Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a medical procedure that has been part of human healing modality for over 2500 years. It is the most well-recognized form of energy medicine and is widely practiced in the United States. 

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal and improve function, addressing energetic imbalances within the body that may cause illness or hinder healing. The technique involves inserting thin, hair-like needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

Acupuncture promotes physical and emotional well-being, but is best known for providing pain relief. There is evidence it influences the production and distribution of many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, which alters the perception of pain. In a recent study hailed as “the largest, longest, and most rigorous study of acupuncture” ever conducted, acupuncture was found to reduce pain and improve function and movement among patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Other studies found similar results with back, shoulder, and neck pain. Even patients with failed back-surgery syndrome gain a measure of pain relief with acupuncture treatments.

The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

The National Institute of Health convened a panel of experts in 1997 to review research evidence in acupuncture. The panel issued a consensus statement indicating acupuncture is effective for postoperative and chemotherapy nausea, as well as vomiting and postoperative dental pain. For conditions such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, acupuncture has been shown to be an adjunct treatment or part of a comprehensive management program.

In recent years, research evidence has shown acupuncture can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with Bell’s palsy and postherpetic neuralgia. Many have found acupuncture helpful in tobacco cessation.

The U.S. Military Health System has incorporated acupuncture as part of pain management in the battlefield, through battlefield acupuncture auricular technique and for the care of wounded warriors. To learn more, click here. 

Learn more about medical acupuncture here. 

Functional Medicine

“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ―Thomas A. Edison

Through functional medicine, we address the underlying causes of disease by using a systems-oriented approach and engaging our patients in a therapeutic partnership. Functional medicine treats the whole person, not only your symptoms. To promote healing and improved functions, it examines the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. It prevents and reverses chronic disease by addressing the root causes of illness, including dietary and lifestyle factors. 

We collaborate with the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy to personalize the principles of functional medicine, functional nutrition, eating psychology, mind-body medicine, and positive psychology to help you make the lifestyle transformation to vibrant health. 

Learn more about functional medicine here.

We also personalize the science of lifestyle medicine so you can easily incorporate the principles of healthy living into your daily lives, and take the leading role in preventing and reversing chronic disease.

Meet Dr. Mylene Huynh

I am excited to announce the opening of TruPoint Health! Health and healing are my passions, and I have dedicated my life to helping my patients truly heal instead of treating only their symptoms. While TruPoint Health is a culmination of 25 years of experience as a medical doctor, I believe my journey in the healing profession began long ago.

Born at the height of the war in Vietnam to a South Vietnamese Army physician father and a pharmacist mother, I was perhaps destined to become a military physician. My career choice was shaped not only by this fate at birth, however, but also by my early life experiences. My childhood was sheltered by a loving and joyful home despite the surrounding chaos and perils of war. As a child, I spent many evenings by candlelight being mesmerized by my grandfather’s readings of his poems. Through his eloquent words about human endurance, patriotism, and the immense power we all have to heal human suffering with love, understanding and forgiveness, my grandfather laid the foundation for my personal character, optimistic attitude, and embodiment of healing.

Also as a child, I occasionally accompanied by dad on his weekend rounds at a military hospital. Witnessing the suffering that military personnel endured in defense of their country ignited a passion in me. I thought, “Someday I will learn to help them, too.”

After the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, my father was forced into a communist “reeducation camp” and I went back to elementary school to discover some of my friends and their families did not survive. My mother, with her composure intact, secretly planned our escape. Fourteen months later, my family crept in the predawn hours from our home to Nha Trang beach. We swam to a waiting fishing boat that brought us to the Philippines after six nights, with little food and water, on a rough and unforgiving sea. After two months in a refugee camp, my family and I arrived in Northern Virginia on Aug 12, 1976, marking the beginning of a life with newfound freedom.

My parents restarted their professional careers with endless determination, hard work, and sacrifices. With their guidance and supportive teachers, I learned English as a second language. As a student at the University of Virginia, I joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and received an Air Force Health Professions Scholarship for medical school. 

My military service is a tribute to the U.S. for giving my family and me our freedom and opportunities for a new start. I wanted to be part of the mission of U.S. military personnel to embody integrity and selfless service in defense of peace and liberty. Furthermore, I wanted to fulfill my childhood commitment to help military members heal.

After 21 years of active service, my last assignment in the Air Force brought me back to Northern Virginia. Starting TruPoint Health in the same office building where my dad had his medical practice has allowed me to continue his legacy of serving our community. 

At TruPoint Health, we share our passion for health to empower you to heal, live your best life, and fulfill your life’s purpose. We bring together modern understanding of chronic diseases with the latest science on healing and the art of wellbeing. Through functional medicine assessment, medical acupuncture, clinical nutrition, and mindfulness skills, we engage you in transforming your life.  We are delighted for the opportunity to serve you!