Meet Dr. Louis Abate – NetworkSpinal Chiropractic Professor at Life Chiropractic College West
I was a very sick child.
Almost every month, I would miss several days of school because of respiratory illnesses, allergies, fevers, earaches, and stomach problems. When I was 13, my mother took me to a chiropractor. I didn’t know what chiropractic was or how it would help, but the moment I received my first adjustment, my whole life changed.
During that first adjustment—a structural adjustment at T6—I saw what I can only describe as a mushroom cloud explosion of energy bursting from my chest and filling the room with blinding light. I looked at the chiropractor and said, “I don’t know what this is or what you did, but I know I have to do this for the rest of my life.”
That moment set me on the path I’ve been following ever since. Under the guidance of my first chiropractors, I began studying the philosophy of both chiropractic care and NetworkSpinal care. At 18, after my first Network adjustment, I had another profound experience—I felt like my lungs were being breathed by God for the first time in my life. Again, I knew: “This is why I was supposed to be a chiropractor. What is this?”
My Journey to Chiropractic
I was born and raised in New York by Southern Italian immigrant parents. I earned my B.S. in Biology from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and later, my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where I received the President’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Work.
After graduating in 1994, I moved to Boston and founded The Back to Life Wellness Center, which became the largest privately-owned wellness center in the city, offering an integrative approach to health and healing. The center was recognized with the “Best of Boston” award four years in a row by The Improper Bostonian and later honored with the “Best Chiropractor in Manhattan” award by the US Commerce Association for 2011, 2012, and 2013 for my work serving the HIV/AIDS and theatrical communities in New York City.
Along with my private practice, Illuminare Wellness in New York City, I currently am the International Director for SomatoRespiratory Integration (SRI) Technologies for the EpiEnergetics Institute, and assist as an international SRI & 12 Stages facilitator and instructor, Gate Staff member and as a global NetworkSpinal teacher.
Teaching at Life West
I’ve been teaching at Life West for the past five years, primarily the NetworkSpinal Elective. This course gives students a deep understanding of the practical and philosophical roots of chiropractic as laid out by D.D. Palmer. It also helps bridge their clinical work with the extraordinary healing potential of their future patients.
My favorite part of teaching? Without a doubt, it’s guiding the next generation of healers—helping them elevate the profession while standing on my shoulders and the shoulders of the giants who came before us.
Students often describe my teaching style as “humor-filled wisdom,” which I take as a great compliment. Teaching at Life West is unique because the level of presence our students bring into the classroom is truly unprecedented.
Advice for Students
Learn all that you can while in school. Chiropractic is a vast field, and this is your time to absorb as much as possible.
Serve humanity with your heart and soul—not just from the role of a chiropractor or doctor. Healing is about more than technique; it’s about connection.
Always see your clients as souls having a human experience. When you approach your practice with this mindset, you will change lives in ways you can’t yet imagine.
A Few of My Favorite Quotes
“The shape, position, tension, and tone of your spine determine the shape, position, tension, and tone of your life.” — Donny Epstein
“I’mpossible.” — The Palotta TeamWorks slogan for the AIDS bicycle rides
You can connect with me on Instagram and Facebook @illuminare.wellness.
