Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Spatuzzi.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Following my curiosity led me along the path to my work. Taking guitar lessons in New Jersey led me to a 60 hour bus ride to a seminar in Tucson in 1978. There, I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and found it fascinating. That fascination brought me to Santa Fe, NM, where I continued my study of Eastern and Western Herbology, Structural Integration and other Bodywork methods and traditional physical manipulation techniques.
After moving to San Diego, I was introduced to Hugh Milne, a British Osteopath who taught Cranial Sacral Work, as well as Barbara Brennan’s work whose subtle energy writings resonated with my long-term curiosity. I ended up working with and teaching for her for 11 years and traveling around the world to do so.
Finally, I learned of Esther Gokhale in the New York Times and after studying with her to learn her work, I have included her simple effective postural system in the work that I do. All of which seek to allow a person to become pain-free so that they can be their best and greatest selves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were many struggles! A few involved there being uneven licensing for Acupuncture, so although I received license # 39 in New Mexico in their first exam, California did not recognize that license! So, moving to San Diego entailed the struggle to meet the demands of the California Acupuncture Board (which was also battling internal corruption at the time (1987)). That, coupled with having three step-children and a one year old, was difficult to say the least.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love my work! I work with wonderful people and seek to help them in many ways. To ease their pain if they have any. To accept themselves and bring their best self to bear in life now.
I have worked to acquire many tools for healing in many different environments from Methadone Clinics to Children’s Hospitals’ chronic pain program, as well as being a Clinical Supervisor at (then) Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. With this wide variety of experiences and techniques, I feel I am able to approach my clients from a broad perspective, and with acceptance.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
All of my teachers and clients have taught me many things. From Daniel Santos, L.Ac with whom I did most of my clinical hours in Santa Fe and taught me so much about Chinese Herbs, Stuart Watts, L.Ac whose vast store of information was always available to fill my mind. As well as Barbara Brennan, Hugh Milne, Alex Tiberi, Roseanne Farano, Anam Thubten and countless others who have opened me to learning more and being more present
Contact Info:
- Email: michael@acupuncturechart.com
- Website: www.acupuncturechart.com
Image Credits
Photos of me courtesy Rametin Movahhed. Acupuncture Energy Chart head courtesy Michael Spatuzzi
