
Winner of 2008-2009 Lifetime Medical Achievement Award, 40+ experience and one of the leading acupuncturist in MD,DC and VA. With a family tradition rooted in generations of esteemed Chinese medicine doctors. Under the tutelage of his parents, grandparents, and other masters, Houng King began his professional training in China in early childhood. His expertise in traditional Chinese acupuncture as well as his proficiency in formulating customized herbal remedies are powerful tools used to help his patients heal. Houng King holds a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and for over 20 years has had great success in treating chronic or acute pain, fatigue, stress, insomnia, allergies, respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, migraine headaches, sexual disorders, weight management as well as addiction.
Winner of 2008-2009 Lifetime Medical Achievement Award, 40+ experience and one of the leading acupuncturist in MD,DC and VA. With a family tradition rooted in generations of esteemed Chinese medicine doctors. Under the tutelage of his parents, grandparents, and other masters, Houng King began his professional training in China in early childhood. His expertise in traditional Chinese acupuncture as well as his proficiency in formulating customized herbal remedies are powerful tools used to help his patients heal. Houng King holds a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and for over 20 years has had great success in treating chronic or acute pain, fatigue, stress, insomnia, allergies, respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, migraine headaches, sexual disorders, weight management as well as addiction.

Acupuncture can help on the body, mind, and spirit level. I strive to help people who have felt that they have not received the attention or help they have sought elsewhere. My clients range from children to elderly individuals, from those looking to maintain their wellness to those looking to manage a specific situation. I specialize in treating immune conditions, infertility, pregnancy, menstrual issues, pain management, migraines, back pain, allergies, and general overall health and wellness.
Acupuncture can help on the body, mind, and spirit level. I strive to help people who have felt that they have not received the attention or help they have sought elsewhere. My clients range from children to elderly individuals, from those looking to maintain their wellness to those looking to manage a specific situation. I specialize in treating immune conditions, infertility, pregnancy, menstrual issues, pain management, migraines, back pain, allergies, and general overall health and wellness.

I have over 30 years of clinic experience in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and graduated with a master's degree in 1987. I am a member of the third generation of a family of specialists in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TC M ). I have deep expertise for treating common and complicated diseases. We provide personalized acupuncture treatment to help patients to relieve pain and enjoy life. We provide individualized/personalized treatment plan with defined treatment goal, treatment frequency and duration for each patient. We also use combination treatment strategy with multiple approaches to deliver the best possible care.
I have over 30 years of clinic experience in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and graduated with a master's degree in 1987. I am a member of the third generation of a family of specialists in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TC M ). I have deep expertise for treating common and complicated diseases. We provide personalized acupuncture treatment to help patients to relieve pain and enjoy life. We provide individualized/personalized treatment plan with defined treatment goal, treatment frequency and duration for each patient. We also use combination treatment strategy with multiple approaches to deliver the best possible care.

Ellicott Acupuncture Centre is Ellicott City’s premier destination for top quality Acupuncture, Chinese Massage, GuaSha etc. Dr. Ma graduated from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a Bachelor of Medicine degree. She furthered her training at Peking Union Medical College.
Ellicott Acupuncture Centre is Ellicott City’s premier destination for top quality Acupuncture, Chinese Massage, GuaSha etc. Dr. Ma graduated from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a Bachelor of Medicine degree. She furthered her training at Peking Union Medical College.

I combine acupuncture, bodywork, guided body-centered dialogue and breathwork in a process oriented therapy I call TransHealing. I support you in addressing your "symptom" as a guide or messenger bringing to attention a conflict line within you of opposing forces. These forces speak to places within you that are seeking rebalancing. I assist in fine tuning your attention and empowering your own inner healer.
I combine acupuncture, bodywork, guided body-centered dialogue and breathwork in a process oriented therapy I call TransHealing. I support you in addressing your "symptom" as a guide or messenger bringing to attention a conflict line within you of opposing forces. These forces speak to places within you that are seeking rebalancing. I assist in fine tuning your attention and empowering your own inner healer.

I have been practicing medicine since 1986. I practiced and taught medicine in Hunan, China after training in Western and Traditional Chinese medicine for 8 years. I also worked in Chinese Medicine practices in Edmonton and Montreal, Canada and in Maryland. In 1997, I established my current practice. I approach patients' conditions with a comprehensive understanding of both Western and Chinese Medicine, which enables me to provide the most suitable treatment and recommendations, whether the ailment is a 5-week-old girl's colic, a 9-month-old boy's prolonged cough or a 40-year-old woman's recurrent bladder infections.
I have been practicing medicine since 1986. I practiced and taught medicine in Hunan, China after training in Western and Traditional Chinese medicine for 8 years. I also worked in Chinese Medicine practices in Edmonton and Montreal, Canada and in Maryland. In 1997, I established my current practice. I approach patients' conditions with a comprehensive understanding of both Western and Chinese Medicine, which enables me to provide the most suitable treatment and recommendations, whether the ailment is a 5-week-old girl's colic, a 9-month-old boy's prolonged cough or a 40-year-old woman's recurrent bladder infections.

