Empathy and Expertise at Every Visit
Our beginning
Needle & Nourish
Emily Ray Brown and Monica McGrow met at Won Institute of Graduate Studies in 2021. As they continued through the program, their knowledge of and passion for traditional Chinese medicine grew, as well as their friendship. Paths that crossed soon began to intertwine, and as the 2 began to dream about increasing acupuncture awareness and education within their communities; providing patient-centered care that needs the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their communities; expanding treatment options that accommodate a variety of schedules and financial backgrounds; collaborating with other health professionals to support patient health; and cultivating a space for their own growth as practitioners, it was only natural they went into business together. Over time, dreams turned into conversations; conversations turned into plans; and plans turned into Needle and Nourish.
Our team
Monica McGrow L.Ac
Monica’s journey in helping others began with a deep passion for education. After earning her master’s degree and certifications in both elementary and special education, she spent ten years teaching in public schools. Over time, however, she became increasingly aware of the toll that stress was taking on those around her—family, friends, and colleagues. Witnessing its impact on both mind and body, she felt compelled to do more.
That’s when she discovered acupuncture. Drawn to its remarkable ability to help the body manage stress and restore balance, she decided to shift her focus and expand the ways she could support others. She enrolled at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, where she earned her master’s degree in acupuncture in August 2024.
During her time at Won, she interned at the Student Acupuncture Clinic and the Tui Na Manual Therapy Clinic. She also provided community care at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center and the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia—experiences that deepened her appreciation for acupuncture’s role in promoting overall wellness. Additionally, she pursued her NADA detoxification specialist through training at the New York Harm Reduction Clinic, further expanding her ability to serve those in need. As a Won Student Ambassador, she enjoyed sharing her passion by engaging with prospective students, patients, and the broader community.
Today, she practices in the Philadelphia suburbs, where she uses acupuncture, electrostimulation, cupping, tuina, moxibustion, and guasha to help patients relieve pain, reduce stress, and restore energy. While she treats a variety of conditions, she has a special interest in musculoskeletal disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression. She is also a proud member of the Association for Professional Acupuncture in Pennsylvania, the Young Acupuncturist Association of America, and Acupuncturists Without Borders.
At the heart of her practice is a deep commitment to helping people feel their best—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She takes great pride in accompanying her patients throughout their healing journeys, offering compassionate, holistic care every step of the way.
Acupuncturist
Emily A. Ray Brown, L.Ac
Emily A. Ray Brown is a licensed acupuncturist and a passionate advocate for holistic healing. She earned her Master’s degree from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies in 2024, where she spent over a year serving the Warminster community through the Won Student Clinic.
Before transitioning to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Emily spent 14 years working in a family-run pharmacy—six of those years as a pharmacy technician. There, she gained firsthand experience navigating the complexities of insurance systems and coordinating with Western medical providers. However, the repeated visits from patients facing chronic issues sparked a concern: Was there another way to truly help people heal? This question stayed with her.
During the pandemic, Emily used the pause as a time for reflection and found herself drawn back to acupuncture — its rich history, its philosophy, and its promise of whole-body wellness. Inspired and with a renewed sense of purpose, she committed to a new path rooted in ancient wisdom and modern practice.
Emily is especially passionate about supporting patients with disconnected from their bodies, whether a physical or emotional distance.
Alongside her friend and business partner, Monica McGrow, Emily is honored to walk alongside her patients as part of their broader medical care team — offering presence, partnership, and a path toward lasting healing.
Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Wilkes University 2013; master’s degree from Won Institute of Graduate Studies 2024; Member of American Society of Acupuncturists; PDA Certified in Advanced Battlefield Acupuncture; Member of the Won Herb Club; CPR Certified: Doctor of Oriental Medicine from Won Institute 2025.
ACUPUNCTURIST