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By Mandy Haggerson 

For the Clemmons Courier

From as early as she can remember, Anna Grace Jackson remembers loving to learn about the world around her. If you didn’t find her reading a book, it was likely she was taking a ballet class.

“My parents used to say that I was on the floor rolling around even as a toddler, and they knew that I enjoyed the musicality of it. Once I started dancing, I never really stopped,” Jackson said. “My real interest became lyrical dance and more intuitive freestyle.” 

In middle school, Jackson was dedicated to her craft and was asked to join the color and winter guard for the nearby local high school.

“I enjoyed the competitions with the winter guard, and appreciated how it allowed me to always be physically creative in some variety,” Jackson said. “I stayed with it until I graduated high school.” 

When Jackson mulled over what to consider academically, nursing and helping people had always been in the back of her mind. Because she graduated high school early, Jackson decided to spend her spring and summer months at Western North Carolina School of Massage.

“Before going off to college, I completed the massage program under Hope DeVall who taught me so much,” Jackson said. “I appreciated how strong her neuromuscular program was combined with really gifted instructors. I learned from them the importance of self-care and intention in your work. She designed the program to connect on a deeper level of healing by coming from a place of whole and giving it to others.”

Once Jackson completed her massage program, she ended up earning a degree at Eastern Tennessee State.

“The first semester was tough, and I realized it was pushing me to alternative options,” Jackson said. “I circled back to something I was passionate about which was acupuncture. I decided to incorporate my health care classes to earn a degree in interdisciplinary studies. I made my capstone project about Chinese medicine, and decided I wanted to pursue a master’s in that field after I graduated. It was something that I had learned about at just 14 years old when I had neck pain issues due to some hyper mobility. I had found pain relief from Chinese medicine, and realized it also helped with so many other things, sleep, hormonal changes, digestion and also mental health.”

Excited to pursue this next chapter in life, Jackson began her master’s program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in Sugar Grove.

“It was designed to be a commuter program, and we are there five days out of every month. It is a four-year program, and I am halfway through,” Jackson said. “While I earn my degree, I have also been able to start my own business two years ago this May after doing body work for five years before that. I’m excited that I’ll be able to bring acupuncture as a service in addition to massage therapy.” 

Jackson’s confidence in the efficacy of Chinese medicine is something she feels strongly about and looks forward to adding it in her practice.

“Acupuncture has a remarkable ability to support the mind and body in a way that is noninvasive and restores you at your truest self instead of adding or taking away to find balance,” explained Jackson. “I have experienced that personally. Most people are surprised to learn that there is a lot of data about the effectiveness of Chinese medicine. Cultural barriers seem to be the biggest hurdle and resistance I experience with people. My goal is for people to at least consider it. Most times it’s the path of least resistance for taking care of yourself. I tell my clients that the more perspective you have, the closer you will be to the truth.”

Jackson continues to care for her clients and help bring diverse offerings at her studio, Yin & Roots to include therapeutic relaxation, neuromuscular therapy, acupressure, cupping, and even recently astrology services.

“I settled on my business’ name, Yin because it refers to being receptive, and roots reminds me of our connection to our earth and foundation,” said Jackson. “Together yin and roots encompasses this feeling of deep nourishment that comes from within, and that’s what I want people to feel when they come into my space.”

With her focus always on creating a space that is welcoming, Jackson also likes bring services that benefit the community.

“When I first started, I only had a few clients,” said Jackson. “The majority of people that come see me are regulars who have said they benefit from my work. They have also referred their family members and friends which is the ultimate compliment. It reassures me that following my passion was the right decision.” 

Looking ahead, Jackson is hopeful to evolve the acupuncture side to have a clinic.

“It would allow people to come in and have quicker appointments which helps with their busy schedules,” mentioned Jackson. “Acupuncture clinics in this area are needed, and I would love to ensure more people have access to it. It takes a lot of experience before you can do it in that type of setting. It’s definitely a goal of mine.”

“I really believe what you put out into the world you get it back,” Jackson said. “I will always focus on genuine treatment and care. Every person that I interact with, I want to make sure they feel seen and heard. I’ve been lucky to do what I truly believe in, and in an area where people have been very receptive.”