(828) 333-5087
Clinical Massage Therapy at Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture

Clinical Massage Therapy at Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture

Massage Therapy in Asheville, NC

Gentle Hands on back Clinical Massage Therapy in Asheville NC

Clinical Massage Therapy is available at our clinic as both a standalone treatment and in coordination with Acupuncture and other services.

Because every patient presents differently, we apply techniques based on what your condition and goals call for. We also know that in a demanding world, therapeutic touch offers something more difficult to measure, a chance for the nervous system to slow down and for the body to shift into the kind of rest where healing can happen.

 

Core Services

Massage therapy room room interior detail with natural objects and lighting.

Clinical Deep Tissue Massage

We use targeted pressure and sustained work on muscle and connective tissue layers to address chronic tension, restricted movement, and pain that has not resolved with lighter approaches. This approach works well for the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and extremities.

Orthopedic Massage

Our therapists conduct an assessment before each session and focus treatment on musculoskeletal dysfunction and injury recovery. They combine neuromuscular technique, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to address specific pain patterns and functional limitations.

Hot towels and organic massage lotion on a cart in a massage therapy room in Asheville, NC

Myofascial Release

This technique applies sustained, low-load stretching to the fascial system. We use it for chronic pain, post-injury stiffness, and restricted range of motion. It works well as a standalone session and integrates effectively alongside acupuncture.

Trigger Point Therapy

We apply precise work to referral pain patterns embedded in muscle tissue. This approach is particularly useful for pain that radiates, persists, or has not responded to more generalized treatment.

Aromatherapy and eye pillows in a massage therapy room in Asheville, NC

Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)

NMT involves systematic soft tissue manipulation that targets the interaction between nerves and muscles. We find it effective for chronic pain syndromes, postural dysfunction, and repetitive strain patterns.

Medical Massage

We structure these sessions around a specific condition, diagnosis, or treatment goal. Patients often use medical massage to support recovery from injury, surgery, or an ongoing pain condition.

Specialty and Add-On Services

As a Patient-Centered practice, your Massage Therapist will incporpporate the best modalities for your needs and goals during your time in the treatment room.

Craniosacral Therapy

Our therapists apply light-touch work to the craniosacral system. Because this technique works with the central nervous system directly, we use it for headaches, migraines, and nervous system dysregulation. Our team holds advanced training in this modality.

 

Hot Stone Therapy

We apply heated basalt stones to muscle tissue to soften tension and support circulation. When deep thermal penetration aids pain relief or recovery, hot stone therapy offers a clinically effective option.

Cupping

We use negative-pressure cups on soft tissue to release adhesions, improve blood flow, and decompress restricted areas. This technique is particularly useful for back pain, shoulder restriction, and athletic recovery.

Gua Sha

Our therapists apply an instrument-assisted technique to the skin’s surface to address fascial restriction and stagnation. It works well for chronic tension, persistent pain, and areas with poor tissue mobility.

We use Organic massage lotion, Aromatherapy, and hot towel therapy. Add on warming cinnamon oil and Sports Grade CBD Recovery lotion enhancements by request.

Integrated Care

When appropriate, we schedule acupuncture and clinical massage together or in sequence. One provider addresses neurological and systemic patterns while the other addresses soft tissue and structural factors directly. For complex pain cases where both layers need attention, this combined approach tends to move things forward more efficiently.

If you are ready to schedule a massage session, you can book directly through our online booking system. Sessions are available alongside your existing acupuncture care or on their own. If you’d like help coordinating care, call us directly.

Manual therapy and massage therapy in a naturally lit treatment room

Frequently Asked Questions

How is clinical massage different from a spa massage?

We structure each session around a specific condition, pain pattern, or treatment goal rather than a general relaxation experience. As a result, the techniques, depth, and approach are guided entirely by what your body needs clinically.

Can I book massage and acupuncture on the same day?

Yes. Many patients find that combining acupuncture and massage on the same visit moves things forward faster than either approach alone. When you book, let us know and we can help coordinate the timing.

Is massage covered by insurance or HSA and FSA?

Coverage varies by plan. We provide a detailed superbill upon request so you can submit it to your insurance for potential reimbursement. We also accept HSA and FSA cards directly at the time of service. For full details, see our insurance and payment page.

Do I need to be an acupuncture patient to book a massage?

No. Clinical massage is available as a standalone service. You do not need to have acupuncture to book a massage session with us.

