports rehabilitation clinics in the Bay Area, including Bayhill Acupuncture in San Bruno, CA, SF Custom Chiropractor (rated the “Best of Bay Area” by SFGate), and Kauno Physical Therapy in San Francisco.
I am fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin (普通話/國語), allowing me to act as an ambassador between the two cultures and communities. I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, skiing, tennis, golf, and spending time with family and friends in my spare time.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Nutrition & Biochemistry, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Master of Business Administration, the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Master of Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine, University of East-West Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA
Advanced Clinical Training:
I’ve studied and collaborated with various experts in pain relief & rehabilitation, specialty acupuncture, herbology, internal medicine, and endocrinology from China, Taiwan, and North America, including:
Pain Relief & Rehabilitation
- Brian Dempsey, L.Ac., an American acupuncturist specializing in pain management, based in Davis, CA
- Motion Acupuncture Techniques for Effective Pain Relief and Functional Rehabilitation with Dr. Decheng Chen (陳德成）, L.Ac., Ph.D., based in New York, NY
Specialty Acupuncture
- Tung Style Acupuncture with Dr. Michael Chung from Vancouver, Canada
- Japanese Abdominal Diagnosis (Fukushin) and Acupuncture Treatment Strategy with Dr. Ying Wang (王迎) from London, UK
Chronic Illnesses, Neurological Conditions, and Women's Issues
- Dr. Liezhen Wang (王列真), L.Ac., D.O.M., from Beijing Union Medical College Hospital (北京協和醫院, founded by the Rockefeller Foundation), specializes in internal medicine and endocrinology using acupuncture and herbal treatments
- Treatment of Difficult Neurological Diseases with Scalp Acupuncture with Dr. Jishun (Jason) Hao, L.Ac., D.O.M., from the Neuro-Acupuncture Institute, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Dr. Eric Lin, L.Ac, Ph.D, is based in Saratoga, CA, and trained by the late Dr. Hai-sha Ni (倪海厦), a renowned modern TCM practitioner. Dr. Ni was known for treating chronic modern-day illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
Experience Healing at Olakino
Visit us for professional acupuncture services and herbal treatments in San Francisco.