Connect
To Top

Meet Ida I Mat Aris of Healing Circle Community Acupuncture in Ontario

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ida I Mat Aris.

Ida, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was introduced to Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at a tender age of 14. At that time, I suffered from extreme menstrual pain with headaches. If my parents were to send me through the Western medicine route, my body would have been pumped with birth control pills. That was not an option for my parents. They brought me to see an Acupuncturist and in 2 months, all of my symptoms are gone.

That sparked my interest in wanting to learn more about holistic lifestyle and traditional cures. My late grandmother was a herbalist and her specialty was in Traditional Indonesian herbal remedies or ‘Jamu’. I had so much fun helping her on weekends preparing tinctures and drying herbs while growing up.

After completing my degree in Economics and working in various industries, there is something inside me that is restless and felt that I am not fulfilling my destiny and highest potential. I decided to enroll into Emperor’s College in Traditional Medicine in Santa Monica and completed my Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine in 2006. After passing my California Acupuncture Board licensing exam, my practice was born.

12 years later, I dedicate the bulk of my practice in women’s wellness. Knowing well aware that there are less women healthcare practitioner across all medical fields, I feel that it is my duty and honor to serve women and the family that they care for with choices with regard to their health. I empower them with knowledge so that they can make informed choices for the betterment of their health.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In 2008, when the economic crisis hit everyone, I noticed that many patients who most need treatment lose or have limited health insurance coverage. Many such patients develop insomnia, anxiety, depression and other stress-related conditions during such times. I envisioned that her clinic would enable people with limited insurance to receive affordable health care and be healthy.

I decided to provide free stress reduction treatments on the last Tuesday of every quarter to the public. That not only open doors to folks who never tried acupuncture but also give them hope and peace of mind.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Healing Circle has 5 missions statements:
1) It’s about creating a safe place for patients to heal.
2) It’s about creating a healthy, happy, and caring community.
3) It’s about creating access to this 3,000 year old medicine to the masses.
4) It’s about being an inspiration to others that dreams do come true.
5) ​It’s about creating a legacy for my family to be proud of.

What are you most proud of?
Despite going through a few rough years during the economic crisis, we are still standing strong and more busy than ever. A mentor once told me, focus on serving others and the money will come.

What sets you apart?
My constant hunger for knowledge and dedication in wanting to help my patients. My philosophy that patients need to be responsible and be an active participant in their health and healing.

What were you like growing up?
I have always been curios about how the body and mind works. I enjoyed reading and travelling to exotic places and learning languages and cultures from around the globe.

I am friendly, approachable and honest.

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024