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With over 15 years of experience, Natanel (Nir) believes that acupuncture should be as gentle as it is effective.

 

By pairing precise palpation with the use of ultra-fine needles, he creates a therapeutic effect that calms the nervous system while addressing the root of the issue.

 

Whether using time-tested classical styles or newer specialized techniques, Natanel’s goal is always the same: providing personalized care that meets you exactly where you are.

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With a rich background in manual therapies—including Shiatsu, Tuina, and a year of Osteopathy—Natanel brings exceptional palpation skills to his practice. These skills are vital for the specialized Japanese acupuncture styles he utilizes, such as Japanese abdominal diagnosis, to accurately assess a client’s condition.

 

Natanel employs a constitutional approach, rooted in the belief that true healing occurs only when the body’s internal systems are returned to a state of harmony and balance.

He views the body as a tree: when the roots are undernourished or unhealthy, the vitality of the entire tree suffers. To ensure the branches flourish, we must first nurture the roots.

 

When we address the deeper aspects of the self—the internal organs and the emotions—healing becomes more than just a reduction in symptoms; it becomes a transformation.

This systemic approach allows Natanel to help clients navigate everything from chronic pain and digestive issues to emotional stress and sleep disturbances. By encouraging the body’s natural ability to self-regulate, acupuncture serves as a catalyst for health promotion and personal growth, helping you live a more balanced and aware life.

My Education:

  • Reiki Master, India (Pune, 2000).

  • Shiatsu Massage Diploma (2003, 2 year program).

  • 2300 Hrs, Diploma Acupuncture, Institute of Traditional Medicine -Toronto (2009).

  • Kiiko-Nagano style of Japanese Acupuncture, apprenticing with Tak Tsurusaki.

  • 200Hrs Japanese Acupuncture program at the Shiatsu School of Canada.

  • Shinso Shiatsu workshops with the Master Practitioner – Mr. Ted Saito.

  • Craniosacral Therapy (CST1) with the Upledger Institue (2007).

  • Japanese Acupuncture workshops with grandmaster Kiiko Matsumotu.

  • Finished the 1st year (out of the five practical years) of the Osteopathy program with the Canadian College of Osteopathy (and took a break when my daughter was born – in 2014).

  • Various workshops and webinars in regards to The Balance Method, Distal Acupuncture, Master Tung Acupuncture family style, Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture.

  • German Auricular (Ear acupuncture) workshops (through the CIAM): Level 1, Level 2 and two workshop with Dr. Frank Bahr – the founder of German Auricular Acupuncture.

  • NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) Training, Retter College - Practitioner Level (2025)

  • NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) Training, Retter College -Master Practitioner (2025-2026

  • NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) Training, Retter College - Emotional Trauma Specialization (2026)

 

On a personal note

 

Relocating to Kelowna was a conscious choice for our family to reconnect with the environment and a more intentional pace of life. Alongside my wife, Janice, and our two children, I find great joy in exploring the wonders of the Okanagan—from mountain trails to the beach.

We believe in nurturing our children's emotional intelligence, giving them the foundation to act with meaning. By teaching them the 'why' behind their actions, we hope to foster a generation that leads with inner listening and wisdom.

 

My Journey from Information Technology (IT) to Eastern Medicine

At the peak of my five-year IT career, I was managing a team of thirteen experts and navigating the high-pressure demands of a major tech company. On paper, I was successful; internally, I was burnt out. I felt a constant "hunger" for air and a heavy sense of exhaustion that no amount of rest could fix.

People naturally gravitated toward me for support and advice, but I felt I was missing the foundational tools to offer meaningful transformation. When my body began signaling its distress through chest pressure and fatigue, I chose to listen. I stepped away from IT to find a grounded, holistic way to understand human health—a journey that eventually led me to the profound wisdom of Eastern Medicine.

 

The Journey to India

Seeking a deeper understanding of myself and the life I wanted to lead, I embarked on a two-year journey of self-discovery through India. It was a natural choice—a place that had a long history of ancient spiritual traditions.

My time there was a beautiful contradiction: intense and liberating, profound and confusing, yet ultimately inspiring. Based primarily in Rishikesh, Dharamsala, and Goa.

One of my most fun experiences was buying a vintage Royal Enfield motorcycle and riding across the vast landscapes of the country

 

After about 10 months of traveling, some by myself and some with another friend, riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle, I decided  to settle down in Rishikesh and in Dharamsala, I got tired of travelling and was looking for a more grounded experience.

I started taking courses, did the famous 10 days Vipassana meditation retreat, studied 3 months Ayurvedic medicine, and energy work such as Reiki and Pranic Healing.

 

I also deepened my physical practice through Iyengar and Hatha Yoga, but was more drawn to the deep peace I received through daily meditation practice..

While I didn't find immediate answers to all of life’s existential questions, the journey gave me a sense of direction. I returned with the clarity that Traditional Chinese Medicine was the grounded, time-tested path that can address the physical, emotional and spiritual.

Toward the end of my Journey, In Rishikesh, I met my lovely wife to be, Janice.

Fast forward 20 years - Integrating NLP with Acupuncture

With 15 years of experience in acupuncture, I integrated NLP into my practice to bridge the gap between the body and the subconscious mind. This combined approach allows me to support my clients through a deeper, more holistic healing journey that drives real change.

I’ve come to understand that emotional trauma is often a pivotal factor in a person’s recovery. By addressing the emotional roots of a physical condition, we can unlock a more complete and lasting path to healing.

© 2014 by Natanel (Nir) Saar R.Ac.

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