Meet the Team of Infinity Acupuncture in Wilmington

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Dr. Gretchen Rivas, Owner

Welcome! I’m Dr. Gretchen Rivas, owner of Infinity Acupuncture. I first received acupuncture 10 years ago for front hip pain that just wouldn’t go away and seemed to have no source. That healed and I went on living my life as a massage therapist, business owner of Relax! Massage Therapy and a part-time instructor at Miller-Motte College. One of the classes I was asked to teach was Energetics. This included the basics of Chinese Medicine and other energy-based modalities. Of course, I had to learn the basics of Chinese Medicine in order to teach it and that was what really tweaked my interest in becoming an acupuncturist!

The more massages I did, the more I realized, “If I knew how to do acupuncture, I could help people heal at an even deeper level.” With over 6 years as a massage therapist, and a BS in Business from the University of South Carolina I enrolled in the Masters of Acupuncture Program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in Sugar Grove, NC. The program at Jung Tao is different from traditional acupuncture schools in that we learned the concepts of Chinese Medicine on a deeper level, studying in the lineage of one of the world’s great masters of acupuncture, Nguyen Van Nghi. Whereas the majority of schools of Chinese Medicine devote more time to herbal medicine we spent the entire four years going deeper and deeper into the science and art of Chinese Medicine; what does health look like from a Chinese Medicine perspective, how does a lack of health manifest and how do we use acupuncture to help the person return to health? Also at Jung Tao, we spent three years learning Yang style Tai Ji Chuan, according to Zheng Man Ching. After three years of intensive study, we spent a year in the clinic, practicing on patients that drove from miles around to come to the clinic.

The beauty of it all is people got well! They would come in as train wrecks; physically, mentally and emotionally at the end of their ropes and they would return to health! People in pain could walk again, move again, have a life again! People that were depressed and anxious walked out feeling better and happier. Over and over I treated people who thought there was no hope for their situation and they left with hope in their soul and more spring in their step. I practice acupuncture because I love seeing people get well and return to the health that has eluded them for years. It is one of the safest ways to heal; no drugs, no surgery, just a few needles, some moxa or cupping, and amazing things begin to happen! So, come see me soon, the sooner the treatment the faster the healing! Can’t wait to help you be your best!

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Rashell Greene, Acupuncturist

Hello, my name is Rashell Greene L.Ac. I found acupuncture after coming down with a serious infection after traveling in Thailand about 15 years ago.  After months of western treatments, antibiotics and surgeries, I was left feeling depleted and defeated.  An amazing acupuncturist helped to slowly get me not only back on my feet...but to a state where I felt better than ever.  After seeing firsthand the healing qualities and relief acupuncture could bring, I decided to dedicate my life to acupuncture and the path to discovering my own balance and vitality so that I can help you to discover your own.  I firmly believe when we all feel our best, we can bring about the most positive change in the world.

I am a national board-certified and North Carolina licensed Acupuncturist.  I graduated with my Masters from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, which focused on the classical roots of the long-standing traditions of acupuncture.  While in school I also took part in an in-depth Zheng Gu Tui Na program under Dr. Jen Resnick, DAHM, L.Ac.

Because of my life experiences, acupuncture and tuina training, I use both my knowledge and my heart to see each patient as a whole being. This perspective allows me to provide unique treatments specific to you, in order to help you move closer to balance and vitality.

When not in the office you can find me spending time and being silly with my loving family and three goofy dogs.  I love spending time in nature, getting my hands dirty in the garden, cooking delicious wholesome food, doing taiji and Qi Gong,  walking along the beach, and learning to relax in the waves of life.

 

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Jennifer "JJ" Johnson, Acupuncturist Assistant

Hello, My name is Jennifer Johnson, aka, JJ, because we already had another Jennifer working at the office and it made life easier for all of us. I used to work for an acupuncturist in NY and had only recently moved to Hampstead when the Pandemic hit and the shutdowns began. I was so lucky to already be here!

That fall, I saw the ad for the front desk assistant at Infinity and knew it was the right place for me. It didn't take long for them to know it too and I began helping people get in for treatments soon after. It was weird at the beginning when we couldn't really talk to people and everyone had to wait outside, but now that people are allowed to come in more normally, I am in my element, greeting and helping people as they come in and check out.

I am so grateful to be here.  I love the team I work with and most of all I love helping my patients get in here and get well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask! I am always here to help!

Check out my 2 truths and a lie on our Facebook page. The answer is: the lie is #3, my favorite pet is not bunnies but is dogs.

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Jennifer Foltz, Office Manager

Hello! My name is Jennifer Foltz. I moved from Maryland to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1994.  I feel in love with the Wilmington area and love being near the beach.

I have over 20 years of office and accounting experience and have found a wonderful home here at Infinity Acupuncture where I can do what I love to do while being part of something that helps people improve their lives!

Since I sit at a desk all day, my back and shoulders give me pains from time t to time and Acupuncture has definitely been my saving grace!  It is now my go to for everything that ails me.  From stress to pain, I know where to go for help.

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Fifel, Director of Client Appreciation

Woof Woof! My name is Fifel and I am the company mascot-greeter. You will usually see me come out into the lobby and say hello when you arrive. People often wonder why I am so well behaved around people and it’s because I started helping when I was a puppy. My mom used to have her massage office at our house and when I was a puppy she tried crate training at first. Well, that didn’t last for long, she couldn’t stand to hear me cry, even though I was on the other side of the house! So, she started bringing me into the massage room with her, and I would crawl under the couch and go to sleep.

Most people wouldn’t even remember I was in the room until the massage was over and I would crawl back out. Over time, I learned to greet the clients when they came in and with some, I even got up on the table with them if they wanted me to. I still do that today at the new office, greet people, and help them feel comfortable about being here. I got my Therapy Dog Certification so I am certified to go visit people in other places too. If you need some extra comfort while you are here, just ask! I can help!