Natural healing has been woven into the fabric of my life since childhood. I grew up in a healing-centered household with my Japanese father, acupuncturist Naoki Kubota, who brought his unique Kubota Acupuncture to the West. My mother used macrobiotic philosophy with whole foods and natural remedies as her primary healing modalities, teaching me to treat the whole person, while resolving the symptoms.
From an early age, I was immersed in traditional Japanese healing approaches — experiencing acupuncture, massage, and energy medicine for my own health issues. This foundation led me to study acupressure, shiatsu, and macrobiotic diagnosis, eventually pursuing formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
My own healing journey through various health challenges has given me invaluable insight into what my patients experience. I know firsthand the worry that comes with health concerns and the longing for sustainable solutions. Through healing myself, I have learned what it’s like to live with pain, uncertainty, and the frustration of searching for answers. These lessons inform my treatments, allowing me to offer compassionate, individualized care.
Effective treatment begins with thoroughly understanding your unique health patterns. During initial consultations, I explore your immediate concerns, complete health history, lifestyle factors, and constitutional tendencies to identify underlying imbalances contributing to your symptoms.
True healing develops through our collaborative relationship over time. As we work together, I gain deeper insight into how you respond to treatment, allowing me to continually refine your care and address layers of imbalance as they become accessible.
My father, Naoki Kubota, brings over 40 years of practice as a 5th generation lineage holder who trained with traditional masters in Japan. His expertise and published research in specialized techniques have earned recognition throughout the acupuncture community, making my direct training with him a unique advantage for my patients.
I trained directly with my father to master Ishizaka Ryu — a rare Japanese acupuncture technique practiced by only four people in the U.S. Building on this foundation, he developed the Kubota Zone method, which I have further evolved into what we now call Kubota Acupuncture. This specialized approach targets the spinal taproot and key energy pathways to restore balance throughout the whole system, often providing rapid relief for acute conditions, long-term help for chronic pain, and healing for complex health issues.
My practice integrates these specialized techniques with comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches, focusing on treating the whole person — addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term root causes.
Mari’s commitment to excellence led her to study with renowned masters who have shaped modern acupuncture practice:
Professional certification in Usui Reiki System of Natural Healing, completing all course requirements and achieving practitioner status in this foundational energy healing modality.
Professional Specialization Diploma in Acupressure, completing 200+ hours of specialized training in therapeutic pressure point techniques.
Training with Dr. Soma Glick and Raven Lang in Shonishin (Japanese pediatric acupuncture) and women’s health, contributing to her “Best of Oakland” pediatric award.
Advanced study with Master Jeffrey Yuen (88th generation Daoist Master) and Evelyn Robert in classical Chinese essential oil applications.
Training with Dr. Jeremy Steiner in electroacupuncture, bridging ancient wisdom with modern electrical medicine.
Continuing education and consultation with fertility specialists Dr. Randine Lewis, author of “The Infertility Cure,” and Dr. Jill Blakeway (fertility specialist and bestselling author).
This diverse training allows Mari to offer both time-tested traditional approaches and cutting-edge techniques tailored to your individual needs.
Mari lives in the East Bay with her son, partner, and dogs. As a mother and pet owner, she brings personal understanding to her work with children and animals.
She practices Vipassana and other forms of meditation, which deepens her ability to provide calm, present-centered care for her patients.
With over 20 years of clinical experience and continuing education, I’ve had the honor of supporting thousands of patients through their healing journeys, from newborns to elders, helping them reclaim their vitality and find balance in their lives.