My goal in the treatment room, is to assist in symptom management while empowering my clients to learn more about their bodies and what their symptoms mean. I have had great success treating people on a physical level (pain management, digestive issues, acute illness or injury...etc) as well as the psycho-emotional level (anxiety, depression, "stress"...etc).
My goal in the treatment room, is to assist in symptom management while empowering my clients to learn more about their bodies and what their symptoms mean. I have had great success treating people on a physical level (pain management, digestive issues, acute illness or injury...etc) as well as the psycho-emotional level (anxiety, depression, "stress"...etc).
FAQs - About Acupuncture
How can I find an acupuncturist in Frederick County?
To find an acupuncturist near you, enter your city, town, suburb, ZIP code, or the provider's name into the search bar at the top of the page. You can then filter results by provider specialty, treatment technique or style, and even gender to find an acupuncturist who best matches your needs.
When viewing an acupuncturist’s profile, take note of key details such as session costs, their area of specialty, treatment techniques, and location to determine if they’re a good fit. If a provider seems promising, you can reach out via email or phone using the contact information on their profile. During the conversation, assess your comfort level and their expertise in addressing your specific concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ask about their overall approach to care and confirm any relevant acupuncture credentials they hold.
When viewing an acupuncturist’s profile, take note of key details such as session costs, their area of specialty, treatment techniques, and location to determine if they’re a good fit. If a provider seems promising, you can reach out via email or phone using the contact information on their profile. During the conversation, assess your comfort level and their expertise in addressing your specific concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ask about their overall approach to care and confirm any relevant acupuncture credentials they hold.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, including pain caused by physical injuries, arthritis, or migraines. It may also help with autoimmune conditions, nausea, digestive issues, and behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, acupuncture is based on the belief that illness results from an imbalance in the body’s energy, or “Qi.” Practitioners aim to restore the balance and flow of Qi by stimulating specific acupuncture points throughout the body, which is thought to alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with these conditions.
Acupuncture is typically used alongside medical treatment rather than as a replacement. It is important to note that acupuncture practitioners are not trained to diagnose or medically manage conditions, so it should not substitute regular care from a licensed medical provider.
Acupuncture is typically used alongside medical treatment rather than as a replacement. It is important to note that acupuncture practitioners are not trained to diagnose or medically manage conditions, so it should not substitute regular care from a licensed medical provider.
Is a licensed acupuncturist a doctor?
No, acupuncturists are not medical doctors. To practice acupuncture, there is typically less training needed than that required for medical doctors. Acupuncture practitioners typically need to complete a master’s-level training program and meet a minimum requirement for clinical exposure before obtaining a license. However, licensing requirements vary by state. While most states have established minimum standards, some, such as Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, do not offer licensure for acupuncturists. In these states, there are no formal education or training requirements to practice acupuncture. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) oversees acupuncture training and certification. This organization administers the national certification exam, which is required in many states to obtain a state-issued acupuncture license.
How many acupuncture sessions are generally needed?
Acupuncture is typically a time-limited treatment lasting 3 to 6 weeks, with sessions occurring 1 to 2 times per week. However, the duration and frequency of treatment may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the nature of the condition or injury being treated. Acupuncturists should regularly assess their clients' progress, monitoring changes in symptoms and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary. After completing the initial course of treatment, some practitioners may recommend periodic "tune-up" sessions to help maintain symptom relief and longer-term well-being.
How much does it cost to see an acupuncturist?
The cost of acupuncture sessions typically ranges from $75 to $150 per session, depending on factors such as location, the provider’s experience, and the type of service offered. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of these costs, so it’s worth checking your specific coverage details. Additionally, some acupuncturists offer session packages or discounts for clients who commit to multiple sessions upfront, providing a more cost-effective option for those seeking ongoing treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies depending on the client’s insurance provider and specific plan. In many cases, insurance will cover a limited number of acupuncture sessions if the client has a referral from a medical doctor. The growing focus on non-opioid treatments for chronic pain has increased interest in acupuncture and led to improved insurance coverage in some plans. However, coverage often comes with conditions, such as copayments, limits on the number of sessions, or restrictions on the types of conditions eligible for treatment. For example, Medicare Part B generally covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. Clients should review their insurance policy to understand the extent and specifics of their plan's coverage of acupuncture treatments.