Meet Michiko Yoshifuji

We were lucky to catch up with Michiko Yoshifuji recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michiko , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I feel that I finally found my purpose:

To help as many people as possible through ancient healing power deeply rooted in my culture, ancestry, and universal spirit.

There was a dark period of my life – a messy divorce, being an immigrant single mother raising two rebellious adolescents, losing my parents, facing financial pressure, battling physical illness, and enduring mental breakdown. Fear, sadness, anxiety, and depression consumed me.

I was lost, scared, helpless.

But I couldn’t simply cry and do nothing.
I turned inward and asked myself:

What do I truly want to do? Who am I? How can I sustain my life?

I searched for my place in the world, determined to stay strong and find and fulfill a purpose bigger than myself.

Then, I felt a calling – and in my late 40s, I made the bold decision to change careers. I returned to school to study acupuncture, leaving behind my previous long career as a journalist and translator.

The six years of study to become a doctor of acupuncturist were challenging, but my passion and motivation kept me going. I believed in myself.

Becoming an acupuncturist was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I feel fulfillment and joy every day — when a patient’s pain diminishes, when someone struggling with infertility becomes pregnant, or when someone who hasn’t slept well in years finally enjoys a restful night.

I am still on a journey.
Cultivating deeper compassion, becoming better person with a kind heart, exploring the higher purpose of life.

I firmly believe in making the impossible – POSSIBLE!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a doctor of acupuncture and owner of ROOTS Mindful Acupuncture, located in midtown Manhattan.

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

I believe true healing happens when the body and mind heal themselves.
My approach not only alleviates current symptoms but also addresses the underlying root causes. Using acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, energy work, electrical stimulation, and lifestyle coaching, I assist patients with a variety of conditions including pain, stress and anxiety, insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal and neurological issues, infertility and more.

I’ve created a serene, peaceful space filled with plants, aromas, and crystals to encourage relaxation, recharge, and healing – both physically and mentally.

Exciting News:
In January 2025, I will be moving to a larger space, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
My vision includes collaborating with other skilled healers – such as reiki practitioner, chiropractor, massage therapist, shaman healer, and nutritionist — so that patients can access a range of holistic treatments tailored to their needs. We also plan to host events and webinars to share our knowledge and wisdom, empowering others to heal and grow!

Future Aspirations:

1) Nonprofit organization: I envision establishing an NPO offering free acupuncture services to underprivileged populations. This safe space would allow anyone to heal their body and mind holistically, fostering positive change in the world. My intension is to involve in more meaningful work and give back to community.

2) Volunteering abroad: In 2023, I volunteered as an acupuncturist in a rural clinic in Nepal. I spent a month there to serve their community. This experience was transformative, teaching me invaluable life lessons and deepening my compassion. It also gave me an opportunity to explore the higher purpose of my life. I hope to continue participating in similar volunteer efforts in underserved communities around the world.

And I will always strive to expand my knowledge, hone my skills and raise my energy – making a difference in as many lives as possible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Resilience

Transform the challenges you are facing to opportunities – try to see the bright side of the situation.

• Dream big
• Aim high
• Believe in your potential
• Take action.

2) Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness and success

• Be thankful for everything you have – family, friends, health, nature, abundance.
• Practice gratitude through journaling, mindfulness, deep breathing, mediation, or simply smiling

3) Self-Care and Self-Love

Taking care of yourself is the foundation of joy and accomplishment.
Eat healthy, exercise, meditate, and rest!

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

• Slow down and quiet my mind – Practice Qi Gong, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. One of my favorite quotes: “Quiet the mind and the soul will speak” – Buddha. you will receive a lot of inspiration when you are in stillness

• Connect with nature – A long walk, hike, or cycling helps recharge my energy.

• Tap into creativity – I play piano, do calligraphy, and dance

• Reach out for help – friends, therapists, mentors, or loved ones are always there to support you!

• Stay positive – Life’s challenges are impermanent: there is always an end to a dark tunnel.

• Affirm and visualize – Positive affirmation and visualization have transformative power.

Contact Info:

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