Li Ma – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Li Ma is a dedicated Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Healthproma TCM & Acupuncture in Surrey, BC, Dr. Ma 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.

Dr. Ma's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Dr. Ma serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring treatments to individual needs and promoting holistic health.

Dr. Li Ma completed their DRTCM. With clinical training and experience, Dr. Ma is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. Dr. Ma has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); emphasizing preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Dr. Ma offers consultations in English.

Dr. Li Ma provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

Respiratory & Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

Pain & Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.

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. Dr. Ma can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.

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

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Doctor of TCMs in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

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

• Experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities can be draining. Dr. Ma utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, so patients can re-engage with having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions feeling revitalized.
• The path to overcoming irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms and achieving enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures is often clearer with TCM. Dr. Ma guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with improved health.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Ma to witness patients find relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions 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 attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout again.
• When skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Dr. Ma can help you work towards clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.

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

Dr. Ma's practice at Healthproma TCM & Acupuncture is situated in the Fleetwood, Guildford East neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Surrey and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The location offers a peaceful environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making it easy and convenient for patients to visit.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so patients are advised to check with their insurance providers for specific details.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Doctor of TCM in BC?

In BC, patients can typically see a Doctor of TCM, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your specific insurance policy before your appointment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly through the body’s network of meridians, health is maintained. Meridians are like channels or rivers that carry Qi and Blood, connecting different organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote healing and balance.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Doctor of TCM, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi. This process helps restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve digestion, and support overall well-being. Many patients experience relief from conditions such as headaches, musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and more, by activating the body's innate healing mechanisms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation during insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which are signs that the treatment is effective. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use only sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Doctor of TCM help?

TCM is a comprehensive medical system with thousands of years of history, encompassing therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Doctor of TCM uses these modalities to identify and correct underlying imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony within the body, promote healing, and improve long-term health and vitality.

Healthproma TCM & Acupuncture
15665 81 Ave
Surrey, BC, V4N 0X6

Phone: (778) 712-2999

Dr. Li Ma 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.