Ikjoon Chang

Ikjoon Chang provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Holistic care for eczema, focusing on reducing flare-ups and improving skin barrier function from a TCM perspective.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to treat acne by clearing pathogenic Heat and Damp-Heat from the Lungs and Stomach, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting healthy skin detoxification pathways.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Ikjoon can assess your needs.

• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Ikjoon, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At 101 PHYSIO, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Ikjoon frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and achieved improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities under the care of Ikjoon, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively with renewed vitality and ease.
• With Ikjoon, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably are guided towards improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus again with greater zest.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms? Ikjoon works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps.
• Experiencing wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be draining. Ikjoon utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, so patients can re-engage with having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities feeling revitalized.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Ikjoon, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Ikjoon practices at 101 PHYSIO, situated in the Fletcher's Creek South, Steeles Industrial neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near Brampton South Fletchers Sportsplex and is easily accessible via Brampton Transit, including the Züm BRT. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Patients are strongly advised against self-prescribing Chinese herbs or purchasing them from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on your body to stimulate the flow of Qi. This technique aims to restore balance to your body's energy, which can help with various conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more. Many patients experience a sense of relaxation and relief during and after treatment.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Typically, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners in private clinics are not covered by Ontario’s provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, although many extended health insurance plans offer some coverage. Patients are encouraged to check their individual plans for coverage levels.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that assesses your overall health through techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis. A Registered TCM Practitioner may use acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore balance and promote healing based on individual diagnosis.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body via channels called meridians. Proper flow of Qi is essential for health. Disruptions or blockages in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow along the meridians.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no discomfort upon insertion. Some sensations like a dull ache, warmth, or tingling may occur. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain, inform your practitioner immediately.

101 PHYSIO
2 County Court Blvd
Brampton, ON, L6W 3W8

Phone: (905) 457-2111

Ikjoon Chang is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=597bc309-b976-e611-80c3-005056a97495

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.