History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a main component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has more than 3000 years old history. Acupuncture points, distribution of meridians have been documented throughout history.

In ancient time, there was "Huang Di Nei Jing"-the bible of Traditional Chinese Medicine (200BC), in which it documented the principles of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ming Tang Jing (publishing date unknown) was first known book systemically described meridians, acupuncture points. In 282AD, Dr. Haung Pu Mi wrote a book, Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing. He detailed 349 acupuncture points.
Later, Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (1601AD) became one of the best known textbook that described in detail the acupuncture theory, acupuncture points, meridians, and treatment of various diseases.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works through the meridians in the body. The meridians and their collaterals are the passages through which Qi and blood circulated to carry information between surface of body and organs, and transport nutritious materials to viscera and tissues.

By needling the acupuncture points, the meridians can be influenced, which unblocks the obstructions at the meridians, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experiences of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulation the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Low Back Pain

Back pain in the lower back or  is not a specific disease; it is a symptom that may occur from a variety of different processes. In up to 85% of people with low back pain, despite a thorough medical examination, no specific cause of the pain can be identified.

Back Pain and Acupuncture therapy

• Musculoskeletal pain syndromes that produce low back pain include myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia.
  
• Injuries: Spine injuries such as sprains and fractures can cause either short-lived or chronic pain. Sprains are tears in the ligaments that support the spine, and they can occur from twisting or lifting improperly. Fractured vertebrae are often the result of osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak, porous bones. Less commonly, back pain may be caused by more severe injuries that result from accidents and falls.
  
• Nerve root syndromes are those that produce symptoms of nerve impingement (a nerve is touched), often due to a herniation (or bulging) of the disc between the lower back bones.
• Sciatica is an example of nerve root impingement, Spinal stenosis and Spinal degeneration.
  
• Other Acquired conditions and diseases: Many medical problems can cause or contribute to back pain. They include scoliosis, which causes curvature of the spine and does not usually cause pain until mid-life; spondylolisthesis; various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. While osteoporosis itself is not painful, it can lead to painful fractures of the vertebrae. Other causes of back pain include pregnancy; kidney stones or infections; endometriosis, which is the buildup of uterine tissue in places outside the uterus; and fibromyalgia, which causes fatigue and widespread muscle pain.
  
• Infections and tumors: They are not common causes of back pain, infections can cause pain when they involve the vertebrae, a condition called osteomyelitis, or when they involve the discs that cushion the vertebrae, which is called discitis. Tumors, too, are relatively rare causes of back pain. Occasionally, tumors begin in the back, but more often they appear in the back as a result of cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body.
  
• Although the causes of back pain are usually physical, it is important to know that emotional stress can play a role in how severe pain is and how long it lasts. Stress can affect the body in many ways, including causing back muscles to become tense and painful.

In the early stage of low back pain, acupuncture mostly have good result for relief the pain, many acute low back pains can be relieved after first treatment with one or few needles. The chronic back pain or stiffness may improve after few time of the treatment, some take more long time to get benefit. Acupuncture also can do pain management by couple times treatment between a year.

The None Primary low back pain, acupuncture therapy may relief the pain but need original cause treatment for like osteoporosis, arthritis or tumor.

Prevention

• Qigong and mostly Chinese traditional exercises like Tai-ji. Xin-yi, all those can get huge benefits from back pain to whole body wellness, but often take long time training and exercise.
  
• Lumbar support belts: Workers who frequently perform heavy lifting are often required to wear these belts. There is no proof that these belts prevent back injury. One study even indicated that these belts increased the likelihood of injury.
  
• Standing: While standing, keep your head up and stomach pulled in. If you are required to stand for long periods of time, you should have a small stool on which to rest one foot at a time. Do not wear high heels.
  
• Sitting: Chairs of appropriate height for the task at hand with good lumbar support are preferable. To avoid putting stress on the back, chairs should swivel. Automobile seats should also have adequate low-back support. If not, a small pillow or rolled towel behind the lumbar area will provide adequate support.
  
• Sleeping: Individual tastes vary. If the mattress is too soft, many people will experience backaches. The same is true for sleeping on a hard mattress. Trial and error may be required. A piece of plywood between the box spring and mattress will stiffen a soft bed. A thick mattress pad will help soften a mattress that is too hard.

