Joung Ki Kim – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Newmarket, ON

Joung Ki Kim is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at K & P Clinic in Newmarket, ON, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Joung's role involves delivering skilled acupuncture treatments for a broad spectrum of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. His approach emphasizes stimulating the body's innate healing abilities and restoring energetic harmony in accordance with TCM principles. Joung serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with compassion and a holistic mindset.

He completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013), and has accumulated over 11 years of dedicated practice since then. Joung is committed to continuous professional development, with special interest and further training in TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy centers on individualized treatment plans based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, prioritizing addressing root causes (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms. Joung offers consultations in English and Korean.

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage symptoms associated with PCOS (e.g., irregular or absent menses, acne, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance) and endometriosis (e.g., pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, infertility) by regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, invigorating Blood circulation, and resolving Phlegm-Damp or Blood Stasis.
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Nourishing Qi, Blood, and Essence, strengthening the Kidney and Spleen organ systems, and ensuring smooth Qi flow to support the mother and baby throughout the entire perinatal journey.
• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Natural, non-hormonal relief from uncomfortable menopausal changes, helping to restore vitality, improve sleep, stabilize mood, and support overall well-being during this significant life stage.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.

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. Joung can assess your needs.

• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Joung, 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 K & P Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Joung frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that TCM with Joung not only helps with fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy but also brings about a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• The journey to a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications when faced with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can be supported by Joung's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.
• The path to overcoming skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives and achieving a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections is often clearer with TCM. Joung guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery with improved health.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Joung, common concerns like wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, helping people to once again enjoy traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.

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

Joung practices at K & P Clinic, situated in the Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic provides a peaceful environment for healing, and metered and paid parking lots are typically available nearby, making your visit convenient and stress-free.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it's good to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it's best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even a bit tired, while others feel energized. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or well-being and report them to your Registered TCM Practitioner at your next visit.

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), 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 your practitioner of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once inserted, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

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

In Ontario, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for services from registered practitioners, so it is advisable to check your individual policy for specific benefits and coverage levels.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient Chinese principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health and identifies patterns of imbalance using techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to restore balance and promote healing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that circulates throughout the body. It is responsible for movement, warmth, and defense against illness. Meridians are channels through which Qi and Blood flow, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior. Acupuncture points along these meridians can be stimulated to restore harmony and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate Qi flow along meridians. It helps to alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support the body's natural healing processes, promoting overall well-being.

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 check your insurance policy to confirm.

K & P Clinic
122 lowe blvd
Newmarket, ON, l3y 5t2

Phone: (647) 983-2684

Joung Ki Kim 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=e178c309-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.