| Acupuncture Health Care Center of Hamden |
Acupuncture Health Care
Center of Hamden, LLC
Dr. Bryan W. Barry, M.S., D.C., FIAMA
2821 Old Dixwell Avenue Hamden, Ct 06518
P: 203-288-2821 F: 203-288-2854
Center of Hamden, LLC
Dr. Bryan W. Barry, M.S., D.C., FIAMA
2821 Old Dixwell Avenue Hamden, Ct 06518
P: 203-288-2821 F: 203-288-2854
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| Show us where it hurts..... and we'll provide Professional, Safe, Scientific, Fast and Effective Non-Surgical, Drug-Free Solutions to live a pain FREE life. Dr. Bryan W. Barry is considered a leading expert in the field of Chiropractic and Conservative Chiropractic Pain Management located at 2821 Old Dixwell Avenue Hamden, Ct 06518. |
| A Professional Center for Pain Relief and Wellness |
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According to TCM theory, there are over 1000 acupuncture points on the body,
each lying on an invisible energy channel, or “meridian.” Each meridian is
associated with a different organ system.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Researchers don't fully understand how acupuncture might work, but there are
numerous theories. One theory is that acupuncture works by stimulating the release
of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Acupuncture is also said to influence the autonomic nervous system (which controls
bodily functions) and the release of chemicals that regulate blood flow and
pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm the brain.
Uses of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is said to be useful in addressing a variety of health conditions,
including:
Anxiety
Arthritis
Chronic pain (such as headaches, back pain, neck pain)
Depression
Insomnia
Migraines
Nausea
Sciatica
Sinus congestion
Stress and anxiety
Tinnitus
Weight loss
Some people use acupuncture to promote fertility. It is also used to quit smoking
and as a component of the treatment for other addictions.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Here's a look at some findings from the available research on the benefits of
acupuncture:
Low Back Pain
For a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2017, researchers
analyzed previously published trials on the use of non-pharmacologic therapies
(including acupuncture) for low back pain. The report's authors found that
acupuncture was associated with decreased pain intensity and better function
immediately after acupuncture treatment, compared with no acupuncture. In the
long-term, however, the differences were small or were not clear.
Noting that the strength of the evidence was low, the authors found "limited
evidence" that acupuncture is "modestly effective for acute low back pain."
Migraines
In a 2016 review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
scientists reviewed 22 previously published trials (involving 4985 participants). In
their conclusion, they found that adding acupuncture to the treatment of migraine
symptoms may reduce the frequency of episodes, however the size of the effect is
small when compared to a sham acupuncture treatment.
Tension Headaches
A 2016 review (involving 12 trials and 2349 participants) suggests that acupuncture
involving at least six sessions may help people with frequent tension headaches. In
two studies, acupuncture added to usual care or treatment at the headache onset
only (usually with pain medication) resulted in decreased headache frequency
compared to those given usual care only. The researchers note that the specific
points used during treatment may play a less important role than previously thought,
and that much of the benefit may be due to needling effects.
Knee Pain
An analysis of previously published studies found that acupuncture improved
physical function in the short and long term in people with chronic knee pain due to
osteoarthritis, but it appeared to provide only short-term (up to 13 weeks) relief of
pain.
Another review, published in JAMA Surgery, analyzed previous studies on non-
pharmacological interventions for pain management after total knee arthroplasty
and found evidence that acupuncture delayed the use of patient-controlled use of
opioid medication to relieve pain.
What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment is Like
Before the initial appointment, you will be asked to complete a health history. The
acupuncturist begins the visit by asking you about your health concerns, diet, sleep,
stress level, and other lifestyle habits. You may be asked about your emotions,
appetite, food likes and dislikes, and response to changes in temperature and
seasons.
During your visit, the acupuncturist will examine your appearance carefully, noting
your complexion, voice, and tongue color and coating. He or she will take your
pulse at three points on each wrist, noting the strength, quality, and rhythm. In
Chinese medicine, the tongue and pulses are considered to reflect the health of
your organ systems and meridians.
Typically, an acupuncture will use six to 15 tiny needles per treatment (the number
of needles doesn't indicate the intensity of the treatment). The needles are often left
in for 10 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist may twist the needles for added effect.
Your acupuncturist may use additional techniques during your session including:
Moxibustion. Also known as "moxa," moxibustion involves the use of heated sticks
(made from dried herbs) held near the acupuncture needles to warm and stimulate
the acupuncture points.
Cupping. Glass cups are applied to the skin so that there is a suction effect. In TCM
theory, cupping is used to relieve stagnation of qi and blood.
Herbs. Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules.
