At Ray of Sunshine Acupuncture, Emily is passionate about meeting each patient where they are, whether they’re seeking regular wellness “tune-ups” or embarking on a full lifestyle transformation. Her approach is grounded in empathy, clinical skill, and a genuine commitment to individualized care. She strives to create a healing environment where patients feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Emily has had the opportunity to support the healing journey of both of her sons from dairy and mold sensitivities, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) issues. This experience has deepened her passion for working with pediatric patients. Through the use of the N.A.E.T. (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques) method—an approach that requires no needles—along with Boiron homeopathic supplements and targeted detox protocols, Emily is dedicated to helping the next generation achieve vibrant health and the best quality of life possible. Her treatments are gentle, pain-free, and designed to bring healing with plenty of smiles and fun along the way.

Emily DaValle, L.Ac., MSOM, BSN

Emily DaValle is a board-certified acupuncturist with a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her training combined rigorous academic study with extensive clinical experience, where she developed proficiency in both the traditional Zang Fu diagnostic system and Dr. Tan’s Balance Method under her clinical director Doctor David Chow. While working under Dr. Chow Emily completed over 1,200 clinical hours and continues to work in his practice to gain as much knowledge as she can to improve each patient’s story.

Emily’s path to Chinese medicine began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Social Science with an emphasis in Speech Language Pathology. During her internship at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, she worked with patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and stroke-induced aphasia, deepening her understanding of neurological and rehabilitative care.

Her professional journey took a personal turn after she was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, an autoimmune condition that affects the use of the bladder. Through her own healing process—using acupuncture, NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques), nutrition, and other integrative modalities—Emily experienced a transformative remission. This inspired her to pursue a career in East Asian medicine to support others on their healing paths.

Outside of the clinic, Emily comes from a family of first responders who inspire her to live with purpose and gratitude. She finds deep joy in spending time with her husband, two sons, their two dogs, and a flock of backyard chickens. Emily loves playing volleyball, board games, and doing just about anything that gets her outside in nature.

How does Acupuncture work? 

Acupuncture is an ancient medical system originating more than 3000 years ago. This treatment consists of the process of inserting ultra-thin needles, comparable in size to two strands of human hair, into the skin. Generally, the insertion is painless. Once the needles are placed, the body undergoes its own healing processes. The ancient Chinese discovered meridians that circulate Qi (oxygen) and blood in our body. Along these longitudinal lines or meridians are stations of reactive and sensitive sites known as acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point is situated near or on highly reactive nerve bundles. After the needles are inserted into the acupuncture points, a cascade of mechanisms in the body begin by signaling the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) to release anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers,) boosting immunity and increasing blood circulation. Essentially, acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a holistic approach to the treatment of a wide variety of illnesses, from pain to internal disorders.

Often pain relief is experienced within the first treatment while chronic, long standing internal conditions may take five or more treatments to see optimal results. There are NO drugs in the acupuncture needles when providing pain relief. The relief you feel is the body’s natural healing response due to stimulation of the acupuncture points in the nervous system regulating pain and recovery. Each acupuncture point stimulates the nervous system and activates the body’s cellular response, promoting healing and regenerative growth from within.

How often should I come back?

Every individual’s treatment is different, depending on their condition. For acute and excruciating pain we recommend 3-7 sessions until pain is resolved. For long standing chronic pain we recommend at least 2-3 sessions per week for three weeks. Once improvements are noticed and pain has decreased to a low intensity, you may reduce to 1-2 sessions per week as recommended, until symptoms do not reappear or have improved to their maximum recovery potential. For internal conditions we recommend at least 2 sessions per week until symptoms are manageable or do not reappear.

Dosage is the key to obtaining consistent results. Much like taking an Advil or other painkillers, the effects of medication will eventually taper off and another dose will be required for additional relief. Consistent acupuncture treatments will reestablish homeostasis or balance in the body and promote self healing without the side effects of drugs. And once you are feeling your best self I will hug you and send you on your way to live your best life!

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Everything! No, really!

Acupuncture needles have the incredible ability to signal the central nervous system—your brain and spinal cord—to release anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, and endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers). This process also helps boost immunity and increase blood circulation.Because of these powerful effects, the most common symptom any acupuncturist sees is pain—and acupuncture can be an excellent tool in addressing it.

Pain – The number one reason people seek acupuncture. This includes back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arthritis, headaches, migraines, and more.

