Acupuncture

w/ Emily A. Ray Brown & Monica McGrow

Our acupuncture services are based on the principle that a person’s whole well-being is supported by their physical, mental, and emotional health. They implement a variety of modern and traditional holistic approaches and therapies to address patients’ personal needs to enable them to live more fully and deliberately.

Accupunture Treatment Options:

Private Acupuncture Appointments:

Acupuncture involves gently inserting thin filiform needles into the body at different locations and depths to initiate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture points are areas of electrical sensitivity and intersections of the fascial planes. Inserting metal needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that stimulate nerves, transmitting impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins. These neurotransmitters have several bodily functions, including pain relief, regulating inflammation, and influencing the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for many things, from back pain and arthritis, as well as anxiety, depression, and even PMS. Stimulating these points helps to regulate the parasympathetic nervous system and decrease inflammation.

Potential Treatment Modalities

(included in treatment and determined during sessions)

E-stim

Electro-acupuncture is also known as e-stim or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture needles are placed in the body and certain select ones are then connected together using small clips and a wire that are connected to a battery powered device that delivers small electrical impulses or current.

This electrode provides a gentle vibration that stimulates energy running through these points. A unique advantage of electro-acupuncture is its ability to simulate an area larger than the needle itself.

Gua Sha

Gua is translated as ‘scraping’ and sha refers to the little red or purple petechiae that emerge on the skin’s surface as a result of the technique. It is a mild to firm, unidirectional pressure stroke using a blunt tool to stimulate microcirculation. It stretches the connective tissue and softens adhesions; this helps to improve blood and lymphatic circulation.

Gua Sha helps circulation by moving energy and blood and removing stagnation. It expels heat, fevers, and upper respiratory infections and can calm the nervous system.

Gua Sha began in 475 BCE in ancient China where the act of scraping the skin cleared and dispersed diseases. It was used to treat pain (acute and chronic), nausea, coughing, limited range of motion, fever, and inflammation.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the burning or processed mugwort. Mugwort leaves are dried and ground into small sticks or cones called moxa (similar to incense), which are then lit and used to warm points on your body and relieve a variety of conditions. The heat generated through moxa can help to warm the channels and increase the flow of energy throughout the body.

Cupping

Cupping therapy is effective in helping relieve pain and stimulating the lymphatic system and blood flow, which aids in the removal of toxins and facilitates healing. The release of tension and improvement of blood flow promotes healing throughout the whole body, helping to treat stress, anxiety, and respiratory symptoms, colds, flus, and boost immunity.

Cupping was originally used in folk medicine from 1500 BCE in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern Cultures, as well as in hospitals in England in the 1800s to treat contagious diseases.

Tuina

Tuina or tui-na (pronounced twee-nah), is a “needle free” traditional Chinese medicine service that restores balance and equilibrium to accelerate healing. Tuina includes a range and combination of hand and arm techniques – movements such as kneading, pressing, and stretching (with or without lotions and oils). Often acupressure is incorporated to influence the energy flow.

Tuina can help with stiffness, pain, insomnia, headaches, migraines, digestion, fertility, premenstrual symptoms, respiratory disorders, reproductive systems, and emotional disorders.

Tuina originated in ancient China. It is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork! It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine.

Cosmetic Acupuncture Appointments:

Cosmetic acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and has become very popular over the past decade, especially as a botox alternative. Facial acupuncture treatments focus on rejuvenating the face by creating micro-traumas that promote the body’s natural response, producing collagen and elastin.

Commonly referred to as facial rejuvenation or facial acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture is a specific treatment designed to affect and enhance the appearance of the skin and face.

This non-surgical option for reducing the signs of the aging process will help improve complexion to create firmer skin, reduction in wrinkles, and tightening of jowls by increasing the blood flow to the facial muscles.

The way we feel about our inner and outer appearances can mirror each other. Facial acupuncture can address the physical “imperfections” we see in the mirror, but it can also help to reconnect us with how we relate to our bodies.

