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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

📚 AcuPro Academy’s Made Easy Book Series

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IG Holistic University | Maestro Valley Retreat Center

Show Notes

This episode of The AcuPro Show is truly special. My guest, Key, has over 1.5 million Instagram followers and a presence that radiates warmth, authenticity, and heart-led purpose. He’s a Canadian living in Guatemala, blending Chinese medicine, bodywork, energy healing, and other holistic practices to create transformative experiences for his clients and retreat guests.

From the Canadian Army to the Healing Arts

Key’s journey into Chinese medicine was anything but ordinary. After serving four years in the Canadian Army—and surviving a 14-foot near-death fall—he found himself re-evaluating life’s direction. While recovering from a back injury, he explored yoga, personal training, and eventually massage therapy training in Canada. But his deeper purpose revealed itself in an unexpected way: during an ayahuasca ceremony in Ontario, he drew a healer oracle card moments after asking for a closer relationship with God. The message was clear—he was meant to heal.

That moment ignited years of study in holistic nutrition, Ayurveda in India, neurokinetic therapy, functional range conditioning, and more, culminating in his decision to train in acupuncture at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

First Encounters with Acupuncture

Before school, Key had an unforgettable first acupuncture experience while camping in Ontario’s Algonquin Park with naturopathic friends. After a few psilocybin mushrooms, he received acupuncture at sunset—and saw the meridian channels light up in his mind’s eye as each needle was inserted.

In school, his passion for Chinese medicine deepened. A mentor with 25 years’ experience in China showed him powerful techniques, like needling the sensory line to instantly clear eye redness and neck wind. Key embraced both classical training and intuitive needling, always led by intention and trust.

Following the Call to Guatemala

Key’s path after graduation took him across continents—British Columbia, Switzerland, Los Angeles, Brazil—and finally to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. The moment he flew over the lake, he felt a powerful jolt: This is where I’m meant to be.

He soon discovered a stunning retreat property, complete with a sound dome, dark room, and temple. Trusting his intuition, he put down his life savings on a non-refundable deposit to make it the home of Maestro Valley, a healing and retreat center dedicated to training competent, heart-led healthcare practitioners.

Maestro Valley: Healing & Practitioner Training

Key’s mission is personal. Having spent thousands of dollars on treatments in his own healing journey—often without results—he knows the frustration of ineffective care. He wants to change that by:

• Hosting retreats that combine breathwork, movement practices, abdominal massage, ecstatic dance, and Chinese medicine techniques.

• Creating a Holistic University to mentor practitioners in effective, patient-centered care.

• Providing a space where guests can heal deeply while practitioners learn, grow, and refine their craft.

Wisdom for Practitioners

Key’s advice to acupuncture students and practitioners:

“Follow your heart. Trust your feelings—feeling is the highest form of communication. Take risks. The only way to achieve what you truly desire is to trust your heart and go for it.”

Disclaimer

The AcuPro Show podcast and material shared through AcuPro Academy are subdivisions of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor a Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, as well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition, with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

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