Send us Fan Mail Acupuncture for Pain Relief & Recovery Optimization in Asheville with Chad Johnson, L.Ac. Introduction to Chad Johnson and Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Chad Johnson, Licensed Acupuncturist and founder of Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture on Haywood Road. Chad brings a distinctly body-centered approach to his practice — rooted in whole-body palpation, Japanese acupuncture techniques, and years of massage therapy experience — to help people recover from pain, injury, and surgery faster and more completely. Chad explains why he specializes in orthopedic acupuncture, how he uses the Kiiko Matsumoto style to test points before needling, and why the right shoulder and right hip are the two most common pain patterns he treats every day. He also introduces three foundational recovery habits — conscious breathing, movement-hydration pairing, and balancing rest with activity — that anyone can start using immediately. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone dealing with chronic pain, recovering from surgery or injury, or looking to build a smarter longevity and self-care practice in Asheville. Key Takeaways: Why Chad focuses exclusively on orthopedic acupuncture and physical palpation rather than pulse and tongue diagnosisHow the Kiiko Matsumoto Japanese style allows point-testing before needling for more precise, measurable resultsThe real cause of "sciatica" most people are misdiagnosing — and why the gluteus medius is usually to blameWhy right shoulder and right hip pain are so common in modern life and how they're connectedHow to pair hydration with movement so water actually reaches your muscles instead of heading straight to your bladderThe Chinese medicine view of conscious breathing and the lung-kidney connectionA simple 3-breath technique you can use anywhere to bring your stress level down immediatelyWhy acupuncture before and after surgery accelerates recovery significantlyHow regular maintenance acupuncture supports longevity, performance, and resilience as you ageTimestamps: 00:00 – 02:00 | Intro and Chad's body-centered approach to acupuncture02:00 – 05:00 | How Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture got its name and niche05:00 – 09:00 | Japanese Kiiko Matsumoto style explained — palpation, point testing, and immediate feedback09:00 – 13:00 | Referred pain vs. reflexes and reading the body's channel system13:00 – 18:00 | The most common patterns Chad treats: right shoulder, right hip, and "dead butt syndrome"18:00 – 22:00 | Diet, posture, and lifestyle factors that undo your acupuncture treatment22:00 – 27:00 | Hydration done right — why drinking plus movement is the key27:00 – 31:00 | Conscious breathing, the lung-kidney connection, and heart rate variability31:00 – 33:00 | Balancing movement and rest — especially during recovery33:00 – 36:00 | Using acupuncture preventatively for longevity and aging well36:00 – 38:00 | What's next for Asheville Orthopedic Acupuncture and Chad's CEU courses38:00 – 39:00 | Rapid fire: Chad's advice for anyone living with chronic painEpisode Links: Season 2 Hub + Wellness DiscountsAsheville Orthopedic AcupunctureFind Chad on GoogleMoxa House — Direct LinkBe Well AshevilleBe Well Asheville Podcast ArchiveProduced by Be Well Asheville The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville — Asheville's local wellness media brand connecting the community to the practitioners, modalities, and conversations that matter most for your health. Get Involved 🗓 Monthly Meetup — Join our free monthly wellness professional meetup at Sun Soo Martial Arts, 800 Fairview Rd Suite D2. Connect with practitioners, educators, and wellness seekers across WNC. Join the Meetup. 🤝 Wellness Collective — Become a paid member of the Be Well Asheville Collective and get access to exclusive resources, community, and practitioner support. Learn more here. 📬 Newsletter — Stay connected with Asheville wellness news, episode drops, and community updates. Sign up at bewellasheville.com. 🎁 Special Offer — Season 1 Wellness Discounts — Get all of last season's expert podcast wellness discounts. Top spots: Drip Sauna, Asheville Salt Cave, Stillpoint Wellness + 8 others incl. massage, sound healing, neurofeedback. Get them here. 🎙 Be a Podcast Guest — Are you an Asheville wellness practitioner? We'd love to feature you. Submit your request at bewellasheville.com/podcast. Partner With Us Interested in reaching Asheville's wellness community? We offer sponsorship and partnership opportunities for aligned businesses and brands. Reach out at travis@bewellasheville.com. More Asheville Wellness News Stay up to date on the latest in WNC wellness at bewellasheville.com. DISCLAIMER: The content shared on the Wellness in Asheville Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. This episode is brought to you by the 9th annual Love, Shine, Play Yoga Festival, happening July 23rd through 26th in Asheville, North Carolina. Join world-class teachers, inspiring workshops, live music, and a heart-centered community in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re deepening your practice or just starting, it’s the perfect summer experience to reconnect and recharge. 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