Description
About Joseph
Ki Young Chang is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Integrated Functional health in Surrey, BC, Joseph is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
Joseph's role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His approach focuses on utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Care is provided to patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive support across the lifespan.
Ki Young Chang completed their RAC. With clinical training and experience, Ki Young Chang is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. Ki Young Chang has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition; and a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Joseph offers consultations in English.
Common Health Concerns Ki Young Chang Addresses with TCM
Ki Young 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.
- Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.
- Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
- 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.
Womens Health Gynecological
- Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Addressing underlying TCM imbalances that may affect fertility in any gender, such as Kidney essence deficiency, Blood stasis, Qi stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, or Damp-Heat affecting the reproductive system.
- Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
Respiratory Allergy Immune
- Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).
- 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.
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. Joseph can assess your needs.
Ki Young Chang's Acupuncture & TCM Services
- Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
- Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Joseph, 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 BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Acupuncture & TCM
At Integrated Functional health, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Joseph frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Joseph believes in a partnership with patients. When pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, enabling a more active lifestyle including managing their personal care routines independently.
- Experiencing seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable can be draining. Joseph utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, so patients can re-engage with playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain feeling revitalized.
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that nagging back pain that just won't go away? Joseph works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume weightlifting routines at the gym safely.
- Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery, Joseph crafts treatments to achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, supporting a return to activities like enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering with comfort and confidence.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Joseph, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Joseph’s practice is situated at Integrated Functional health, located in the Fleetwood area within the Guildford East neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the Langley Border and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Parking options are typically available nearby for patients’ convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture & TCM in Surrey
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for treatments rendered by registered practitioners. Insurance coverage varies widely, so patients should verify their individual plan details.
- 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 extensively in herbal pharmacology, including quality control, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for certain health conditions or during pregnancy. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal therapy. Patients are advised against self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable herbal suppliers who perform quality testing are typically used by R.TCMPs.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?
- In BC, patients can generally access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies to confirm specific requirements.
- What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?
- These are adjunctive therapies commonly used in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Moxibustion entails burning an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood, often used for cold or pain conditions. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain, tension, and promote overall well-being. Your practitioner will advise whether these therapies are suitable for your condition.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) along meridians. This process helps restore balance, promote healing, and alleviate conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, and menstrual problems. Many patients experience relaxation and relief during and after treatment, with safety assured when performed by a licensed practitioner.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- TCM is a holistic system based on ancient principles that view health as a balance of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis, then creates a tailored treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore harmony and support your body's natural healing capacity.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, generally causing minimal discomfort—often just a tiny prick. Some people may feel sensations like warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement. The needles are safe when inserted by a licensed practitioner who follows strict hygiene protocols. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy that circulates through the body via pathways called meridians. These channels connect organs and tissues, maintaining balance and health. Acupuncture points along the meridians serve as access points to influence Qi flow, helping to correct imbalances and promote overall wellness.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Integrated Functional health
#202-6820 188street
Surrey, BC, V4N 3G6
Phone: (778) 571-8569
Ki Young Chang is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member of The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
Registration can typically be verified with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
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.