From Engineer to Acupuncturist
Michael Goopta makes his point in Boone

By Melanie Davis
From computers to the human body, Michael Goopta knows programing.

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 Sept. in 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.