Longju Ma – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Woodbridge, ON

Longju Ma is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at EESHA HEALTH CENTER in Woodbridge, ON, she 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.

Longju's role as a TCM practitioner 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 overall wellness support. Her care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with compassion and personalized attention.

Having completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2017), Longju has accumulated over 7 years of dedicated practice. She is passionate about continuous professional development and upholds the highest standards in her practice, with particular interests in TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, a holistic view of health, and a focus on preventative care and patient education. She offers consultations in English, Mandarin, and Urdu to accommodate diverse patient needs.

Longju Ma 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): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• 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.
• 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.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• 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.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Safe and gentle acupuncture and specific TCM therapies to support a healthy pregnancy (e.g., alleviating morning sickness, back pain, fatigue), prepare the body for labor (e.g., cervical ripening, encouraging optimal fetal position, breech presentation turning with moxibustion), and promote optimal recovery during the postpartum period (e.g., restoring energy, supporting lactation, addressing 'baby blues' or postpartum depression, healing perineal trauma).
• 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.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.

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. Longju can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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 Longju, 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 EESHA HEALTH CENTER, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Longju frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach is preventing you from fully enjoying keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them, Longju offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• For those whose feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings has made working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus seem difficult, Longju's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus with greater comfort.
• If brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory is affecting your ability to participate in participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation, Longju's TCM approach aims for experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, helping you to regain your stride.
• Longju frequently assists patients in overcoming frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.

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

Longju practices at EESHA HEALTH CENTER, located in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Woodbridge neighborhood of Woodbridge. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into daily routines. Accessibility via local public transit routes is excellent, ensuring that patients from various parts of the area can reach her practice with ease. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for those arriving by car.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access regulations. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Before your acupuncture session, it is recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior, avoiding 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 and alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest for a few hours, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and monitor how you feel. Many people experience a sense of relaxation or mild fatigue, while others may feel energized. Report any significant changes to your 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 extensively trained in herbal pharmacology, quality assessment, and potential herb-drug interactions. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions, including pregnancy. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Your practitioner will select herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage, so it is advisable to review your individual policy to understand your benefits and reimbursement options.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a mild pinch or dull ache, which indicates Qi stimulation. Many patients relax deeply and may even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners follow strict safety protocols, using sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it should be reported immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body’s channels, known as **meridians**. These meridians are like interconnected rivers that carry Qi and Blood, nourishing organs and tissues. When Qi flows freely and harmoniously, health is maintained. Blockages, deficiencies, or excess in these meridians can lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore balanced Qi flow within the meridians.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance through tongue and pulse diagnosis, and provides individualized treatments to restore harmony and promote healing. TCM considers the body as an interconnected system, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health in tandem.

EESHA HEALTH CENTER
2 DAVIDSON DR
Woodbridge, ON, L4L 1M1

Phone: (647) 534-5106

Longju 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=477b5841-548a-e611-80ca-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.