Depression & Anxiety – Calming the nervous system, regulating mood, and supporting mental health. Working with your primary care doctor to assist in mood regulations while on medications or supporting the patient while the taper off medication. Most patients who are going through a Divorce or are grieving a loved one have experienced great success with acupuncture.  

Insomnia / Sleep Disturbances – Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. PTSD, sleep disturbances and bad dreams. 

Digestive Issues – IBS, bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux. Emily has successfully put her husband’s Crohn’s Disease into remission and he is off all injectables.

Menstrual & Hormonal Imbalances –  From painful periods, irregular cycles, and PMS to perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, acupuncture offers support at every stage. I work with young women—as early as age 13—to help them better understand and regulate their cycles. I also assist women navigating perimenopause and menopause, promoting hormonal balance and empowering them to feel confident and connected to their bodies at every stage of life.

Fertility Support – For both women and men, often in conjunction with other fertility treatments. 

Fatigue / Low Energy – Chronic tiredness, post-illness recovery, adrenal fatigue patterns.

Allergies & Sinus Issues – Seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, chronic rhinitis. Skin conditions, rashes, and other lung conditions. 

Post-Injury or Post-Surgical Recovery – Reducing swelling, restoring mobility, and speeding healing.

Immune Support – Helping the body fight off colds, flu, and chronic immune challenges.

Mens Support- Erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, incontinence. 

What Medical Training Does An Acupuncturist Have?

Acupuncturists in Illinois are required to have a Masters degree in Chinese Medicine/Oriental Medicine/East Asian Medicine based on a curriculum of graduate-level courses in medical theory, acupuncture techniques, anatomy, pharmacology, Chinese herbal medicine, biomedicine, ethics, and safety. The Masters degree program typically takes three to four years full-time. While completing the Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, you will gain an important concentration in the biomedical concepts of nutrition including health-promoting effects of vitamins and minerals. TCM nutrition, additionally, looks at the energetic characteristics of foods, how they are used based on an individual’s constitution, and how food affects Zang Fu syndromes. Before licensure, all acupuncturists in Illinois must complete between 1,000 to 1,700 clinical hours. Once those are completed they can sit for three national board exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM):

1. Foundations of Oriental Medicine (FOM): This exam assesses the candidate’s knowledge of fundamental theories and principles of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. It covers topics such as Yin-Yang theory, Five Elements theory, Qi and Blood, channels and collaterals, and diagnosis according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles.
2. Acupuncture Point Location (ACPL): The ACPL exam evaluates the candidate’s ability to identify and locate acupuncture points on the body. It tests knowledge of the precise location, function, and clinical application of commonly used acupuncture points according to TCM principles.
3. Biomedicine (BIO): The BIO exam focuses on the candidate’s understanding of basic biomedical sciences relevant to acupuncture and Oriental medicine. It covers anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and other biomedical subjects to ensure a solid foundation in Western medical knowledge.

Licensed Acupuncturists must also complete training in Clean Needle Technique to ensure safe and sterile practices when inserting and handling acupuncture needles. It is always a good idea to look up the license of any healthcare practitioner you encounter or trust with your personal health information.

What is Red Light Therapy and how does it work? 

Red Light Therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light—usually in the red and near-infrared spectrum—that gently penetrate the skin and reach your cells. Once absorbed, this light stimulates the mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of your cells) to produce more energy in the form of ATP. With more energy available, your cells can work more efficiently to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This process can improve skin health, ease muscle and joint pain, speed recovery after injury, and even support mood and sleep. Because it’s non-invasive and painless, red light therapy is a safe and natural option for boosting the body’s own ability to heal and feel its best.

The benefits of Acupuncture and Red Light therapy together.

When acupuncture and red light therapy are used together, the benefits can be even greater than either treatment alone. Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to activate the nervous system, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and restore balance in the body’s energy pathways. Red light therapy penetrates the skin to energize cells, speed tissue repair, and calm inflammation at a deeper cellular level. When combined, acupuncture opens the body’s channels and enhances circulation, allowing the healing effects of red light therapy to reach tissues more effectively. This powerful pairing can reduce pain faster, improve recovery from injury, boost immune function, and promote overall well-being—naturally and without downtime.

Red Light Safety

Red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment for people of all ages—from children to adults. It does not produce harmful UV rays and is completely painless. In our clinic, your licensed acupuncturist will determine if red light therapy is appropriate for you, as well as the ideal treatment length and frequency based on your individual needs, age, and health goals. This personalized approach ensures that every session is both safe and effective, supporting your body’s natural healing process.

