Acupuncture

Our Services

A patient receiving acupuncture treatment on her neck and back in a treatment room.

Acupuncture Initial Session

Visit Length: Approximately 75–90 minutes

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Jennifer Layne McDonald, smiling, performing acupuncture on a patient's back and neck in a treatment room.

Acupuncture Follow-Up Session

Session Length: Approximately 45–60 minutes

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A patient receiving cupping in a treatment room, with glass cups on his upper back.

Express Services

New: Signature Express Services

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Jennifer Layne McDonald, concentrating, performing acupuncture on a patient's back and neck in a treatment room.

New: Acupuncture Packages

Designed for Long-Term Wellness

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Book an Appointment

Dry Needling and Acupuncture: How They Relate

Our team has advanced training in trigger point release. Often called “dry needling” in other settings, trigger point release is not a separate therapy from acupuncture. It’s one of the many techniques within acupuncture that use the same needles and principles to treat pain and tension.

In this approach, we gently target tight, knotted areas in the muscles (trigger points), which are common in posture-related discomfort and aches from stress and overuse. 

Releasing these points helps the muscle return to a more relaxed, healthy state.

Blending Modalities for Deeper Relief

When helpful, we bring these modalities into your acupuncture session—always included, and always guided by what your body needs most.

A patient resting with acupuncture needles in her back and neck.

Needling

Trigger point release (often called “dry needling”) uses acupuncture needles to gently release tight, knotted muscles—helping restore healthy muscle function, improve circulation, and ease a wide range of pain patterns.

A patient receiving cupping in a treatment room, with glass cups on his upper back.

Cupping

Suction cups gently lift the skin to boost circulation, release tension, and support your body’s natural healing process.

A patient receiving Gua Sha on his upper back --  the gentle scraping of the skin with a spoon.

Gua Sha

A traditional East Asian practice that uses a smooth, rounded tool to gently sweep the skin—encouraging circulation, releasing tension, and supporting the body’s natural repair process.

A patient receiving electrostim on their shoulder -- wires connected to the acupuncture needes.

Electrostim

Gentle, low-level electrical current on the needles deepen and extend the effects of your treatment, especially for pain and muscle tension.

A patient receiving moxibustion -- a burning of dried mugwort aka moxa -- on his leg.

Moxibustion

Uses the warming herb mugwort to add soothing heat and enhance the overall benefits of acupuncture.

A patient receiving red light therapy in a dark treatment room.

Red Light Therapy

Applies specific wavelengths of light to support mitochondrial function, aiding tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall healing.

Acupuncture materials: A glass cup for cupping, a Gua Sha spoon, and acupuncture needles. Acupuncture materials: A glass cup for cupping, a Gua Sha spoon, and acupuncture needles.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Most patients feel little to no pain during an acupuncture session, and many describe a deep sense of relaxation and lightness afterward. Beyond how it feels in the moment, this work can also support meaningful changes in the body, including:

  • Decreased Inflammation
  • Increased Endorphin Release
  • Increased Range of Motion
  • Increased Nerve Conduction
  • Increased Circulation
  • Increased Rate of Healing

Your Trusted Care Team

We pair credentialed, deep clinical acupuncture expertise with genuine compassion — taking time to listen, creating the right plan and providing a safe, supportive space for recovery.

Headshot of Jing Jing Wu, smiling, wearing blue scrubs.

Jing Jing Wu, L.Ac.

Acupuncturist

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Headshot of Alicia Baez, smiling, wearing black scrubs and a sweater.

Alicia Baez, L.Ac.

Acupuncturist

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Headshot of Gabriella Sahyoun, smiling, wearing a black shirt.

Gabriella Sahyoun, L.Ac., MSTOM

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

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Headshot of Jennifer Layne McDonald, smiling, wearing a white shirt.

Jennifer Layne McDonald, L.Ac.

Owner and Acupuncturist/Dry Needling Specialist

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Have Questions?

Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.

Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—much finer than those used for injections or blood draws. We use premium, single-use Japanese Seirin needles designed for comfort and precision. Most patients are surprised by how gentle they feel.

No. Acupuncture needles are solid and do not contain medication, chemicals, or substances of any kind.

Never. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of after each treatment.

Acupuncture needles are placed at specific points in the body that have been mapped over thousands of years and are often located at meaningful anatomical junctions—such as areas where muscles meet, nerves travel, or connective tissue changes. From a Western perspective, many of these points correspond to muscle trigger points, nerve pathways, or areas with a high concentration of sensory receptors. Stimulating these points helps influence circulation, neuromuscular signaling, and the nervous system’s regulation of pain and stress, supporting the body’s ability to respond and heal more efficiently.

Most people feel a tiny pinch or a warm, heavy “ahh” sensation that quickly settles. Many clients drift into a nap. If you’re needle-shy, tell us—we’ll go slowly, use fewer points, and keep you comfortable every step of the way.

Yes. Treatments are provided by licensed professionals using single-use, sterile needles and clean-clinic protocols.

If you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or have specific health concerns, we’ll tailor your session accordingly.

