Announcing the new JADA Studios members

Meet the Newest Members of the JADA Studios Team: Rachel Johnson and Andi Rhiel

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two exceptional practitioners to the JADA Studios family—Rachel Johnson and Andi Rhiel. 

Both bring unique skills, a passion for holistic health, and a dedication to helping others through the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture.

Rachel Johnson, LAc: Merging Medicine and Art

Rachel Johnson, a licensed acupuncturist, has been on a mission to provide whole-body care since graduating with honors from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. 

Her journey into Traditional Chinese Medicine began with a fascination for the way TCM seamlessly combines medicine with artistry. 

This passion led her to intern at prominent clinics like Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and The Salvation Army Harbor Lights Clinic, where she treated patients for everything from traumatic brain injuries and strokes to mental health issues and infertility.

At JADA Studios, Rachel continues her commitment to healing, bringing her extensive expertise in acupuncture and holistic health. When she’s not working with patients, Rachel enjoys staying active, whether it’s weightlifting, baking, or adventuring outdoors with her loyal dog, Porter.

Andi Rhiel, DAOM, LAc: Integrative Care Expert with a Passion for Healing

Joining Rachel in January is Dr. Andi Rhiel, a Doctor of Acupuncture with a specialization in integrative care and mental health. With extensive studies in orthopedic and sports medicine acupuncture, Andi is committed to helping people manage both physical and emotional pain. 

She also offers cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling as non-invasive alternatives to surgery, delivering real results for those looking for rejuvenation therapies.

Dr. Rhiel’s background is extensive, having earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture from Five Branches University. She’s also a certified Registered Nurse, blending her medical knowledge with the ancient techniques of acupuncture to offer an integrative approach to healthcare. 

In her spare time, Andi enjoys powerlifting, snowshoeing, and cycling, and even participates in charity work as part of the 501st Legion Star Wars costume volunteer group!

A Shared Passion for Holistic Health

Rachel and Andi both share a deep passion for holistic health, believing that true wellness stems from addressing the body, mind, and spirit. 

With their combined expertise, our new team members will be instrumental in expanding the offerings at JADA Studios and helping clients achieve optimal well-being through the ancient practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

We couldn’t be more excited to have Rachel and Andi on board; we know that they will bring even more healing and inspiration to our community. Welcome to the team!

In celebration of these fabulous additions, receive a FREE red light + PEMF session when you book with Rachel ($40 value FREE)!

Recovery for Football Players: Elevate Your Game with Traditional Chinese Medicine

At JADA Studios, we believe in the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to enhance the performance and recovery of athletes, particularly football players this time of year. 

Our practice integrates ancient healing techniques with modern sports science to provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of NFL athletes. 

Recovery is a critical aspect of athletic performance, and TCM offers a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and mental demands of football.

The Unique Demands of Football

Football is a high-intensity sport that places immense physical stress on players. The game’s combination of speed, strength, and strategic complexity requires athletes to be in peak physical condition. 

However, the physical toll can lead to injuries, fatigue, and long recovery times, which can hinder performance and longevity in the sport. This is where JADA Studios steps in with our specialized Boundless Performance Coaching and Sports Acupuncture.

The Role of Acupuncture in Recovery

One of the core components of TCM is acupuncture, a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, talk to the nerves and muscles, and promote healing. For football players, acupuncture offers several benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is often the go-to for athletes who want to alleviate pain. By targeting specific points related to injury or discomfort, acupuncture can reduce inflammation and promote the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This is particularly beneficial for football players dealing with chronic pain or acute injuries.

2. Enhanced Recovery: Acupuncture improves circulation and boosts the body’s natural healing processes. By increasing blood flow to injured areas, it helps reduce recovery time, allowing athletes to return to the field faster and stronger.

3. Stress Reduction: The mental demands of football can be as taxing as the physical ones. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and stress relief, helping players maintain a calm and focused mindset. This mental clarity is crucial for peak performance.

