Dr. Syn's Acupuncture Clinics in Virginia

Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use spread throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed. Acupuncture did not become known on a national level in the US until 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed.

Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures over 1,000 "Acupoints" on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body may restore harmony to the affected area.

Historians have stated, "More people have benefited from Acupuncture over the course of fifty centuries than the combined total of all other healing sciences, both ancient and modern."

Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," "It is all in your head," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. The examining doctor unable to find the cause of the problem has little else to tell the patient. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for an Acupuncture evaluation as a last resort.

The human body's energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body.

Acupuncture's goal is to restore normalcy to the body's energy balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located on the twelve meridians.
 

Needles obviously have their place in clinical practice. However, many physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists are employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with equal effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and are quickly becoming standard worldwide.

The tapping needle "teishein: is not really a needle as it does not pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation. Compare it to taping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Thumb pressure is equally impressive and not considered painful.
 

Acupuncture & Fertility - A study published in the journal Fertility & Sterility, found acupuncture improves pregnancy success rate by 50% in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization.  Paulus W, et. al., influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. J Fertility and Sterility, 2002 April;77(4):721-4.

Acupuncture & Shoulder Periarthritis - Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of shoulder periarthritis.  Of the 210 subjects studied, 158 were cured, 40 improved and 12 showed no significant improvement. J Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2003 Sept;23(3):201-02.

Acupuncture & Fibromyalgia - A study conducted by the University of Washington and the Center for Health Studies at Group Health Hospital suggests that more than half of all participants had clinically meaningful improvements in pain (46%), fatigue (51%), sleep (47%), and general well-being (45%).  Another study suggests that acupuncture demonstrates positive change in the Visual Analogue Scale, myalgic index, number of tender points and improvement in quality of life based on the SF-36 questionnaire, Soc. for Acupuncture Research - Tenth Ann. Symposium 2003;29.  Targino, RA, et.al, Curr Pain Headache Rep., 2002 Oct;(5):379-83.

Acupuncture & Chronic Migraine - Patients who received acupuncture to treat chronic headaches, particularly migraines, experienced the equivalent of 22 fewer days of headaches per year, used 15% less medication and missed 15% fewer days of work.  Another study systematically reviewed 22 randomized controlled trials, concluding acupuncture "has a role in the treatment of recurrent headaches" and can lead to other various clinical benefits for patients with chronic headache.  Vickers AJ, et al.  BMJ, 2004 Mar.27;328(7442).  Cephalgia, Nov.; 1999.

Acupuncture & Arthritis - A randomized, controlled trial conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that acupuncture can provide effective pain relief and improve function for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial.  Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec.21, 2004; 141(12)901-910.
 

Acupuncture.com
Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Healthy.net
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Acupuncture Internet Resources
Traditional Chinese Medicine Basics
Holistic Medicine