Mark Ma

Mark's practice at Acupuncture One is situated in a central Scarborough neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The location is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes and is situated near community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to visit. The clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing, with parking options typically available for patients seeking convenient access to their appointments.

• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.

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

• Mark frequently assists patients in overcoming uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections, Mark helps patients work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, facilitating a return to cherished activities like traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Many find that TCM with Mark not only helps with heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals but also brings about significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• It's rewarding for Mark to witness patients find relief from feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality and experience an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) again.

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

Mark's practice at Acupuncture One is situated in a central Scarborough neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The location is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes and is situated near community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to visit. The clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing, with parking options typically available for patients seeking convenient access to their appointments.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without needing a physician's referral, as part of direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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) with 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 your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources can pose risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner aims to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing root causes of health issues to promote harmony and long-term wellness.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for these services. Patients are encouraged to review their individual insurance policies for details.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that animates the body. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or imbalances in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore proper Qi flow within these meridians to promote health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Most patients experience a relaxing sensation such as warmth or tingling, indicating Qi movement. Registered practitioners prioritize safety and use only disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

Acupuncture One
212-2425 Eglinton Ave East
Scarborough, ON, M1K 5G8

Phone: (647) 874-6900

Mark Ma 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=d4b1472f-c076-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.