Meet the Team – Acupuncture in Montgomery, MD

Mary Hong Ji Ma

Acupuncturist, LA.c

Mary Hong Ji Ma is a second-generation acupuncturist, deeply rooted in her family’s tradition of healing. Born into a lineage of practitioners, she inherited a passion for holistic health and the art of acupuncture. Since 1999 she has been a licensed acupuncturist in Maryland, where she has dedicated herself to helping others find balance and wellness through this ancient arts. Before settling in this country, she practiced Acupuncture for 10 years in hospitals in China as an OMD.

With three decades of experience, she has mastered the intricate techniques passed down through generations. She taught Acupressure classes at Mercy Hospital in Ohio in 1996 and has given Acupuncture seminars at Shady Grove Hospital for continuing education to other health providers. She was recognized by Montclair’s “Who Is Who” as the best Acupuncturist in the region in 2008. She was featured on “Montgomery Matters” episode 7, which aired in 2011. 11 years later, she was featured again on County Cable Montgomery in 2022. She was awarded Top Acupuncturist Maryland in 2017 and 2018. She was interviewed by Council member Sidney Katz and had a Zoom Q and A at Sidney’s Community Conversation in 2022. She was awarded as an advancing leader of “Asian American And Pacific Islander” of Montgomery County in 2023. (picture link)

She has helped thousands of patients in this area with their pains and various health issues. Many patients travel from out of state to seek care from her.

Besides treating pains, she is specialized in treating:
Respiratory issues: asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, allergy.
Neurological issues: stroke, bell’s palsy, neuropathy.
GI issues: indigestion, Acid reflux, IBS, bloody stool.
Women’s health issues: menstrual pain and irregular menstruation, menopause syndromes, pregnancy nausea and vomiting, labor induction and easy labor, infertility, and IVF assistance.

Shen Zhang

Acupuncturist LA.c

Shen Zhang is a third-generation acupuncturist continuing her family’s long-standing tradition of Chinese medicine. She holds both a Master of Science in Acupuncture and a Doctoral degree in Acupuncture from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM).

Shen’s passion for traditional Chinese medicine began in childhood. Influenced by her grandparents and aunt, she developed a deep appreciation for classical medical texts and holistic healing. She believes that prevention is more important than treatment and is highly skilled in tongue diagnosis—one of the foundational diagnostic techniques of traditional Chinese medicine.

Shen views the body as an interconnected system, where physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances can lead to illness. Her patient-centered approach focuses on restoring harmony to the mind and body, while emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, especially nutrition and sleep. Shen has helped many patients successfully navigate complex medical conditions. She is committed to guiding each person toward better health, deeper balance, and a higher
quality of life.

She specializes in the following:

• Pain Management: lower back pain, disc herniation, sciatica,
  migraines, chronic headaches.
• Neurological Conditions: stroke recovery, Bell’s palsy,
  neuropathy.
• Digestive Health: indigestion, acid reflux, IBS.
• Women’s Health: menstrual pain, irregular cycles, menopause
  symptoms, pregnancy-related nausea/vomiting, labor support, infertility.
• Additional Focus Areas: weight management, acne.

Sungcheol Woo

Acupuncturist, LA.c

Sungcheol Woo is a Maryland Board–certified acupuncturist dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. His journey in the healing arts began in 2016 and led him to earn a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and Herbal Medicine from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. With advanced training in both acupuncture and herbal therapeutics, he offers a truly integrative approach designed to support whole-body health.

Known for his gentle technique, patience, and attentive listening, he creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for. He thoughtfully designs personalized treatment plans that reflect each individual’s unique needs, delivering effective and timely results for both physical and emotional health. His clinical philosophy centers on restoring balance, enhancing function, and empowering patients to reach their highest state of well-being. He was honored with the America’s Best Doctors in Acupuncture award in 2025, recognizing his excellence in clinical care and his strong ability to communicate with and understand his patients.

Sungcheol utilizes MSAT, or Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment, to provide relief and improve functionality in musculoskeletal conditions. MSAT is a therapeutic technique that combines acupuncture with active or passive movement from the patient. It involves inserting acupuncture needles into specific points and then guiding the patient to move the affected area to enhance the effects of the treatment. This method is used for conditions like low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and whiplash, aiming to reduce pain and improve functionality.