Auricular Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, the ear is a microsystem for the whole body. There are over 90 pressure points on the ear that target different areas of the body for healing benefits such as relief from pain, balancing hormones, and relaxing the nervous system. Strategic placement of needles releases endorphins and sets a chain reaction in the neurological pathways that have been shown to reduce pain, promote immune response, and aid in mental clarity. The vagus nerve is crucial for balancing the nervous system, alleviating stress, and promoting relaxation. It uniquely extends to the surface of the body through various branches, particularly in the ear’s concha.

The way we feel about our inner and outer appearances can mirror each other. Facial acupuncture can address the physical “imperfections” we see in the mirror, but it can also help to reconnect us with how we relate to our bodies.

About Your Session

New patient intake forms will be emailed to patients prior to appointment.

Please have them filled out if possible to streamline your appointment.

Arrive 10-15 minutes before appointment

Take this time to use the restroom, relax, or catch up on paperwork that was missed.

Please wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing or bring a change of clothes.

Please eat at least an hour before your appointment

Avoid caffeine, and try not to eat foods that may change the color of your tongue or mouth (turmeric, coffee, etc)

Avoid brushing your tongue the morning of your appointment

It sounds odd, but the tongue is an important diagnostic tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Brushing your teeth is encouraged).

Session prices & duration:

Private Appointment:

Acupuncture Initial Appointment: $150 – 1.5hr
Follow Up Appointments: $100 – 1hr

Cosmetic Acupuncture Initial Consult: $30 – 30min
(This cost goes towards 1st full cosmetic acupuncture treatment. However, if the consultation determines that cosmetic acupuncture is not the best fit, this cost may be used toward another service.)
Cosmetic Acupuncture: $250 – 1.5hrs

Community Clinic:

Treatment will be alongside other patients in an open space.

Acupuncture: $50
Auricular Acupuncture (ear |
learn more ): $30
Foot Soak:
coming soon

We accept: Cash, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo at time of appointment.

Testimonials

Emily is a very caring person. Her questions are very detailed and she listens and takes notes very well.

Monica is very attentive and empathetic. She listens closely to my description of my symptoms and develops a tailor made treatment for the session.
I have not had a bad experience with any therapist… but Monica is my far my best experience.”
Her professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for her patients make Monica an exceptional healthcare provider. I am confident that anyone under her care will experience the same level of compassion and healing that I have had.

She [Emily] is very accurate with her acupuncture and goes the extra mile. She really wants to make you feel better. She takes her time and precisely angles the needle. Also, she comes up with alternative ways to help.

Joe Williams Sound Healing

About Emily

Emily A. Ray Brown L.Ac is a whole-health acupuncturist that focuses on creating internal balance for better quality of life. Her goal is to create individualized treatments to better maintain patients’ physical and mental health. She has a focus on facial acupuncture for its versatility. It has the ability to help patients with facial pain (TMJ, bell’s palsy, headaches), as well as having a rejuvenating cosmetic effect. Emily is also certified in Battlefield Acupuncture, a specific treatment style of acupuncture that helps in pain management. Her goal is to create well-rounded and curated treatments to fit any patient’s needs. She graduated from Won Institute. She is a member of Association for Professional Acupuncturists in Pennsylvania, Young Acupuncturist Association of America, and Acupuncturists Without Borders.

About Monica

Monica McGrow is a person-centered acupuncturist focused on pain management, both physical and mental. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions, but is especially interested in musculoskeletal disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression. Monica graduated from Won Institute of Graduate Studies, where she completed her master’s degree in acupuncture. During her time there, Monica interned at the Won Institute Student Acupuncture Clinic and Won Institute Tui Na Manual Therapy Clinic, as well as provided community care at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center and Veterans Multi-Service Center, both located in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to her community work in Philadelphia, Monica also pursued her NADA Detoxification Specialist Certification at the New York Harm Reduction Clinic in Harlem, New York. Monica looks forward to practicing in the Phoenixville area and working with the community to help relieve pain and increase energy. Monica is a member of the Association for Professional Acupuncturists in Pennsylvania, Young Acupuncturist Association of America, and Acupuncturists Without Borders.

Joe Williams Sound Healing

Contact:

Email: contact@needleandnourish.com
Phone: 267-663-2048 

Blend modern and traditional holistic approaches