Dr. Ayla Wolf D.A.O.M.
Co-Host of the Life After Impact Podcast
Dr. Ayla Wolf is a highly respected specialist in neurological rehabilitation, recognized by her peers and sought after by patients for her expertise in treating complex neurological disorders including persistent post-concussion syndrome. As the founder and clinic director of Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology in Stillwater, Minnesota, she integrates advanced clinical neuroscience with holistic therapeutic approaches to deliver comprehensive patient care.
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Dr. Wolf has been in clinical practice for twenty years. She specializes in managing conditions such as post-concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, dizziness, chronic headaches, migraines, stroke, and dysautonomia. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based therapies with compassionate care, instilling confidence in patients seeking effective solutions for their neurological health concerns.
Dr. Wolf's academic contributions include her role as an Associate Professor of Acupuncture at the Carrick Institute of Graduate Studies, where she educates healthcare professionals on applied clinical neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. Her international speaking engagements further underscore her commitment to advancing the field of neurological rehabilitation.
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An accomplished author, Dr. Wolf has contributed to the award-winning book series Concussion Discussions: A Functional Approach to Recovery After Brain Injury. Her dedication to excellence was recognized in 2022 when she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northwestern Health Sciences University.
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Dr. Wolf's extensive post-doctoral training at the Carrick Institute encompasses Clinical Neuroscience, Traumatic Brain Injury, Mastering Migraine, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Dysautonomia programs. This advanced education equips her with a profound understanding of neurological conditions, enabling her to develop personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
Presentations & Seminars
2024
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"Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries", Axis Institute, Montreal, Ontario
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"Dissecting Headaches", Axis Institute, Montreal, Ontario
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2023
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Keynote Speaker at the Northwestern Health Sciences University Commencement Convocation, Bloomington, MN
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“The Neurology of Human Performance: Advanced Assessment Techniques”, Pacific Sports Orthopedic & Acupuncture Symposium, San Diego, CA
2022
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“Fundamentals of Electro-Acupuncture for Clinical Success”, Acupuncture Neurology Seminars, Evanston, IL
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“Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Strategies in Concussion and TBI Recovery”, North Carolina Society of Acupuncture & Asian Medicine Conference
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“Neurological Assessment Techniques: Applications for Concussions and TBI”, North Carolina Society of Acupuncture & Asian Medicine Conference
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“Introduction to Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries” North Carolina Society of Acupuncture & Asian Medicine Conference
2021
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“Electro-Acupuncture for Pain Management”, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
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“Acupuncture in the Treatment of Post-traumatic Headache and Neck Pain”, Carrick Institute Synapse Sessions
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“Neurological Examination for the Acupuncture Clinician”, Carrick Institute, Cape Canaveral FL
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“Electro-acupuncture and Functional Neurology for Pain Management”, Acupuncture Neurology Seminars, Sarasota, FL
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“Acupuncture as an Adjunctive Therapy in Post-Concussion Syndrome” American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
2020
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“Acupuncture in the Treatment of Post-Concussion Syndrome” American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
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“Improving function of the Gut-Brain Axis with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine”, 51st Annual International TCM Kongress, Rothenburg, Germany
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“Cranial Nerves and the Autonomic Nervous System”, Nanopuncture Seminars, Chicago, IL
2019
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“Concussion and TBI Strategies”, Nanopuncture Seminars, Chicago, IL
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“Neurological Examination for the Central Nervous System”, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
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“Functional Approaches to Concussion Recovery”, Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
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“Functional Approaches to Concussion Recovery”, Neuroscience Acupuncture Summit, Orlando, FL
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“Chinese Medicine in Concussion Recovery”, Great River Symposium, Bloomington, MN
2018
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“Acupuncture & Functional Neurology: The Integration of Chinese Medicine with Clinical Neuroscience”, Carrick Institute, Cape Canaveral, FL.
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“Case Report: Parkinson’s Disease”, Southwest Symposium, Austin TX
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“Improving function of the Gut-Brain Axis with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine”, Southwest Symposium, Austin, TX
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"Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Parallels in Functional Neurology” International Symposium of Clinical Neuroscience, Orlando, FL.
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"Functional Approaches to Concussion Recovery" Sports Acupuncture Alliance, San Jose, CA.
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“Improving function of the Gut-Brain Axis with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine”, NWHSU, Bloomington, MN
2017
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“Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Concussion Recovery”, DAOM program, AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin TX
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“Inflammatory Consequences of Brain-Gut Neuroimmunological Dysregulation Post-Concussion”, Concussion Health Pre-Summit Lecture Series (webinar)
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“Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Concussion Recovery”, Family Healing Center, Sarasota, FL
2016
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“Optimizing Brain Health for Maximum Performance”, Honor, Courage, Commitment Inc. Veterans Fellowship Program: Dallas, TX.
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“Nutrition and Natural Supplementation in Concussion Recovery”, Concussion Health: Irving, TX.
Sophia Bouwens L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.
Co-Host of the Life After Impact Podcast
Sophia Bouwens is a licensed acupuncturist with an undergraduate degree in neuroscience, a masters degree in Acupuncture, and post-graduate training in functional neurology through the Carrick Institute. With a strong educational background in neuroscience and her own personal experience with traumatic brain injury, Sophia is passionate about helping support others to optimize their brain health, traumatic brain injury recovery, neurodegenerative disorders and finding relief from pain. She has been involved in collaborations for acupuncture research at Health Partner’s Neuroscience Center to further the use of acupuncture in frontline neurological rehabilitation.