By Melanie Davis
From computers to the human body, Michael
Goopta knows programing.
Area acupuncturist Michael
Goopta treats a patient at his Boone office. Photo
by Mark Mitchell |
Goopta moved from Delhi, India to California
in 1983 as a graduate student in mechanical engineering.
Following graduation, he moved to New Jersey and worked
as a computer programmer for several large financial firms
in both New Jersey and Wall Street, New York City, before
turning his sights on his passion of holistic treatment.
“I was deeply affected by 9-11. The next two years
were a time of personal growth and introspection,”
he said. Goopta added the interest developed as a means
to relieve people of the stress in their daily lives, as
well as to fulfill a need for service in his own life.
So began Goopta’s journey toward acupuncture and Boone.
He started taking evening life sciences courses in psychology,
sociology and biology while continuing his corporate job
as an engineer. A strong interest in homeopathy lead Goopta
to acupuncture school in September 2004.
Goopta says acupuncture was a natural fit for him, a logical,
cost-effective treatment to help those overcome many obstacles.
Among his specialties there are addiction, pain management,
smoking cessation, weight reduction and women’s health,
and the list goes on.
The move to the High Country stemmed from a vacation visit.
In 2002, Goopta and his family visited Virginia. The following
year they visited Wilkesboro, eventually making their way
to the Boone.
Fluent in Hindu, English, Spanish and Portuguese, Goopta
has traveled extensively. However, nothing compared to the
High Country.
“It was instant love the moment we saw it.” he
said. The mountains and peaceful atmosphere were a draw
for Goopta. “We miss it [Boone] now when we travel,”
he added.
He and his wife, Australian-born Carole Bollini, purchased
their Boone home in 2006, though did not move here until
2007 after selling their New Jersey home.
Now, Goopta’s acupuncture venture is run in a home
office. He laughs as he describes his 30-second commute
to the office, though he doesn’t see it as an office.
“This is my calling, not my business,” Goopta
said of his current acupuncture practice in Boone. “There
is no comparison between programing and acupuncture. It
is moving from a basement to a palace.”
Prior to moving to the High Country, Goopta volunteered
his time and expertise at a hospice for terminally ill patients.
He continues that philanthropic attitude here through volunteering
one evening per week at the Community Care Clinic, a local
free clinic for low income and disadvantaged families.
He practices several types of acupuncture including Kiiko
Matsumoto Style Japanese Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese
Acupuncture, Five Elements Acupuncture, Dr. Tan’s Acupuncture,
Auricular Acupuncture, Scalp Acupuncture, Smoking Cessation
Treatment, Weight Loss Treatment Plans, Facial Cosmetic
Acupuncture.
Goopta’s acupuncture office is located at 363 Daniel
Drive, for directions or more information about his practice
visist www.michaelgoopta.com or call (828) 719-1819.
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