Our Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles, some as thin as a strand of hair, on the surface of the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body. This helps to free the movement of blocked Qi (pronounced chee) in the body. Qi is translated as energy or life force that powers the body to perform its functions. It moves through pathways throughout the body that have beginning and end points on the head, hands and feet. Disease, pathogens, trauma (physical or emotional) and other factors can block or disrupt the flow of Qi. Acupuncture balances the physiological functions of the body to promote and maintain health.

Community Acupuncture

Community acupuncture offers affordable basic acupuncture treatments in a group setting. The main differences between community and private acupuncture are the cost and extent of treatment. Because community acupuncture treatments are about 50 percent less expensive than private treatments, consistent acupuncture care will be more affordable for many patients. Community acupuncture treatments will focus only on the patient’s primary symptom(s) and is most beneficial for treatment of general wellness. In addition, these treatments will not include other modalities like cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, heat-lamp therapy or herbal medicine.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

The principles of Chinese Medicine are very different from traditional Western notions about health, illness and the workings of the body. Chinese Herbal Medicine is prescribed to normalize imbalances and assist the body in restoring normal physiological function. Herbal formulas are created for each patient based on his or her presentation of symptoms and various diagnostic tools used in Chinese Medicine. During your initial consultation, the Herbalist will feel your pulses on both of your wrists, view your tongue and palpate your abdomen. Using the information collected during your consultation, the Herbalist will select an herbal formula specific to your needs. Formulas are dosed in grams and each gram is typically 23 cents. Sometimes you may not finish a bottle of herbs because of changes that need to be made to the formula. Because each formula is unique and compounded specifically for each patient we are unable to provide refunds for unused herbal formulas. Ginger’s herbal pharmacy is comprised of premium granule extracts from Legendary Herbs. Their supplier, Tianjiang Pharmaceutical, was China’s first GMP-certified granule facility.

Cupping

Cupping is a simple yet effective procedure used in China, Russia and Eastern Europe. Suction is created in a cup with a pneumatic device, which pulls up the skin, muscle, lymph fluids, blood and fascia. This action draws deep stagnation of the body fluids up to the surface as well as stagnated Qi, allowing the body to fulfill its natural cleansing process by dispelling these toxins. It also brings fresh oxygenated blood full of nourishment to the treatment area to heal the tissues and improve circulation.

Stationary cupping:

  • The cup goes on the affected area or appropriate acupuncture channel.
  • Examples of some of the conditions that can be treated include headaches, sinus congestion/pressure, dental problems, back pain, neck pain, emotional issues and anger issue.

Sliding cupping:

  • Grapeseed oil is applied on the affected area of the skin.
  • A pneumatic device is used to introduce suction into the cup.
  • The cup is slid back and forth along the affected area.>
  • Examples of some of the conditions that can be treated include dental problems, neck pain, back pain and reduced range of motion.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a procedure that moves stagnant energy, fluids and blood that have become stuck, creating pain, tightness or reduced range of motion. Grapeseed oil is applied to the skin and a stone made of jade is rubbed briskly back and forth over the affected area. As the stone moves over the skin, the practitioner is looking for Sha, which is the expression of stagnation. This presents as red, purple or pink color on the skin and shows that the energy has begun moving again.

Examples of some of the conditions that can be treated with Gua Sha include neck pain, frozen shoulder, TMJ or any issue that results in reduced range of motion.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points with very small needles on the external ear surface. Stimulating these points promoted healing in other areas of the body.

Examples of some of the conditions that can be treated with auricular acupuncture include pain, in addition to emotional imbalances and dental issues (avoiding root canal, tooth pain, abscess and post-root canal treatment).

Promotion of Labor

Acupuncture can be used to naturally promote labor in place of drugs, which force the body into labor, or used to avoid a C-section. Two weeks prior to the due date, acupuncture can begin by helping the body relax, soften muscles, and prepare for labor. After the due date has passed, acupuncture can be used more aggressively to promote labor. Using acupuncture during pregnancy also leads to a smoother and quicker labor.

Placenta Preparation and Encapsulation

During the Chinese Medicine method of placenta preparation, the placenta is drained of blood, steamed with lemon and ginger, dehydrated for 10 to 15 hours and then encapsulated. This takes approximately 18 to 24 hours (2 days) to complete.

The fee does not include the transportation of the placenta. Patients are responsible for dropping off the placenta at our office within 24 to 36 hours after the birth. Capsules will be available for pick up at the office within 2-3 days of drop off.

Stop Smoking Treatment

ATOG’s stop smoking treatment plan provides a natural way to restore balance to the body to break the smoking habit and reduce cravings. A smoking addiction is complicated because it includes both physical and emotional components. Acupuncture addresses both elements to ease the quitting process by curbing the symptoms that cause discomfort and by helping with relaxation.

Reiki

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive form of energy healing that releases congestion from energy centers, which are also known as chakras, to allow a good flow of energy in the body. Reiki can help treat physical issues, as well as mental and emotional imbalances. It is meant to support the natural healing process rather than being a cure or replacement for Chinese Medicine or traditional medical treatments.

Yoga Classes

A Touch of Ginger (ATOG) offers weekly hatha yoga and meditation classes focused on the mind-body connection. All experience levels are welcome. Participants must register in advance online or by calling ATOG. Minimum class size is three students; class will be canceled if there are fewer than three registered 24 hours before class time.