4. Improved Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for recovery. Acupuncture can help regulate sleep patterns, ensuring that athletes get the rest they need to recover and perform at their best.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach

Beyond acupuncture, TCM encompasses a range of practices that support overall health and recovery:

1. Herbal Medicine: TCM herbal formulations are tailored to the individual needs of each athlete. These natural remedies can boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and enhance energy levels, providing a natural complement to other recovery strategies.

2. Cupping Therapy: This technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, and relaxation. Football players often use cupping  to alleviate muscle soreness and improve recovery times.

3. Tui Na Massage: Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that focuses on pushing, stretching, and kneading the muscles. It can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and enhance the body's natural recovery processes.

4. Dietary Therapy: TCM also emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining health and promoting recovery. Our practitioners work with athletes to develop nutrition plans that support their training and recovery needs, incorporating foods and herbs that boost energy, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.

Customized Care for Optimal Performance

At JADA Studios, we understand that every athlete is unique. 

Our approach to TCM is highly personalized, taking into account the specific needs, goals, and challenges of each player. By conducting thorough assessments and developing customized treatment plans, we ensure that our athletes receive the most effective care possible.

Success Stories: TCM in the NFL

Many NFL players have turned to TCM for recovery and performance enhancement. They have experienced firsthand the benefits of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other TCM practices. 

These athletes report quicker recovery from injuries, reduced pain, improved mental focus, and overall better health and well-being. Their success stories are a testament to the power of TCM in supporting elite athletic performance.

Check out this Testimonial from Vikings Wide Receiver KJ Osborn to get an idea about the life-changing benefits that TCM has for athletes!

Partnering with JADA Studios

We are proud to be a trusted partner for athletes seeking a holistic approach to recovery and performance. 

Our team of experienced TCM practitioners is dedicated to helping football players achieve their best, both on and off the field. 

By integrating TCM into their recovery routines, athletes can experience a comprehensive approach to health that supports their rigorous demands and enhances their natural abilities.

Conclusion

Recovery is a vital component of athletic success, and TCM offers a powerful, holistic approach to supporting football players in their journey. We are committed to providing the highest quality TCM care, helping athletes recover faster, perform better, and maintain long-term health. 

Whether you’re dealing with an injury, looking to enhance your performance, or simply seeking a natural way to stay in peak condition, JADA Studios is here to help you achieve your goals.

If you’re an athlete who wants to take your game to a whole new level, check out our Boundless Performance Coaching!

Discover Relief from Sciatica with Acupuncture at JADA Studios

Are you one of the many individuals suffering from sciatica? The sharp, shooting pain radiating down your leg can be debilitating, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. 

At JADA Studios, we believe in the healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and offer a holistic approach to managing and alleviating sciatica pain through acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and cupping. In this post, we’ll explore how acupuncture can help you find relief and regain your vitality.

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. 

This pain is typically caused by compression or irritation of the nerve, often due to a tight/impinging muscle, herniated disk, bone spur, or spinal stenosis.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back and leg

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

• Weakness in the affected leg

• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods- car rides can be torture

Living with sciatica can be challenging, but acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free alternative for managing and reducing this pain.

The Healing Power of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a core component of TCM practiced for thousands of years, involves inserting super fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, improve energy flow (Qi), and restore balance.

At JADA Studios, our skilled practitioners use acupuncture to target areas associated with sciatica pain. Here’s how acupuncture can help:

1. Pain Relief

Acupuncture is perfect for sciatica because it will alleviate pain. When needles are inserted into specific points, they stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, while releasing tight muscles. 

Additionally, acupuncture can help modulate the nervous system and reduce the perception of pain, providing significant relief from sciatica symptoms. Often the brain gets habitualized to feeling pain, even when the pain has been reduced. Acupuncture helps to reduce the actual pain and the perception of pain… it's a win win!

2. Reduction of Inflammation

Sciatica pain often involves inflammation around the affected nerve. Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, contributing to pain reduction and improved mobility.

3. Enhanced Blood Flow

Improved circulation is another benefit of acupuncture. By stimulating blood flow to the affected area, acupuncture helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain. Enhanced circulation can also help flush out toxins and reduce muscle tension, further alleviating discomfort.