What should I expect at my first massage appointment?

Your therapist will review your health history and the areas you want to address before the session begins. Because treatment is adapted to your specific presentation, no two sessions are exactly alike.

Do you treat athletes?

Yes. We work with dancers, gymnasts, strength athletes, runners, cyclists, climbers, basketball players, football players, and competitive high school and collegiate athletes. We also treat active adults and those managing movement-related injuries from daily activity.

If You're Seeking Clinical Massage Therapy in Asheville, NC

If musculoskeletal pain or movement restriction is limiting daily activity or athletic performance, we are available to evaluate which type of Massage Therapy is appropriate for your condition.

Ginger Congee for Winter | Kidney & Adrenal Support

Ginger Congee for Winter | Kidney & Adrenal Support

A bowl of ginger congee, on a textured blue placemat with a piece of ginger above and an asian spoon to the left. the light is early morning sunshine.

Photo credits: Congee imagery courtesy of Nicole DiDio Johnson

Ginger congee for winter is a warming, restorative recipe that supports Kidney and adrenal health during the colder months.

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Winter, the Kidneys, and Why Food Matters Now

In East Asian Medicine, winter is associated with the Water element and the Kidney system, a framework recognized by organizations such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This system governs our foundational vitality, stress resilience, sleep quality, and capacity to recover rather than simply push through.

By January, many people are unknowingly drawing from adrenal reserves. We see this in the clinic even in people who otherwise feel healthy.

Common winter patterns include:
• Fatigue that doesn’t fully resolve with rest
• Feeling colder than usual, especially in the low back or feet
• Digestive sluggishness or reduced appetite
• Light or unrefreshing sleep
• A sense of being tired but wired

Winter is not the season to demand more from the body. It’s the season to protect reserves and rebuild.


Why Ginger Congee Helps in Winter

Congee is a slow-cooked rice porridge used for centuries as a therapeutic food. It supports winter recovery because it is warm, simple, and easy to digest.

Why we recommend it:

  • Minimal digestive effort, which helps conserve energy

  • Gentle warmth and circulation support

  • Steadier nourishment during stress and fatigue

  • A calming effect for the nervous system

  • Especially supportive during winter depletion patterns


Ginger Congee Recipe

A simple, restorative winter staple.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white jasmine rice (or short-grain white rice)
  • 6 to 8 cups filtered water or light broth
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated or thinly sliced
  • Pinch of sea salt

Optional additions

  • Soft-boiled egg
  • Shredded chicken
  • Steamed greens
  • Sesame oil
  • Scallions

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Combine rice, water or broth, and ginger in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
  4. Cook uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy.
  5. Add a pinch of salt. Top as desired. Serve warm.

Clinical Uses of Warming Congee

We might recommend congee:

  • During periods of high stress or disrupted sleep

  • When appetite is low but nourishment is needed

  • As part of winter Kidney and adrenal support plans

  • To add and support warmth in the body (especially when icey drinks are prevalent.)

Food can support the deeper regions of the body,  extend the effects of treatment, and support steadier recovery over time.


When to Seek Extra Support

If fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, pain, or digestive issues are lingering or worsening, it may be a sign your system needs more support than rest alone. Many patients explore acupuncture and massage for stress and fatigue as part of their winter care plan.

Our winter treatments focus on nervous system regulation, pain relief, and steady energy restoration. If you would like help choosing the right next step, we are here. Click here: (828) 333-5087 to get started with a phone call.

Holiday 2024 Package Specials

Holiday 2024 Package Specials

It’s been a tough few months. Even under the best of circumstances – those among us with homes intact, have been stepping through a tremendous traumatic event with our friends and neighbors in our beautiful community.

If there is ever a time for self-care, it’s now. Even those of us  who are “OK-ish” have been calculating water, holding our friends and community up, driving through odd traffic patterns, seeing our favorite places change. With all the upheaval, it’s important to remember that our bodies need us to care for them. To take a beat, to rest and rest well. Health is wealth. We’re here to help you do just that.

We’ve created our deepest discounted packages of the year so you can access the care you need during this crucial time.

Sunrise in Ashe County, NC - ©Nicole Johnson
Sunrise in Ashe County, NC – © Nicole Johnson

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT PACKAGE

Bronze Package 3 Treatments at 5% offNow just $427.50

Regular Price: $450 | A perfect starting point for your healing journey.