Infertility
Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Lots of couples have infertility problems. About a third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third of cases, it is because of the man. The rest of the time, it is because of both partners or no cause is found.

Causes of female infertility
The most common causes of female infertility include fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, elevated prolactin, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, benign uterine fibroids and pelvic adhesions.
Other health condition also causes or associated with female infertility: some medications, thyroid problems, radiation and chemotherapy.

Causes of male infertility
Impaired sperm count or mobility: like impaired shape and movement of sperm, low sperm concentration, varicocele, undescended testicle, testosterone deficiency (male hypogonadism), Genetic defects, Infections.
Impaired delivery of sperm: sexual issues, problem with sexual intercourse or technique may affect fertility, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), or psychological or relationship problems can contribute to infertility. Other like retrograde ejaculation, blockage of epididymis or ejaculatory ducts, no semen (ejaculate), misplaced urinary opening (hypospadias), anti-sperm antibodies.
General health and lifestyle issues: emotional stress, obesity, alcohol and drugs, and overexposure to certain environmental elements.

Acupuncture treatment for infertility

This is a natural therapy for infertility; in general, the principle idea is:

1. Treatment reproductive system local problems, like female's menstrual circle problem, hormone balance, chronic infection etc; in men, for example, treatment with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and improve the sperm delivery, sperm count and quality.
2. Treatment whole body's health condition and wellness in both male and female. Some may need treatment for both local reproductive system and whole body health condition in same time.

The treatment in my office usually uses both needle acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, success pregnant mostly after 6 months to one year.

Depending on science paper and news report, acupuncture therapy may help increase the success rate of IVF, so some day the Gynecology doctor and acupuncturist work together may be open new way for infertility treatment.

Other Treatments

• Neurological Disorders:
  Stroke recover, Bell's palsy (Facial palsy), Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders
  
• Men's Health Issues:
  Erectile Dysfunction(ED), Premature Ejaculation, Impotence, Decreased Libido
  Prostate Disorders: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostatitis
  
• Women's Health Issues:
  Menstrual Disorder: Menstrual Cramps, heavy menstruation, irregular periods, breast tenderness, painful menstrual periods, prolonged menstruation, menstrual headaches, pms
  Menopause and Hot flash: night sweats, pre menopause, post menopause, early menopause
  Uterine prolapse,Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  
• Addiction: stop smoking, alcohol abuse, Sugar Addiction, chocolate addiction
  
• Stress management: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Energy healing, Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia:
  
• Digestive Disorders:
  Indigestion, Loss of Appetite, Dyspepsia
  Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach gas, esophagus hernia
  Gastritis, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, stomach pain
  Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea, bowel gas, ulcerative colitis, chronic colitis, chronic diarrhea, colitis, colon irritable.
  
• Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders:
  Frequent Urination, bladder control problem, bed wetting, enuresis, incontinence
  
• Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders:
  Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, Rhinitis, allergy rhinitis, chronic rhinitis
  Aging related Hearing Loss and Deafness
  
• Skin Disorders:
  Eczemas, rashes, ashes, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, contact eczema, allergic eczema, eczema itch
  
• Lung and Airway Disorders:
  Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Bronchitis, smoking bronchitis, chronic cough
  
• Autoimmune Disorders:
  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Hypatitis B, C, Rheumatoid arthritis

Acupuncture is extremely safe, It is an all-natural, drug free therapy, yielding no side effects.

With Sheng Wang’s twenty seven years experience, your safety is assured. This office uses only sterile, disposable and high quality needles.  

With two convenient locations in Montgomery County and Baltimore County, do not hesitate to call the location nearest to you and Dr. Wang will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your health concerns.

Our Rockville Office Acupuncture Medicine Center is conveniently located 1 mile away from Shady Grove Hospital at the interception of Shady Grove Road and Molecular Drive in Rockville.

Our Rockville Office

Acupuncture Medicine Center
10110 Molecular Drive Suite #214 Rockville, Maryland 20850 Phone: (301) 838-0559 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday: 8:00am to 2:00pm	711 West 40th Street Rotunda Suite 208 Baltimore, Maryland 21211 Phone: (410) 889-4597 Hours: Tuesday and Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm