Manhattan, NYC
Meet Our Licensed Acupuncturists
Expert practitioners dedicated to your wellness journey through traditional Chinese medicine.
In short
Delight Acupuncture is staffed by two New York licensed acupuncturists. Dr. Xaoling Shang, L.Ac. (DCAM, MSPT, MSTOM) has over 15 years in traditional Chinese medicine and specialises in Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture, women's health and chronic pain. Dr. Yu Qi, L.Ac. (MSTOM) has 7 years of acupuncture practice and over a decade in massage therapy.
Clinic facts
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 23 Google reviews
- Experience
- 15+ years · 2 licensed L.Ac.
- First visit
- 75 minutes
- Follow-up
- 45–60 minutes
- Address
- 408 West 57th Street, Suite 1K, New York, NY 10019
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–7pm · Sat 9am–5pm
- Phone
- (212) 265-2052 · text (347) 875-2805
- Languages
- English · 中文
What a licensed acupuncturist actually is
In New York, the L.Ac. credential means a multi-year master's degree in Oriental medicine plus state licensure specifically for acupuncture. That is a different qualification from dry needling, which is a narrower trigger-point technique practised by some other professions without the diagnostic framework of Chinese medicine behind it. NCCIH's standing advice for any manual or needling therapy is the same: check that your practitioner is licensed in your state, and tell them about every medical condition you have.
How treatment is shared between them
Dr. Shang leads cosmetic acupuncture, fertility and women's health, and the more complex chronic pain cases. Dr. Yu works across pain, sports recovery and bodywork, where a decade of massage practice means she can often open an area by hand before needling reaches it.
For most conditions either can treat you. When a case fits one of them clearly better, we say so and book accordingly rather than letting the schedule decide.
How do you choose an acupuncturist in NYC?
Four checks worth making before you book anywhere, ours included.
- Confirm the L.Ac. licence is current with New York State. NCCIH's standing advice is to verify state licensure for any needling or manual therapy.
- Ask how many visits they expect before reassessing, and be wary of anyone selling a 12-session package before examining you.
- Ask what they will do if acupuncture turns out not to help — a good answer names a referral, not another package.
- Tell them every medication and supplement you take, especially if herbs may be prescribed.
In the Treatment Room
Credentials at a Glance
| Practitioner | Credentials | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Xaoling Shang, L.Ac. | DCAM, MSPT, MSTOM — 15+ years in traditional Chinese medicine | Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture, women's health, chronic pain |
| Dr. Yu Qi, L.Ac. | MSTOM — 7 years of acupuncture, 10+ years of massage therapy | Pain, sports recovery, tui na and bodywork |
| Training | Pacific College of Oriental Medicine; ShanDong TCM University; NY College of Health Professions | Both licensed by New York State |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a specific practitioner?
Yes — say so when you book. For Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture and fertility work you will see Dr. Shang; for sports recovery and hands-on bodywork Dr. Yu is often the better fit.
What is the difference between an L.Ac. and dry needling?
A New York L.Ac. completes a multi-year master's programme in Oriental medicine and is licensed by the state for acupuncture specifically. Dry needling is a narrower trigger-point technique used by some other professions, without the Chinese medicine diagnostic framework behind it.
Do both practitioners speak Chinese?
Yes. Both work in English and Mandarin. Mention your preferred language when booking and we will schedule accordingly.
How many years of experience do your acupuncturists have?
Dr. Xaoling Shang has over 15 years in traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Yu Qi has 7 years of acupuncture practice plus more than a decade in massage therapy. Both are licensed by New York State.
Which practitioner should I see for cosmetic acupuncture?
Dr. Shang, who runs the Mei Zen protocol — a 10-session course over 5 weeks. Say so when you book and we will schedule the whole course with her.
Research & references
Every clinical statement on this page traces back to one of these sources. They are U.S. federal health agencies and academic medical centers — not our own marketing.
NCCIH — Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety
Acupuncture has been in use for at least 2,500 years and, per WHO data, is practiced in 103 of 129 reporting countries. A pooled analysis of 20 studies (6,376 participants) found the benefit persisted for a year after treatment ended for every pain condition studied except neck pain.
NCCIH — 6 Things To Know About Massage Therapy
Practical safety guidance: tell your massage therapist about any medical conditions, and check that your practitioner is licensed in your state.
NCCIH — Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
Studies suggest acupuncture stimulates the release of the body's natural painkillers and affects brain areas involved in processing pain; results suggest it may help chronic low-back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Citations are summarized — please read the originals. This page is general health education, not medical advice for your specific case. Results vary, and acupuncture and Chinese medicine work best alongside, not instead of, care from your physician.
What Our Patients Say
5.0 · 23 Google reviews5.0 average across 23 verified Google reviews. Shown exactly as written.
★★★★★Amazing! After first acupuncture visit — major improvement. Added cupping and massage — results were immediate and I felt great relief from past pains. Thank you Dr. Shang.
★★★★★Highly recommended! Dr. Shang is a very skilled acupuncturist and I enjoy the treatment every time when I come here.
★★★★★Best acupuncture clinic in town! Dr. Shang is very professional and nice to everyone. I'm coming here regularly and feeling much better now!
★★★★★Dr Shang is the best acupuncturist in Manhattan NYC.
★★★★★First time here but very good experience. She help my pain and also cosmetic. Will come again.
★★★★★I am Dr. Shang customer many years. She very good for muscle pain and cosmetic acupuncture. Feel much better every time.
Dr. Xaoling Shang
DCAM, MSPT, MSTOM, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Dr. Shang has over 15 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine and is specialized in cosmetic acupuncture (Meizen), women's health, and chronic pain syndromes. She values communication with her patients and creates effective treatment plans according to each patient's needs and conditions.
Education
- • Pacific College of Oriental Medicine - Master's in Traditional Oriental Medicine
- • ShanDong Traditional Chinese Medicine University - Bachelor's Degree
Specialties
- • Cosmetic acupuncture (Meizen)
- • Women's health & hormone balance
- • Chronic pain syndromes
- • Skin conditions & allergies
- • Depression & sleep disorders
Dr. Yu Qi
MSTOM, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist
Dr. Yu is a New York State licensed and national board-certified acupuncturist and massage therapist with 7 years of acupuncture experience and over a decade in massage therapy. He combines oriental medicine with various massage therapy methods to provide comprehensive treatment.
Education
- • Pacific College of Oriental Medicine - Master's in Traditional Oriental Medicine
- • New York College of Health Professions - Bachelor's in Health Sciences
- • Brooklyn Institute of Massage Therapy - Massage Therapy Diploma
Specialties
- • Acute and chronic pain management
- • Tennis elbow, sciatica, frozen shoulder
- • Migraine headaches & facial paralysis
- • Stress reduction & insomnia treatment
- • Smoking cessation & menopause syndrome
Important Notice
No pregnant patients. Please consult with your healthcare provider before scheduling treatment.
Ready to Work with Our Team?
Book a consultation and let our practitioners design a treatment plan tailored to you.