Silver Package 6 Treatments at 10% off – Now just $810

Regular Price: $900 | Commit to wellness with extra savings.

Gold Package 12 Treatments at 15% off – Now just $1,530

Regular Price: $1,800 | The ultimate healing package with the biggest savings!

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY: TOGETHER WE HEAL.

We are donating 1% of all Package Sales this season to local relief efforts in Asheville and the greater Western North Carolina region. Join us in supporting our community while investing in your health and prioritizing self-care.

Purchase a Package or Gift Card

It’s easy to purchase a Discounted Package. Clink the button belkow and purchase a Gift Card for the amount of the package or Gift card you’d like to purchase. You can also call the office at 828-333-5087 as well.

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Lao Tzu.

Approaching The Season Of Yin

Approaching The Season Of Yin

In October, we are already noticing the shorter days and longer nights of winter. Nature is pulling back in, and the Yang energy of warmer months converts to the Yin energy of the cooler months. In East Asian Medicine, this is the time when the in-breath emerges into the out-breath.

Approaching the season of Yin Acupuncture in Asheville

Here are some themes present during this transition period:

  • Last of the Harvest

  • Getting organized

  • Recommitting to health

  • Establishing routines

  • Warmer foods

  • Crisp air, invigorating

  • Romantic relationship with nature

  • Preparing to go inward (nature)

  • Preparing for Holiday time (but perhapsnot wanting to)

  • Harvesting and cover crops

Most animals begin to hunker down and rest, yet we humans start speeding up with holiday shopping and enormous amounts of busy winter-season preparations.

With awareness and intention, we can be mindful and nurture ourselves. Maybe you need a few extra hours of sleep or a joyful activity. When it comes to cooking, we like to make soups, stews, broths, and stir-fries that increase warmth and comfort. 

Prepare to Nurture & Nourish Throughout the Season of Yin

At times, when we don’t feel nurtured, we eat emotionally. When coupled with stress, this is a ticket to everything from lowered immunity to inflammation, bloating, weight gain, increased anxiety, general dissatisfaction, fatigue, and melancholy.

You may want to find some delicious indulgences that will make you feel well-loved and won’t throw your system off by making you crave a whole bag of candy corn. Try this easy Golden Milk recipe and add a little pumpkin pie spiceto it for a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Golden Milk to treat and nourish yourself.

As the holidays rapidly approach, ask yourself:

What joy can I gift myself?

What minor changes can I make to simplify?

How can I slow down for the next 8-10 weeks?

We wish you warmth and gentleness for the Yin season to come.

Feel free to contact us by email or phone with any questions.

If you would like to schedule your next Acupuncture session or mini series, click here.

Yours in Support, 

Chad & Nicole

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The holiday season is upon us. With it comes shorter days, longer hours of dark and for some of us, a struggle to feel balanced. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) –produced by the reduced sunlight in the Northern hemisphere this time of year– does impact how we feel. The recent time change combined with the colder weather and gray skies might make us feel fatigued, lacking motivation, and an overall sense of feeling down.  The Vitamin D produced in our bodies after exposure to sunlight, plays an important role in regulating our mood and well-being. 

What can we do to improve our mood, energy, and happiness as the days get shorter and the night gets longer?

Here are 7 ways to shine your light in this season of Yin. 

1. Nourish the YIN.

 Be gentle with yourself this time of year.  In Chinese medicine, the winter is a time to slow down, rest and sleep more. We are moving into the deeper YIN time of the year, where the element of Metal is present.

Fall: Metal, Lung, Grief

The color associated with Metal is white, the organ is the Lung, and the emotion is Grief.  Regardless of how you feel overtly, there has been a tremendous amount of collective grief the past number of years. We have a lot to grieve. Honoring this, feeling this, validating this is important to our vitality. It’s OKAY and imperative to grieve and grieve well. 

2. Emphasize  hearty, warm and nourishing foods

This  helps us stay in sync with the season, connected, and grounded. If you are sleeping more and eating a bit more, remember that this is a natural part of your body’s rhythm for this time of year.

3. Acupuncture

As you may know (or suspect) Acupuncture helps regulate mood, balance hormones, and put the body into “rest and digest” mode, bringing a sense of balance & peaceful contentment. It reconnects the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture sessions can support the lungs both physically and energetically and help you process grief.