David Eui Sop Kum

Acupuncturist, LA.c

David Eui Sop Kum is a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Maryland, dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting wellness through holistic, evidence-informed care. With hands-on clinical experience, he integrates strong technical skill with a warm, patient-centered approach. His care is rooted in traditional East Asian medical principles while staying aligned with modern evidence and best practices—always aiming for treatment that is thoughtful, compassionate, and effective.

He began his professional journey in California, where he first obtained his acupuncture license. In 2021, he relocated to Maryland to broaden his practice and serve a more diverse patient community. David holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from the Golden State University School of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine in Downey, California, and has completed his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine.

David utilizes modalities such as dry needling and acupotomy (knife acupuncture) to provide relief for musculoskeletal pain. Knife acupuncture is a micro-invasive technique that uses a fine, blade-shaped needle to release tight fascia, break down soft-tissue adhesions, and reduce chronic pain. It blends traditional acupuncture theory with modern minimally invasive soft-tissue techniques, offering targeted relief for stubborn musculoskeletal conditions.

Xin Ma

Acupuncturist, LA.c

She is the 3rd generation acupuncturist in the family tradition. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology from the University of Maryland with honors of Cum Laude. She then served in UMBC’s research lab for 2 years under Dr. Jeffrey Leips Ph.D and focused on identifying the genes that influence the age-related changes in traits that directly affect fitness, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Xin Ma then obtained a master’s degree of Acupuncture at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, and has Immunology certification from Harvard Medical School HMX program. Currently completing biochemistry certification.

She has completed over 1000 hours of community service serving in places such as Shady Grove Hospital, K.E.E.Ns of Greater Dc, Victim’s Rights Foundation and has traveled to under-privileged countries for disaster relief. She is dedicated to serve the under privileged population and won’t turn any patient away due to financial difficulties. To receive any financial waivers, you must bring your updated tax form to show proof of income, and only Xin Ma offers financial waivers. On her past-time, Xin Ma likes to play and compose music. She was the youngest teacher to ever to be accepted into Montgomery County Class Piano Teacher’s Association where she taught piano at Dufief Elementary School. She won numerous awards and accolades and scored the lead pianist position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 2002. “Having been classically trained in music really helps me to treat patients. I “listen” and try to find the exact points of harmony and disharmony”.

Xin Ma’s techniques can be gentle but effective. She’s the best choice in dealing with musculo-skeletal issues such as pain and stiffness in cervical, lumbar, bilateral trapezius and etc. She is specializing in neurological problems such as Peripheral Neuropathy, Sciatica and Bell’s Palsy.

Dai Chen

O.M.D (retired)

Dr. Dai Chen, OMD (China) is traditionally trained in China and has been practicing oriental medicine and acupuncture for over 50 years. She practices TCM and is extremely skilled at paralysis recovery namely with stroke and bell’s palsy. She has coached and trained many practitioners under her supervision in China. She owned a private clinic in China and saw over 100 patients per day. She also set up impromptu street acupuncture to serve the underprivileged and often travels miles by bicycle to visit paralysis patients that cannot travel to her clinic. Over the years, she has passed a great deal of knowledge to her daughter and granddaughter. In 1996, she was invited to the International Oriental Medicine convention in Los Angeles in which she received the golden award for her achievements. Throughout her life, she has won numerous awards and accolades for her contribution to the society. Dr. Chen is now retired and currently is overseas in China; but she often visits and serves as a medical adviser at our center. She also loves Ballroom dancing and regularly participates in dancing events!

Hilal Carter

Physical Therapist, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, CMTPT/DN

Hilal Carter attended SUNY Brockport to complete his undergraduate degree in exercise physiology. From there he moved to the U.K. for three years and obtained a bachelors in Physiotherapy with Honors. Following this he began to work fulltime in a clinic in upstate NY focusing on disabilities, adaptive equipment and congenital conditions. After this he switched his focus to outpatient orthopedics and moved to the DMV area. While working he completed his doctorate degree from the University of Michigan in Physical Therapy. His continuing education has resulted in several certifications; The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling, with ongoing continuing education in post-operative rehabilitation following total joint replacements and myofascial decompression. Dr. Carter enjoys taking a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients and focuses on patient education of their condition to promote self management of varying conditions.

Treatment Specialities/Interests:
Prehabilitation (therapy prior to surgery)
Post operative hip and knee replacements
Balance and falls prevention in the elderly
Myofascial and chronic pain syndromes focusing on pain education