The Inspiring Story of Healer Cissy Majabe
Introduction
Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe stands out as a defining voice in classical Chinese medicine, seamlessly connecting ancient Daoist healing with today’s clinical realities. As the founder of the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic and Daoist Traditions College, she has elevated both patient care and practitioner training across the U.S. At a time when integrative medicine is gaining real momentum, her work offers clear, valuable insight for professionals, students, and anyone looking to understand holistic healing on a deeper, more authentic level.
Who Is Cissy Majabe?
Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe is a physician of Oriental medicine (OMD), licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, educator, and a powerful advocate for integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Daoist wisdom into modern healthcare. She is best known as the founder and President of both the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts.
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe |
| Date of Birth | 1953 (Estimated) |
| Age | 72 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Sociology (University of New Orleans); Master’s in Exercise Physiology (University of Southern Mississippi); PhD program in Sports Psychology (University of Virginia); Master’s in Acupuncture (American College of Chinese Medicine); Doctor of Oriental Medicine (International Institute of Chinese Medicine) |
| Occupation | Physician of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Educator |
| Mother | Barbara Presley Smith |
| Clinic Founded | 1985, Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic, Asheville, NC |
| College Founded | 2003, Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts |
| Net Worth | $1.68M (Estimated) |
Early Life & Education
Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe was born in 1953 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up as one of four children in a household led by her resilient single mother, a dedicated social worker. The strength, perseverance, and compassion she witnessed at home would later shape her own approach to healing and teaching.
Majabe pursued her academic journey at the University of New Orleans, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Driven by a fascination with the human body and its potential for recovery, she went on to complete a Master’s in Exercise Physiology at the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in cardiac rehabilitation.
Her passion for human performance led her to a PhD program in sports psychology at the University of Virginia, where she initially aspired to a career as a diving coach. But life was going to take a different turn. A transformative wellness conference ignited a profound interest in holistic healing, steering her toward the study of acupuncture.
Majabe then trained at the American College of Chinese Medicine, earning her Master’s in Acupuncture, and later achieved her Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. Her education didn’t stop there, postgraduate internships in China and Korea enriched her expertise, allowing her to delve deeply into internal medicine and classical Chinese healing practices, blending tradition with contemporary understanding.
Cissy Majabe Age
As of 2025, Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe is 72 years old, building on a 2024 profile that listed her at 71. Over the decades, she has transformed the landscape of classical Chinese medicine in the United States, combining decades of experience with a lifelong commitment to holistic healing.
Family Background
Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of four children raised by her resilient single mother, Barbara Presley Smith. Her father left the family with no support, but her mother became a social worker, instilling perseverance and responsibility in Majabe.
Reflecting on her influence, Majabe says, “I’m very proud of my mother. She has had the greatest impact on my life. That’s the person who basically made me who I am today.” As of 2024, her mother was 94 years old.
Majabe is also a devoted mother, having taken her daughter on memorable trips, including a bicycle tour across Europe, showing how family values continue to shape her life and work.
A Career Built on Healing and Innovation
Founding the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic
In 1985, Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe embarked on a transformative journey by founding the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic (CAC) in Asheville, North Carolina. What began as a modest practice quickly blossomed, fueled by her dedication, expertise, and vision for holistic care. The clinic soon became a beacon of healing, eventually moving into a charming historic Victorian house that mirrored the care and character of its founder.
Over the years, CAC grew beyond its humble beginnings, evolving into a thriving multi-practitioner clinic. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most respected Chinese medicine centers in the Southeastern United States, offering patients a sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets modern healing.
Establishing Daoist Traditions College
In 2003, driven by a passion for education and the preservation of classical Chinese medicine, Dr. Majabe co-founded the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts alongside Rachel Nowakowski, Junie Norfleet, and Patricia Bernarding. Unlike conventional programs that focus primarily on modern TCM, the college embraces the rich depth of classical Chinese medicine, weaving together physical, emotional, and spiritual health within the framework of Daoist philosophy.
Under Dr. Majabe’s visionary leadership, the college grew from a single classroom with just ten students into a robust institution serving approximately 120 students across multiple programs. Her dedication to cultivating both skilled practitioners and thoughtful healers has left an enduring mark on the field of Chinese medicine education in the United States.
Contributions & Advocacy
Licensing & Regulation
Dr. Majabe has been a pioneer in acupuncture regulation in North Carolina. As a member of the state’s first Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB), she helped shape the laws and standards that protect both practitioners and patients. Her tireless advocacy brought clarity and legitimacy to the field, ensuring safe and ethical care. Later, as chair of the NCALB, she guided the board with experience, vision, and authority.
