Dr. Tai’s interest in medicine began early. Growing up in China, he was raised by his grandmother—an OB/GYN physician who blended Eastern and Western medicine long before it became trendy—and spent his summers at his uncle’s TCM orthopedic clinic, messing around with herbs, plasters and needles. These experiences inspired his belief that healing can be compassionate, creative and deeply integrative.
At Mahjong Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, he utilizes acupuncture, fire cupping, herbal medicine, moxibustion, tuina manipulation, pediatric tuina and nutrition counseling to help individuals of all ages feel like themselves again. He thrives on the challenge of treating patients with complex, multifaceted, not-so-ideal conditions where Chinese medicine’s holistic approach excels in addressing multiple symptoms simultaneously. He enjoys the challenge of the intricacies and excitement of the “unusual, unexplained and unknown.” So, whether you’re dealing with internal problems, gynecological concerns, neurological deficits, mental health troubles, pain that won’t quit, mysterious symptoms no one can figure out, or simply want to feel more balanced — he’s here for it (and for you).
Outside of his private practice, Dr. Tai works as a clinician at Sutter Health’s Integrative Medicine Unit, where he treats inpatients in the Acute Rehabilitation, Oncology and Intensive Care Units as well as outpatients in the Emergency Department, Comprehensive Cancer Center and Pain Management Clinic. At the hospital, he specializes in internal medicine, neurological conditions, cancer care, palliative care and pain management. He is also involved in collaborating with and educating Western internal medicine residents (MD/DOs) and TCM residents and leads research projects.
In addition to his clinical duties, he serves as the Program Dean and Assistant Professor at Oikos University’s Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) program, where he provides academic leadership, oversees faculty performance and offers student support and instruction. He is also a faculty member at Five Branches University, where he teaches in the Review and Assessment department. He has contributed as a Subject Matter Expert in Asian Medicine education to national institutional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, conducting site visits, curriculum reviews and accreditation evaluations of graduate programs in Asian Medicine.
When not seeing patients or teaching, he is riding his thoroughbred, IP, swinging a mallet on the polo field, walking his Pomsky, Mahjong, feeding his two cats, March and Clicker, or singing in the shower.
Dr. Tai holds both Doctor and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM/MTCM) degrees from Five Branches University as well as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed his integrative medicine residency at Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland/Berkeley, CA. He is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist (L.Ac.) in California. Dr. Tai is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Sichuanese.
It’s our genuine privilege to care for you.
Kamolluck Trateng, DAOM, LAc
I am a licensed acupuncturist in California and a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I graduated from the University of Prince of Songkla in Thailand where I earned a Bachelor of Science in the Food Science Industry. I was awarded both my master’s and doctoral degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University in San Jose, CA.
I had my first experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine while pursuing a degree in Food Industry in Oregon. After two acupuncture sessions and concomitant herbal medicine, I found triumphant relief from the symptoms of an allergic reaction to steroids prescribed to treat my eczema. It was then that I decided to change my academic trajectory from Food Industry to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
In 2015, I interned with the Integrative Medicine department at Highland Hospital in Oakland under the brilliant teams led by Doctor Matecki and Doctor Feng. Here I learned that it is always in the patients’ best interest to consider the advanced knowledge from both Eastern and Western medical doctrines.
My doctoral capstone thesis, entitled “Reversal of T2D with elimination diet and Chinese Medicine: a case study” was selected to present at the Society of Acupuncture Research (SAR) 2021 conference. I am happy to present the conclusions arrived by this case study and my academic career: acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have many tools and treatments that can help patients overcome and not just manage chronic conditions.
In my clinical life, I especially enjoy giving scar treatments to my patients, as it not only repairs the scar but helps the patient let go of any associated trauma. I also love contributing my expertise to a weight loss endeavor. I consider “resizing” and “rejuvenating” my specialties. I am happy to guide my patients through the critical components of weight loss: craving management with acupuncture, bone density, muscle tone and strength, and athletic endurance.
Today, I also provide Rlung treatment for the Lungs in my session. Rlung (Wind Energy) is a core concept in Tibetan Medicine; imbalances in rlung affect the lungs and can be treated through diet, lifestyle, and external therapies, such as oil massage. Studies confirm anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and respiratory protective effects of key Tibetan herbs used in lung treatments, supporting traditional uses. This rlung treatment is very soothing and gentle for all age to improving the immunity and reset the stress hormone cortisol levels. Our goal is to shift the body from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest,” significantly boosting the feel-good chemicals like serotonin to make your days lighter and happier!
