Dr. Bryan W. Barry

ACUPUNCTURE Health Care
CENTER OF HAMDEN
Introduction

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through balancing the body's energy system.  The
stimulation of specific points (acupoints) on the body can influence physiological processes maintaining
homeostasis (balance).


Why should I see an Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective holistic medicine backed by more than two thousand years of practice
and research. It is practiced worldwide both as a primary and adjunctive treatment for a wide range of
conditions. While there are somewhat standard treatment protocols for many conditions, the clinical success
of acupuncture is related - at least in part - to the wide range of diagnostic signs and symptoms which are
taken into effect when looking at an imbalance. For a condition such as arthritis effecting the knees, we may
perform an EMI graph (See below), look at your tongue, check your pulse, ask about your diet and lifestyle,
palpate your spine, etc. This range of diagnostic information allows acupuncture practitioners to develop a
treatment strategy that is unique to you and your experience of a particular condition.


Modernization of Acupuncture

Modern advances utilizes a computer aided diagnostic graph that determines which meridians are out of
balance. Specific acupoints are used to balance meridians that have too much qi, too little qi, or imbalances
from left to right sides of the body.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the
ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

The classical Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that channels of energy or “Qi” run in regular
patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing
through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is
like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain.

Stimulating the acupuncture points can influence the meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the
obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by
acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain,
regulate the endocrine system, and calm the nervous system.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates
various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary
system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the
body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than
morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture
works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and Infertility

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in
the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with
acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased
inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the
immune system.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture needles are surgical stainless steel, sterile and disposable.
In the hands of a trained licensed physician or acupuncturist, your safety is assured.
What to expect on your first visit....

On your first visit a thorough consultation, past medical history, and a physical exam will be performed.  
Electro Meridian Imaging will also be conducted.  Typically, needles are inserted form ¼ to 1 inch in depth.
Depth of insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and
constitution.

While the needles are in they feel comfortable. They are very thin (only about three times the thickness of a
human hair and much finer than the hypodermic needles used to give injections) and are designed to enter
the skin with little resistance. Once the needles are inserted (generally from 10 to 30 are used depending on
the condition), the needles can be manipulated or electrically stimulated to increase the energy flow. The
needles may be left in for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the ailment. Different people experience different
sensations from Acupuncture. Some describe a tingling, pins-and-needles, or a heaviness feeling, others
may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during or
immediately after treatment.  In general, visits occur once or twice a week for one to two months until
therapeutic results are achieved.

Video Introduction of Computerized Diagnostic Acupuncture that we use in the office
Click Here to see video...






















What can Acupuncture treat?
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
Sinusitis
Sore throat
Hay fever
Earache
Nerve deafness
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness
Poor eyesight

Circulatory Disorders
High blood pressure
Angina pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome
Spastic colon
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food allergies
Ulcers
Gastritic Abdominal bloating
Hemorrhoids


Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation
Endometriosis
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic bladder infection
Complications in pregnancy
Morning sickness
Kidney stones
Impotence
Infertility in men and women Sexual dysfunction


Immune Disorders

Candida
Chronic fatigue
HIV and AIDs
Epstein Barr virus
Allergies
Lupus
MS
Hepatitis

Addiction

Smoking cessation
Drugs
Alcohol
Detoxification

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Stress


Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

Arthritis
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Back pain
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Stiff neck
Bell's palsy
Trigeminal neuralgia
Headaches and Migraines
Stroke
Cerebral palsy
Polio
Sprains
Muscle spasms
Shingles
Respiratory Disorders

Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and flu's

Miscellaneous
Chemotherapy/radiation side effects
Diabetes
Dermatological disorders
Smoking cessation
Weight control