Benefits of TCM Nutrition 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nutrition works hand-in-hand with acupuncture to support the body’s healing from the inside out. While acupuncture stimulates energy flow, improves circulation, and restores balance, TCM nutrition provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain those results. By recommending foods that match your unique constitution and current imbalances—whether warming, cooling, tonifying, or cleansing—your acupuncturist can help strengthen your digestive system, boost energy, reduce inflammation, and support organ function. When combined, acupuncture and tailored nutrition create a powerful synergy, allowing treatments to be more effective and longer-lasting.

Supplementation/Herbs

Each body is 100% unique, and not everyone needs supplements or herbs alongside their acupuncture treatment. Emily will work directly with you to meet your body’s needs—and your budget—wherever you are. As a mother of two sons, Emily is especially committed to offering supplements and herbs that are clean, safe, and suitable for everyone in the family, from pediatrics to adults.

Exercise and movement in life 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sweat serves an important role in regulating the body’s balance and protecting its health. Sweat is considered to be closely linked to the Lung system, which governs both breathing and the opening and closing of the skin pores.  Emily will work with you to set daily and weekly movement goals designed to support your healing, ensuring you progress at your own optimal pace.The purpose of sweat in TCM includes:

• Releasing toxins and unwanted stagnation: Sweat helps to expel pathogens, heat, and waste from the body, preventing them from causing blockages or pain.
  
• Maintaining the balance of fluids: Sweat is part of the body’s fluid regulation, ensuring that moisture levels stay balanced inside and outside the cells.
  

What is NAET?

NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) is a natural, non-invasive therapy designed to identify and help eliminate allergies and sensitivities. It combines methods from acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and nutrition to balance the body’s energy and retrain the nervous system, reducing allergic reactions without the need for medication. NAET is gentle, painless, and safe, making it especially suitable for children and adults who want a holistic approach to allergy relief.

How is NAET performed? 

NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) uses acupuncture or acupressure to stimulate specific points on the body that correspond to the allergic substance. During a session, the practitioner identifies the allergen through muscle testing and then applies gentle pressure or inserts tiny needles at precise acupuncture points to help “reprogram” the nervous system’s response. This process aims to reduce or eliminate the body’s hypersensitivity to the allergen by balancing the flow of energy (Qi) and calming the immune response. Because the needles used are very fine and the treatment is gentle, it’s typically painless and well-tolerated, especially for children.

How can NAET or Acupuncture help my child? 

Pediatric health is now at the forefront of concern across the United States. Recent studies show that children today are exposed to more than three times the amount of chemicals compared to just 30 years ago. Emily has a deep passion for supporting the development and well-being of children—from babies through young adults. Using the NAET method (with or without needles), combined with detox protocols, targeted supplementation, and movement, she has made it her mission to improve the lives of the little ones. Both of her own sons have faced challenges with digestive health and chronic ear infections, and Emily has successfully helped them overcome mold, yeast, and dairy intolerances through these natural approaches.

Why is NAET important for children?

• Children’s immune systems are still developing and can be highly sensitive to environmental triggers, foods, and chemicals.

• Helps with common pediatric issues such as asthma, eczema, digestive problems, behavioral challenges, and frequent infections, ADHD, sensory overload, bedwetting, chronic ear infections, overuse of antibiotics. 

Why is Acupuncture important for Children:

• Helps regulate the body’s energy flow (Qi) and restore balance. Reduces pain from common issues like headaches, growing pains, and injuries.

• Calms the nervous system, helping with anxiety and behavioral challenges. Boosts the immune system to reduce frequency of illnesses and allergies.

• Supports digestive health and helps with issues like constipation or tummy aches. Bedwetting and sleep disturbances.

Why does the discount matter to me?

Emily comes from a proud lineage of first responders and veterans. Her Papa Ray served as a Master Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War, and her Grandpa Albert served in the Navy before his life was cut short by cancer. Emily’s father dedicated 32 years to the Cook County Police Department. Her stepfather is a retired Deputy Fire Chief, and her husband currently serves as a Division Chief.

Having grown up surrounded by the unique demands of these roles, Emily deeply understands the physical and mental challenges faced by those who stand behind the badge. Her mission is to support these brave men and women by helping to relieve their mental and physical burdens.

Emily also recognizes the vital role that significant others play in supporting first responders and veterans. As both a daughter and a wife, she knows firsthand the weight that families often carry. Her goal is to ease that load—offering support to the families who stand behind the badge, making their journey just a little lighter.

Please contact me today so I can help your family!!!