4. Muscle Relaxation

Muscle tension and spasms can exacerbate sciatica pain. Acupuncture promotes muscle relaxation, easing tension and reducing spasms. This helps relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, providing much-needed relief and improving overall comfort.

5. Holistic Approach

At JADA Studios, we believe in treating the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms. 

Our holistic approach to acupuncture involves a thorough assessment of your overall health, lifestyle, and specific sciatica symptoms. 

This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying issues contributing to your pain, ensuring long-term relief and improved well-being.

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session

If you’re new to acupuncture, you might be curious about what to expect during a session at JADA Studios. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Initial Consultation: Your first visit begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our practitioner will take a detailed medical history, discuss your sciatica symptoms, and assess your overall health to develop a customized treatment plan.

2. Treatment Session: During the acupuncture session, you’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table. Our practitioner will gently insert fine needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a mild sensation, but most people find the experience relaxing and pain-free.

3. Relaxation: The needles will remain in place for about 20-30 minutes, allowing you to relax and unwind. Many patients find this time deeply calming and restorative. We will often add other modalities to the treatment such as electro-acupuncture, cupping, and massage.

4. Post-Treatment: After the session, you might feel immediate relief or experience gradual improvement over a few days. Our practitioner will provide guidance on aftercare and suggest any additional lifestyle adjustments to support your healing journey.

Why Choose JADA Studios?

At JADA Studios, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care in a serene and welcoming environment. 

Our practitioners are highly trained and experienced in TCM and acupuncture, ensuring you receive the highest standard of treatment. We take pride in our personalized approach, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs and health goals.

Our commitment to holistic health extends beyond acupuncture. We offer a range of complementary therapies, including herbal medicine, cupping, and Tui Na massage, to enhance your overall well-being and support your journey to recovery.

Take the First Step Toward Sciatica Relief

Don’t let sciatica pain control your life. 

Discover the benefits of acupuncture and take the first step towards relief and renewed vitality with JADA Studios. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a pain-free life.

Remember, at JADA Studios, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Experience the healing power of acupuncture and reclaim your well-being naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions for offerings at JADA Studios

What types of modalities are offered at JADA Studios?

JADA Studios is proud to offer a variety of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine services. 

Here’s a quick list of our main “body work” modalities:

Acupuncture (Sports Acupuncture, Trigger Point Acupuncture, Dry Needling): 

Acupuncture: Stimulates specific points to harmonize pain relief and address an array of physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

Dry Needling done by an acupuncturist: Slender needles gracefully pierce the skin, finding their rhythm at trigger points. This ancient subcategory of TCM known as “ashi needling” or “trigger point acupuncture” isn't just about relieving pain—it's a choreography that untangles muscular adhesions, letting your body move freely once more. A reduction in pain is often a wonderful side effect. 

Cupping: Heated cups embrace the skin, creating a gentle suction along the body's energy pathways. This elegant symphony harmonizes and amplifies energy flow, fostering a serene balance within.

Electro-Acupuncture: The tiny needles which found their mark on specific points along the body are connected to a device with small clips. In this unique journey, the device orchestrates a dance of continuous electric pulses, creating a personalized rhythm to enhance the healing harmony within. The pulse mimics the electric current of the body’s nervous system, adding in the communication to the brain and healing!

Tui Na: An artful blend of massage and acupressure works harmoniously to dissolve impediments, paving the way for a liberated flow of your body's energy. 

Gua Sha/Grastons: A rejuvenating ritual where the skin is gently swept by a massage tool, delicately scraping to enhance the dance of circulation and alleviate inflammation and adhesions, creating a uniquely soothing experience.

Massage: Used to relieve pain, stress and tension. Tailored like a custom melody, these sessions are a canvas for individual preferences, weaving a unique experience that can either embrace holistic harmony or target specific needs.

We also offer Boundless Performance Coaching which accelerates sports and life achievements and unleashes your potential to become a peak-performance athlete, and/or fulfill your potential in whatever your walk of life is.

How old is Chinese acupuncture?