4. Sun-gazing

Just as the sun breaks the horizon, go outside. Look around the sun – trace your eyes like a clock – this helps reset your circadian rhythm. Think of it as relighting your inner flame with the light of the sun. As the days get darker our light will shine brighter.

5. Try a sun lamp

They are most effective when set 20 inches from your face and used for 20-30 minutes in the morning. Sun Lamps mimic natural sunlight and give the body the impression of being out in the sun. This  helps improve mood when used consistently.

6. Walk outside even when it’s cloudy

Getting outside to get some natural light even if it’s not bright and sunny in combination with exercise helps improve mood. An  hour walk in the morning works wonders to elevate mood but even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.

7. Take some Vitamin D

You can test your vitamin D levels to see where you’re at. Supplement to ensure you’re getting enough. (Please check with your MD before starting any new supplements.)

In this season of Yin, shine your light.

 

We're Here to Help. 828-333-5087

Call our office to find out more or schedule your appointment online.
Tune into Spring, the Wood Element, and Heal Anger

Tune into Spring, the Wood Element, and Heal Anger

Spring is the element of WOOD and the color GREEN.

The ancient Taoists (Prounounced “dao-ists”) looked to nature to understand the human body, mind and spirit. They were philosophers and we need to be clear, Taoism is not a religion. When we tune into the movement of the seasons, we reconnect with and maintain our vitality. Just as with our circadian rhythms, our seasonal rhythms affect our health. Eating with the seasons is an excellent foundation to thriving health.

Spring- Wood – Green, Liver,
Liver out of balance = Anger
Liver in balance = Flow

In Spring, Yang is Rising

Let’s look around, what do you see? Trees starting to leaf out, flowers begining their bloom, greens pushing up? This is YANG rising. This is the start of the great in-breath – the height of which is the heat and outward orientation of summer. Yang is rising, the rivers are flowing, the birds are chirping and making nests, we all come out of hibernation.

The LIVER is the organ associated with spring. If our liver is in balance we experience free flow of qi (energy, emotions). If our liver needs some support, we may be quick to anger, snap at loved ones, or experience a low slow simmer of anger. Also, referred to Liver Qi Stagnation. I suffered with this for years. It’s true. Part of this is constitutional, meaning I have a tendency towards this, my family has a tendency, essentially – lots of – um- venting. Living in the south has been a balm to my constitution. I deeply enjoy – and have learned from- the kindness and generosity of spirit I have met in this region.

One of the solutions to opening up the free flow of liver qi is to take an aimless walk. This is for real, and it works wonders at opening up the free flow of liver qi. There is also a wonderful Chinese Medicine herbal formula called, Free and Easy Wanderer. Also, very helpful. These work wonders in conjunction with acupuncture which will support your liver and it’s reflexes. Feel free to ask us more about these remedies.

Healing Foods

Foods to add in to your diet are – Greens, Greens, Greens. Greens impart, light, flexible energy to us. Bitter Greens and herbs, support the liver directly. Dandelion, Broccoli Rabe, and Nettles are especially helpful. Chickweed is growing abundantly, add this to your salads or smoothies. When working with the more bitter greens, please be sure to have them with plenty of healthy fat, it cuts the bitterness and adds a nutritional punch. Health fats would include  Avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee, grass fed butter, and for those who tolerate it- bacon fat. A wonderful tincture to support the liver is Milk Thistle.

But truly, any greens- the fresher the better. These new greens that sprout up are here to help us clear away stagnation. Here is a fantastic Nettles Pesto recipe that I love to make with Fresh Nettles every spring. I usually do a green juice cleanse and my spirit and my body feel lighter and more upbeat.

Helpful Stones

A wonderful stone for this time of year that would support the free flow of liver qi is Amazonite. Known by the ancients as “Heaven flowing into the river stone.” It is calm, tranquil and supports us.

Here are some other thoughts to help us tune into the beauty of Spring.

  • Young plants
  • Spring fever- is Yang Rising
  • Moved by nature – Emotions, awakening
  • Nature sings, puts on a show
  • Slough away the old, the dense
  • Joyousness and Cheer
  • Tending to the garden can bring joy and connection

As we align our hearts with Nature, we arrive more deeply into balance.

Interested in Acupuncture or Health Coaching? We're Here to Help. Schedule Now.

 or Call our office 828-333-5087​ to discuss your options.