Meet the Team – Acupuncture in Montgomery, MD
Mary Hong Ji
Acupuncturist, LA.c
Mary Hong Ji is NCCAM certified, Maryland Board of Acupuncture certified, licensed, and insured Acupuncturist since 1999. She was an OMD (Oriental Medical Doctor) who practiced Acupuncture for over ten years in China before she came to this country. She is the 2nd generation of oriental medical providers in the family who practice TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
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)
Mary Hong Ji 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.
Shelly Zhang
Office Manager
Shelly is the Office Manager. She has been working here since 2018. She is a Billing expert. If you have any insurance questions, she can answer them for you.
She has her bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Business Management. Influenced by her Aunt, Mary Hong Ji, she has changed her career. She is currently studying at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine for her Master’s degree in Oriental medicine. From her clinic internship and her family, she has learned a lot about Tongue Diagnosis. By looking at your tongue, she can tell you your health conditions. Do not brush your tongue 1-2 days before your appointment, if you want her to read your tongue.
She will finish her schooling in the spring of 2024. Then she will be another 3rd generation in the family who practice Oriental Medicine.
Xin Stacey Ma
Acupuncturist, LA.c
(No Longer Accepting New Patients)
Stacey 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. Stacey 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 Stacey offers financial waivers. On her past-time, Stacey 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”.
Stacey’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.
Howard Yao
Acupuncturist
Howard Yao’s passion for Chinese Medicine began at a young age. He earned admission to the renowned Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999 and underwent seven years of rigorous training. Following graduation, he gained extensive experience as a Chinese Medicine doctor in hospitals in China.
As an NCCAOM-certified licensed and insured acupuncturist in Maryland and Pennsylvania, Howard Yao is committed to staying up-to-date with acupuncture knowledge to offer safe and effective treatments. With a deep appreciation for both traditional and modern TCM practices, he has a specific focus on pain management, men’s health, and weight loss.
Howard Yao firmly believes in the principle that “To cure a disease, one must seek its root cause.” He emphasizes that it is only by understanding the root cause of our health issues that we can regain balance in our physical and mental well-being, as well as our relationships with nature and society. He believes in addressing the underlying issues to achieve lasting health improvements rather than just treating the symptoms.
With expertise in pain management: cervical spondylosis, stiff neck, migraine and headache, TMJ, frozen shoulder, shoulder bursitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, arthritis of the knee, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, piriformis syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
He also treats Circulation issues: High blood pressure and Raynaud’s Syndrome.
Metabolic concerns: overweight and obesity. Men’s health issues: erectile disorder, premature ejaculation, prostatic hypertrophy, and male infertility.
Hanna Lee
Acupuncturist
Hanna Lee is a Virginia and Maryland State Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese and Western Integrative Medicine from Henan University of Chinese Medicine in China. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) from Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM) in Virginia.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine that is a form of healing that considers the whole person-body, emotions, and spirit for wellness. She believes diseases come from physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances in people’s lives, and she takes a holistic approach to her patient’s care. Her goal is to help patients improve their general health and well-being by restoring their minds and bodies.
She specializes in pain management, fibromyalgia, longevity of life, women’s health and beauty, emotional issues, neurological problems, and gastrointestinal issues. Autoimmune issues: Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome. She has treated the underlying causes of a disease rather than eliminating symptoms and has successfully treated many complicated diseases and ailments.
Vladimir Liss
LA.c and M.A.c
Vladimir Liss graduated from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master’s of Acupuncture degree based on the Constitutional Five Element Theory and Eight Principles. Vladimir is also a NADA-certified acu-detox specialist and provides treatments for people recovering from depression and addictions. Vladimir has practiced and taught Qigong and DAO-YIN (Qi Self Massage) for many years. Never shaken and always firmly grounded, Vladimir is the true embodiment of healing energy.
Vladimir is passionate about sharing his knowledge with his patients and encouraging them to participate fully in the healing journey. Vladimir believes that by understanding the intimate connection between the body, mind, spirit, and nature around us, we can guide the energy that allows the body to heal. He is excellent with patients that experience sleep issues, insomnia, and anxiety.
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
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!
Tatiana Landaverde
CNA
I am a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). I am an Acupuncture Assistant at East West Wellness Center. I’ve been working here since 2016. My job includes: connecting and disconnecting Electrical Acupuncture devices and cupping therapy. Our patients say I’m the “best cupper in the world!”. I can pull all the toxins out of your body with cupping. I assist patients in the treatment rooms and I always make sure you’re comfortable in the room. If you ring the bell, I will be as quick as possible to help. My office calls me a “flow-er”, since I flow and direct the floor. I’d say I’m the boss of all these Acupuncture doctors because I give orders to them and tell them which rooms they should go to.
Aja Cajthaml
Administrative Assistant
I’m an Administrative Assistant at East West Wellness Center. I’ve been here since 2023. I help to manage the front desk by maintaining the calendar, scheduling appointments, and managing accounts. I assist in advertising materials for the office. I have degrees in Graphic Design and Illustration and in my free time I’m a freelance artist.
