We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michiko Yoshifuji. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michiko below.

Michiko, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission of ROOTS Mindful Acupuncture is:

To help people maintain a pain-free, healthy lifestyle and enhance their quality of life through mindful, holistic, and compassionate acupuncture services.

Michiko, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

ROOTS Mindful Acupuncture has just unveiled a renewed space – the first and only Feng Shui inspired Japanese acupuncture clinic in the heart of Manhattan!!

The clinic has been meticulously designed to optimize the flow of “Qi”, vital energy, by using authentic Feng Shui principles rooted in Daoism and Yin-Yang theory. This creates a harmonious fusion of traditional acupuncture therapy and mindful spatial design.

Each session room has been thoughtfully curated to incorporate the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – creating a perfect balance. We achieved this through careful attention to color, texture, shape, and placement, simulating a healing environment free from the fear factors sometimes associated with acupuncture. I am proud to share that this space was mostly a DIY project built without any corporate investment. It is a handmade, heartwarming space that embodies my purpose: helping others.

A Journey of Growth

It has been a long and challenging journey to arrive here. I started my practice in a shared, windowless space of less than 100 square feet, with minimal financial resources. My first sessions were $30 each, and I invited friends to come. From there, my practice grew little by little through word of mouth from friends, spouses, family members, and colleagues of my early patients. Without advertising, my practice has now flourished, and I am busy every day. I feel deeply grateful for this journey and the trust of my patients.

I firmly believe that with passion, determination, a clear vision, and motivation, you can achieve your dreams regardless of age, obstacles, and difficulties. Change can be daunting, but it fosters growth. Through challenges, we gain wisdom and discover new opportunities.

My Philosophy

At ROOTS, I offer “mindful” acupuncture. This means addressing not only the urgent need to relieve symptoms but also the underlying root causes of those symptoms. For instance:

• Chronic lower back pain may stem from past trauma or ongoing stress
• Skin rashes might reflect your body’s effort to expel internal heat and toxin
• Infertility may be linked to poor blood flow to the uterus and ovaries

While medications like painkiller or steroids can suppress symptoms, they often do not address the fundamental issues. My goal is to stimulate your body’s self-healing abilities and work collaboratively to correct the biochemical imbalance through acupuncture.

Central to my approach are the three pillars (also known as treasures) of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicines): Essence, Breath, and Spirit. I aim to harmonize these treasures by advising on optimal diet, regular exercise and adequate rest. These simple yet essential elements are the foundation of health, wellness, and longevity!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I left a long career as a writer and translator, returned to school in my 40s to become an acupuncturist. At the time, I was facing a series of life crisis: divorce, illness, and the loss of my parents, among others. I felt depressed, confused, and scared. I knew I needed a solution to sustain my life and health, so I embarked on a “soul search” to reconnect with my spirit and discover my purpose. Through journaling, meditation, yoga, and self-reflection, I began to quiet my mind and uncover the path forward.

It took some time and efforts to clear my cluttered thoughts, but once I glimpsed a horizon, I felt guided by universal spirit. I visited schools, spoke with guidance counselors, found important mentors and healer, took trial classes, and received treatments at student clinics. Gradually, I gained confidence in my decision and delved into the field of acupuncture. Now, I am extremely grateful to have found a career that challenges me, fulfills me, and allows me to help others every day.

My advice: take time to explore your true passion and create a solid plan to achieve your dream. Take action, avoid comparisons, and have faith in yourself. You will be amazed at how things begin to align in your favor.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy has been offering patient-centered care that prioritizes improving the conditions and quality of life for each individual.

• Express Gratitude: I always begin by thanking my patients for choosing me out of all the practitioners in the area.

• Listen with Compassion: I make it a priority to truly hear my patients. I believe healing begins when someone feels heard—a quality often missing in Western healthcare.

• Intention of Healing: I dedicate myself fully to each treatment, combining evidence-based methods with the guidance of a greater healing power.

• Follow-Up Care: Maintaining communication with patients is essential for building trust and ensuring their ongoing progress.

In addition, I remain committed to lifelong learning, continuously taking classes and honing my skills. Adopting a “beginner’s mind” keeps me humble and open to growth.

Ultimately, connecting with patients on an equal level, offering effective treatments, and maintaining a mindset of gratitude have been the keys to growing my practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roots-ma.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roots_acupuncture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootsmindfulacupuncture/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michikoyoshifuji/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ROOTSMindfulAcupuncture
• Other: Zocdoc review
  https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/michiko-yoshifuji-dac-diplac-lac-314157