  • Wear loose, comfy clothing.
  • Have a light snack an hour or two before (not too hungry, not too full).
  • Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
  • Drink water
  • Keep the rest of your day gentle if possible
  • Notice how you feel

Some people feel deeply relaxed; others feel clear and energized. Mild soreness or a small bruise can happen and fades quickly.

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll outline a plan after your first session and adjust as your body responds.

  • Acute issues often improve within a few visits

Long-standing concerns usually benefit from a short series (often weekly), then spacing out visits

No. Treatment recommendations are collaborative and based on how your body responds. There is no obligation to continue beyond what feels appropriate for you.

Acupuncture affects everyone differently. We typically recommend a short trial period and reassess together so you can make informed decisions about your care.

We treat the whole person using acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy. Common reasons people come in include:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Sports or work-related injuries
  • Stress and sleep issues
  • Digestive concerns
  • Women’s health and fertility support
  • Pregnancy comfort
  • Post-surgical recovery

Research and clinical experience show acupuncture can support:

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Natural pain relief (endorphin release)
  • Improved circulation
  • Better nerve communication
  • Increased mobility and range of motion
  • Faster healing and recovery

Many clients also report feeling calmer, more grounded, and more resilient.If you’re curious how these could apply to your specific goals (pain, sleep, stress, fertility, recovery), we’ll talk through it at your first visit and will tailor a plan together.

If you have imaging such as an MRI or X-ray, we’re happy to review it. While not required to begin treatment, it can be helpful in understanding your condition.

Yes. Acupuncture is often used alongside physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and medical treatment. We frequently coordinate care to support overall outcomes.

Yes. We offer gentle, targeted care for fertility support and pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea, back pain, and sleep changes.

All treatments are carefully tailored, and we avoid points that aren’t appropriate.

Absolutely. You’re in control. We’ll explain each step, use ultra-fine needles, and keep treatments minimal and soothing. Many needle-anxious clients end up loving how calm they feel.

We do! We help check your specific insurance coverage before booking treatment.

Book an initial visit or a complimentary consultation.Bring your questions—we’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your next step.

Most acupuncture treatments last 60–75 minutes, allowing time for thoughtful assessment, individualized treatment, and uninterrupted rest.

Your first visit begins with a thorough review of your health history and what’s bringing you in. We then walk you through how your treatment will work and answer any questions before beginning. Once the needles are placed, you’ll relax comfortably in the treatment room for about 20–30 minutes. Many patients find this portion of the session deeply calming, and it’s very common to fall asleep.  You’ll leave with clear next steps that fit your life.

Yes, you’ll rest comfortably on your own in a private room, but you are never unattended. We check in before leaving the room, and staff is always nearby.

Each treatment room is equipped with a call button, allowing you to easily reach us at any time during your session. Someone is always available if you need assistance or feel uncomfortable.

While remaining relatively still is helpful so the needles can work effectively, you do not need to feel frozen or tense. You’re welcome to make small adjustments to get comfortable, and there’s no harm in shifting slightly if needed. You should feel supported and relaxed on the table—not like you’re holding a position.

There’s no right way to experience acupuncture. Even if your mind stays active, your body can still benefit from treatment.

You are always in control of your treatment. We can pause, adjust, or stop at any time.

No. You don’t need to believe in acupuncture for your body to respond. Many patients start out unsure and choose acupuncture because they want a practical approach to pain relief, stress, recovery, or overall wellbeing.

No. When appropriate, we may offer simple, realistic suggestions to support your treatment. Recommendations are always optional and designed to fit into real life—not add pressure or stress.

Yes. Many patients come directly from work, school, or caring for family. Treatments are designed to be accessible and comfortable regardless of how your day has looked.

Our practice is intentionally calm and unrushed. Appointments allow time for care, questions, and rest—without feeling like a busy or crowded clinic.

No. While pain is a common reason patients come in, others seek acupuncture for stress, recovery, women’s health, fertility support, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

Yes. Acupuncture can be adapted for younger patients, with treatment approaches adjusted based on age, comfort level, and individual needs.

Yes. Treatments take place on heated tables with soft linens, and additional warmth is available as needed. The environment is intentionally quiet and calming to support relaxation and nervous system regulation.

Our practice is located in a restored Victorian home rather than a traditional medical office. Each treatment room is private and designed to feel calm, warm, and welcoming—many patients say it feels more like entering a home than a clinic.

In the state of New Jersey, licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a Master of Science (MS) degree in Acupuncture. When combined with the required undergraduate education, the total time in school is approximately seven years.

Graduate training includes extensive coursework and supervised clinical experience in acupuncture theory, anatomy, physiology, and hands-on patient care.

In addition, all licensed acupuncturists must:

  • Hold a prior bachelor’s degree
  • Pass national board examinations
  • Pass a New Jersey state licensing exam
  • Complete ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure

Yes. In New Jersey, acupuncturists must meet state education and licensing requirements to legally practice and are regulated healthcare providers.

Yes. Licensed acupuncturists complete a dedicated graduate-level education focused specifically on acupuncture.Other professionals, such as physical therapists and chiropractors, may use needles under their own licenses after completing additional coursework, but they are not required to complete a full acupuncture degree or pass national acupuncture board exams.