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Michael Johnson

Gentle Acupuncture Specialist 
NAET Allergy Elimination & Mental Health

Michael Johnson L.Ac

 

NAET Certified Practitioner

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Japanese Acupuncture Specialist

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Orthopedic Acupuncture

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Licensed Acupuncturist

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Asheville's Gentle Acupuncture Expert for Anxiety, Allergies & Chronic Pain

Michael Johnson, L.Ac, is a Bastyr University-trained, licensed acupuncturist with over 14 years of clinical experience helping patients throughout Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina find lasting relief from anxiety, depression, chronic migraines, allergies, and complex pain conditions. Celebrated for his exceptionally gentle touch and compassionate presence, Michael brings a rare combination of Japanese acupuncture mastery, NAET allergy elimination expertise, and advanced orthopedic training to each patient he treats.

Professional Credentials & Specializations

Advanced Certifications:

  • Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac)

  • M.S. in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine — Bastyr University (Honors)

  • NAET Certified Practitioner (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques)

  • Orthopedic Acupuncture — trained under Matt Callison, Sports Medicine Acupuncture®

  • B.S. in Psychology — Tennessee Technological University (Honors)

Clinical Excellence & Experience

With over 14 years of clinical practice spanning Tennessee, Alaska, and Oregon, Michael has established himself as a trusted authority in integrative medicine for patients who have been underserved or overlooked by conventional care. His expertise spans Japanese acupuncture, NAET allergy elimination, anxiety and depression, chronic migraine management, orthopedic pain, addiction support, and fertility acupuncture.

 

Michael's approach integrates the precision of Japanese acupuncture — renowned for its exceptionally gentle needling — with modern orthopedic assessment and the specialized NAET protocol for allergic conditions. This comprehensive methodology allows him to treat the root cause of complex conditions rather than simply managing symptoms, earning him a devoted patient following across multiple states.

Areas of Expertise​​​

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Mental Health & Neurological Conditions:

  • Anxiety and panic disorders

  • Depression and mood imbalance

  • Stress-related conditions and nervous system dysregulation

  • Migraines and chronic headaches

  • Insomnia and sleep disorders

 

Allergy & Immune Health:

  • NAET allergy elimination for food sensitivities

  • Environmental and seasonal allergies

  • Chemical sensitivities and immune dysregulation

 

Orthopedic & Pain Conditions:

  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain and injury recovery

  • Back pain, neck pain, and spinal conditions

  • Sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation

  • Neuropathy and nerve pain

Reproductive & Fertility Support:

  • Fertility acupuncture — IVF and IUI support

  • Breech presentation and labor preparation

  • Hormonal balance and reproductive health

 

Addiction & Recovery Support:

  • Evidence-based acupuncture detoxification protocols

  • Substance use recovery support

 

Specialized Techniques:

  • Japanese acupuncture (virtually painless, deeply therapeutic)

  • NAET — Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques

  • Orthopedic acupuncture and structural assessment

  • Electroacupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine

Teaching & Professional Development

Michael's commitment to excellence began at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA — consistently ranked among the top acupuncture and naturopathic medicine institutions in the nation — where he graduated with honors in 2009. He then spent two additional years training under skilled senior practitioners before entering independent clinical practice.

His post-graduate training included advanced orthopedic acupuncture under Matt Callison of Sports Medicine Acupuncture®, one of the most respected names in the field, as well as full certification in NAET — a specialized and highly technical protocol requiring dedicated study beyond standard acupuncture training. Michael also collaborated closely with fertility specialists in both Alaska and Oregon, deepening his clinical expertise in reproductive medicine.

Patient-Centered Care Philosophy

Michael's path to acupuncture began with his own experience — after suffering debilitating migraines for years, he discovered firsthand the transformative power of Chinese medicine. That journey instilled in him a deep empathy for patients who feel dismissed or resigned to their suffering, and it drives everything about how he practices today.

 

His Japanese acupuncture training cultivated a treatment style that is extraordinarily refined and gentle — often described by patients as virtually painless. This makes his care particularly well-suited for patients who experience anxiety around needles, those with heightened sensitivity, or anyone who has had an uncomfortable experience with acupuncture in the past. At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, Michael is especially drawn to the complex, the chronic, and the 'I've tried everything' cases — patients who are ready to be truly heard and finally helped.

Why Choose Michael?

  • Proven Gentle Technique: Japanese acupuncture style known for minimal discomfort — ideal for first-timers and sensitive patients

  • Rare NAET Expertise: One of a select group of NAET-certified acupuncturists in Western North Carolina

  • 14+ Years of Clinical Excellence: Practiced across multiple states with a track record of results in complex cases

  • Honors-Level Education: Bastyr University graduate with dual honors degrees in psychology and acupuncture

  • Holistic & Integrative: Combines Japanese, orthopedic, and Chinese medicine traditions for whole-person care

  • Compassionate Presence: Warm, patient-centered approach that puts even the most anxious patients at ease

Michael's mission is to meet every patient where they are — whether they are battling long-standing anxiety, navigating a confusing allergy diagnosis, recovering from injury, or simply seeking a practitioner who will truly listen. At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness in Asheville, he offers a rare combination of clinical depth, gentle technique, and genuine compassion that helps patients feel better, stay better, and understand why.

 

Ready to experience the gentle, effective acupuncture care Michael Johnson is known for? Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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Success Stories

A.T.

Michael is fantastic at what he does. He's very knowledgeable and professional and is an expert when it comes to pain relief! If you're considering acupuncture I highly recommend coming here, you won't be disappointed.

G.B.

I am so grateful for the treatment I was given. We were heading out on a hiking vacation and my Morton’s Neuroma ( nerves in my feet) were causing me trouble. After 3 sessions, we went on vacation and I was able to hike 50 miles in 8 days! Thank you!!

R.H.

I’m one of ‘those people’ who has resisted most forms of alternative treatments, so never sought out acupuncture. Fast forward to 2020 and the extreme anxiety and subsequent migraines and I decided to try anything I could to get relief. I visited Michael Johnson’s practice in Oregon and let me tell you, I’m hooked! He is caring and extremely gentle with the needles. I never really felt discomfort from his treatments - only pain and stress release. If you are also one of ‘those people’ or someone who needs a new acupuncturist, give Mike a call at Pristine Acupuncture & Wellness Inc. You won’t be disappointment!

C.B.

Mike was very attentive to my concerns. He treated me for back pain, tingling and numbness in a lower leg. His technique was very gentle- didn’t feel the needles at all!

E.B.

One of the best providers I know! Honest, patient-centered and funny - you couldn't be in better hands. Go see Mike!

C.H.

I'm a veteran and suffer from a lot of back and neck pain. Michael is so knowledgeable and he has helped me so much with my pain. I am able to enjoy doing the things I love doing again. Definitely recommend seeing him! He is AMAZING

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