Get ready for a time-travel moment! The earliest official mention of acupuncture dates back to 100 BCE in “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”. However, there is evidence that acupuncture techniques may have been used around 6,000 years ago!

Chinese acupuncture has been rocking the wellness scene since then, and it's not just ancient history—it's a global wellness sensation. 

So, when those tiny needles work their magic, you're not just getting a wellness boost; you're tapping into a tradition older than your grandma's secret recipe. That's right, 2,500-5,000 years of acupuncture awesomeness! Now that’s some serious sticking power, so what are you waiting for, jump on the acupuncture train, it will change your life!

How does acupuncture work?

Think of acupuncture as a cosmic choreographer for your body's energy dance! The idea is to balance the flow of "Qi" (pronounced chee), your vital energy. Picture Qi as the force that keeps everything in harmony—like the conductor of an orchestra ensuring every instrument hits the right note.

Now, those super-fine needles? They're like acupuncture's magical wands. When inserted at specific points, they help unblock energy jams and get the Qi flowing smoothly. It's like a traffic cop for your body's energy highways!

Beyond the energy ballet, acupuncture also influences hormones, talks to the nervous system, the muscles, the brain, and helps curb stress… aka supports the rest and digest (parasympathetic) system while calming the fight or flight (sympathetic) nervous system. This is crucial, since the body needs to be in the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) to heal and reduce stress and inflammation!

Consider acupuncture your body's backstage pass to wellness, creating a symphony of balance and good vibes. So, when those needles start their gentle tap dance, they're orchestrating your very own wellness concert, sit back and enjoy the experience!

Where did acupuncture originate?

Ancient China is the birthplace of acupuncture magic! Around 2,500 years ago (yes, that's seriously ancient), the wise Emperor Huangdi laid the groundwork. Legend has it he compiled the Huangdi Neijing, the guide to traditional Chinese medicine.

Today, it's not just a Chinese treasure; it's a global wellness phenomenon. So, the next time those tiny needles do their dance on your energy and muscle pathways, remember you're experiencing a tradition as old as time—ancient wisdom that's still making waves in the modern world!

Are there side effects of Sports Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally safe with mild side effects like bruising or soreness. Serious issues are rare but possible, especially if you're pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. 

Feeling a bit dizzy or tired after a session? It happens—just hydrate and take it easy. And always make sure you’ve eaten before you come for your treatment. After all that amazing work you just had done, it can take your body and mind a few minutes to catch up. Know this is normal and is indicative of an deep and powerful session!

Communication is key, so keep your acupuncturist in the loop about your health.  They're your wellness allies, making sure your journey is smooth and stress-free! It is also very common to have a burst of energy, either way, it is important to listen to what your body needs after each session. 

Can you play sports after acupuncture?

Ready to hit the sports scene after acupuncture? We’d suggest you wait a few hours if not 12 or more! Post-acupuncture, you're likely feeling a mix of zen and readiness for action. To take full advantage of the healing process, we suggest you workout before your appointment so you can zen-out after!

Think of acupuncture as a gentle energy boost—those tiny needles do their dance to promote balance and good vibes. And unlike an intense workout, acupuncture won't leave you drenched in sweat. 

After your acupuncture session, you’ll be in full relaxation mode, take a beat before diving into sports. Hydrate, ease back into the real world and let that acupuncture glow linger a bit.

Everyone's body is unique, so individual experiences vary. While many people feel an energy surge, others might be in a more laid-back state. If you're uncertain of what to do, a quick chat with your acupuncturist is like getting a personalized game plan for your post-acupuncture adventure.

What is “deep tissue massage?”

Deep tissue massage is a game-changer for your hard-working muscles! 

It's a technique that goes beyond the surface, reaching into the depths of muscle tissue to release tension, adhesions, and knots. Think of it as a therapeutic journey, where skilled hands apply firm pressure to target those stubborn areas causing discomfort. 

This type of massage is fantastic for easing chronic muscle issues and promoting overall relaxation. So, whether you're looking to untangle stress knots or give your muscles some serious TLC, deep tissue massage is your go-to sidekick on the path to wellness and pairs beautifully after your acupuncture session!