Bridging Traditions with Modern Healthcare
A devoted student of Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th-generation Daoist priest, Dr. Majabe seamlessly integrates classical Daoist teachings into contemporary healing practices. She founded Daoist Healing Arts, offering workshops, practitioner training, and educational resources that make these ancient practices accessible to both newcomers and experienced professionals. Central to her approach is the belief that health is more than the absence of illness, it is a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit.
Clinical Practice & Patient Care
In her clinical work, Dr. Majabe treats patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, including those with complex or chronic conditions such as cancer. She is widely respected not only for her skill but also for her ability to blend Western medical knowledge with classical Chinese diagnostics and therapies, creating personalized care that addresses the whole person, not just symptoms.
Cissy Majabe Net Worth
As of now, there is no publicly verified information about Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe’s personal net worth. She is the founder and director of the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic, which reports annual revenue of around $1.68 million, and she also established Daoist Healing Arts and the Daoist Traditions College. However, there are no public records detailing her personal earnings or assets from these ventures.
While any figure would be purely speculative, what is undeniable is Majabe’s remarkable career in Chinese medicine. Through her clinical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and dedication to education, she has made a lasting impact on the field, shaping both the practice and the next generation of healers.
Challenges & Legacy
In its early days, the Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic faced serious regulatory challenges. In 1990, the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners investigated the clinic, creating uncertainty and tension for both the practice and the wider acupuncture community. Rather than being discouraged, Dr. Majabe turned this obstacle into an opportunity for meaningful change.
With determination and vision, she played a key role in establishing a formal licensing board for acupuncturists, giving practitioners clear legal recognition and safeguarding the profession’s integrity. Her leadership not only protected her own clinic but also opened doors for future generations of acupuncturists, leaving a lasting legacy of advocacy, professionalism, and reform.
Social Media Presence
Dr. Mary Cissy Majebé maintains an active presence on several social media platforms, connecting with students, patients, and anyone interested in classical Chinese medicine and holistic healing. On Instagram @cissymajebe, she shares insights into Chinese medicine, Daoist practices, and wellness tips.
Her LinkedIn profile Cissy Majebe details her professional journey, education, and advocacy in Chinese medicine, and her Facebook page cissy.majebe engages a community interested in holistic health, Daoist healing, and clinic updates. Through these channels, Dr. Majebé shares her expertise, offering guidance, inspiration, and a bridge between traditional healing practices and modern wellness.
Recognition & Impact
Dr. Majabe’s work has attracted attention from both local and national media, recognizing her as a true visionary in Chinese medicine education. Her influence goes well beyond her clinic, shaping how classical Chinese medicine is practiced and taught across the United States.
Under her leadership, Daoist Traditions College has become a highly respected institution, training skilled practitioners who carry forward her commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. Through her combined roles as clinician and educator, Dr. Majabe has inspired countless patients and future healers, building a bridge between Eastern traditions and Western healthcare and raising the profile of classical Chinese medicine nationwide.
Philosophy & Personal Approach
Dr. Majabe believes that true healing goes beyond the physical. Illness, in her view, often reflects an imbalance in the body, mind, and energy. Practices like Qi Gong, meditation, and Tai Chi are not just supportive, they are essential for cultivating health, balance, and inner harmony.
Known for her humble and patient-centered approach, she listens attentively to every individual, treating each person as a complete being rather than a set of symptoms. Her care reflects a deep respect for the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, creating a healing experience that is both compassionate and transformative.
Why Dr. Cissy Majabe Matters
Pioneer & Founder: Dr. Majabe has built lasting institutions, a thriving clinic and a respected college, bringing classical Chinese medicine into everyday American healthcare.
Regulatory Trailblazer: Her dedicated advocacy helped establish legal recognition and clear standards for acupuncture in North Carolina, protecting both practitioners and patients.
Educator & Mentor: Through Daoist Traditions College, she guides the next generation of Chinese medicine practitioners, blending ancient tradition with professional, rigorous training.
Modern Healer: Her practice shows how ancient wisdom meets modern healthcare, treating not just symptoms but uncovering and addressing the root causes of imbalance.
Conclusion
Dr. Mary Cissy Majabe is a deeply influential figure in the field of classical Chinese medicine. Her journey, from sociology student to exercise physiologist to Doctor of Oriental Medicine, reflects a deep calling to holistic healing. Through her clinic, her teaching, and her advocacy work, she has left a lasting impact on how Chinese medicine is understood and practiced in the U.S.
