Michael Knebelman

Adaptive. Rooted. Natural.

Acupuncturist , Gong Sun Family Acupuncture

Age: 44

Hometown: Upper Saddle River, NJ

Education: MS in Acupuncture, New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Michael has a passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and culture. He has studied under masters in both medicine and the martial arts and strives to bring the knowledge and benefit of ancient approaches to the community.

What part of your company’s culture do you value the most and why?

The techniques and approaches I use at Gong Sun Family Acupuncture directly mirror those used in ancient times, and that continuity holds so much value for me.

Tell us about your community involvement.

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses much more than acupuncture. I teach community Tai Chi and Qigong at the Champlain Valley Family Center and Bridge Street Yoga because these therapeutic exercises are the most valuable tool in the TCM toolkit! I also give talks to promote awareness about TCM and acupuncture, and cultivate relationships with other health care providers in the area to better serve the people with coordinated care.

Who are your mentors and role models who have shaped your leadership style?

I owe so much to my mentor, Dr. Shoubin Yu. He has guided me with his vast experience growing up in a family of acupuncturists going back 17 generations. He is also a leading voice in the acupuncture community, from lobbying at the nation’s capitol and demonstrating acupuncture to lawmakers, to offering free treatments at community events. 

What is something that no one would guess about you? 

I used to be a cheesemonger. Don’t ask me my favorite cheese — they all are!

What important lesson have you learned in your career?

Patience and acceptance. Everything takes longer than you expect. Everyone has their unique set of strengths.

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? 

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was going back to school in my late 30’s to start a new career in a field that is relatively unknown. It felt more right as I progressed through three years of school, another year of board exams and additional study, the challenges of launching my business and settling into a clinic space.