Electroacupuncture. An electrical device is connected to two to four acupuncture
needles, providing a weak electrical current that stimulates the acupuncture
needles during the treatment.
Laser acupuncture. Said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles.
Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is sometimes used during
the treatment for weight loss, smoking cessation, addictions, and anxiety.
Although the length of the acupuncture session can vary from a few minutes to over
an hour, the typical treatment length is 20 to 30 minutes. The initial visit may take up
to 60 minutes.
After the treatment, some people feel relaxed (or even sleepy), while others feel
energetic. If you experience any unusual symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
You may feel a slight sting, pinch, ache, or some pain as the acupuncture needle is
being inserted. Some acupuncturists manipulate the acupuncture needle after it
has been placed in the body, by twirling or rotating the needle, moving it up and
down, or using a machine with a small electric pulse or current. Some
acupuncturists consider the resulting tingling, numbness, heavy sensation, or ache
(known as "de qi") desirable in achieving the therapeutic effect.
If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort during the treatment, you should
notify your acupuncturist immediately.
each lying on an invisible energy channel, or “meridian.” Each meridian is
associated with a different organ system.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Researchers don't fully understand how acupuncture might work, but there are
numerous theories. One theory is that acupuncture works by stimulating the release
of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Acupuncture is also said to influence the autonomic nervous system (which controls
bodily functions) and the release of chemicals that regulate blood flow and
pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm the brain.
Uses of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is said to be useful in addressing a variety of health conditions,
including:
Anxiety
Arthritis
Chronic pain (such as headaches, back pain, neck pain)
Depression
Insomnia
Migraines
Nausea
Sciatica
Sinus congestion
Stress and anxiety
Tinnitus
Weight loss
Some people use acupuncture to promote fertility. It is also used to quit smoking
and as a component of the treatment for other addictions.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Here's a look at some findings from the available research on the benefits of
acupuncture:
Low Back Pain
For a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2017, researchers
analyzed previously published trials on the use of non-pharmacologic therapies
(including acupuncture) for low back pain. The report's authors found that
acupuncture was associated with decreased pain intensity and better function
immediately after acupuncture treatment, compared with no acupuncture. In the
long-term, however, the differences were small or were not clear.
Noting that the strength of the evidence was low, the authors found "limited
evidence" that acupuncture is "modestly effective for acute low back pain."
Migraines
In a 2016 review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
scientists reviewed 22 previously published trials (involving 4985 participants). In
their conclusion, they found that adding acupuncture to the treatment of migraine
symptoms may reduce the frequency of episodes, however the size of the effect is
small when compared to a sham acupuncture treatment.
Tension Headaches
A 2016 review (involving 12 trials and 2349 participants) suggests that acupuncture
involving at least six sessions may help people with frequent tension headaches. In
two studies, acupuncture added to usual care or treatment at the headache onset
only (usually with pain medication) resulted in decreased headache frequency
compared to those given usual care only. The researchers note that the specific
points used during treatment may play a less important role than previously thought,
and that much of the benefit may be due to needling effects.
Knee Pain
An analysis of previously published studies found that acupuncture improved
physical function in the short and long term in people with chronic knee pain due to
osteoarthritis, but it appeared to provide only short-term (up to 13 weeks) relief of
pain.
Another review, published in JAMA Surgery, analyzed previous studies on non-
pharmacological interventions for pain management after total knee arthroplasty
and found evidence that acupuncture delayed the use of patient-controlled use of
opioid medication to relieve pain.
What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment is Like
Before the initial appointment, you will be asked to complete a health history. The
acupuncturist begins the visit by asking you about your health concerns, diet, sleep,
stress level, and other lifestyle habits. You may be asked about your emotions,
appetite, food likes and dislikes, and response to changes in temperature and
seasons.
During your visit, the acupuncturist will examine your appearance carefully, noting
your complexion, voice, and tongue color and coating. He or she will take your
pulse at three points on each wrist, noting the strength, quality, and rhythm. In
Chinese medicine, the tongue and pulses are considered to reflect the health of
your organ systems and meridians.
Typically, an acupuncture will use six to 15 tiny needles per treatment (the number
of needles doesn't indicate the intensity of the treatment). The needles are often left
in for 10 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist may twist the needles for added effect.
Your acupuncturist may use additional techniques during your session including:
Moxibustion. Also known as "moxa," moxibustion involves the use of heated sticks
(made from dried herbs) held near the acupuncture needles to warm and stimulate
the acupuncture points.
Cupping. Glass cups are applied to the skin so that there is a suction effect. In TCM
theory, cupping is used to relieve stagnation of qi and blood.
Herbs. Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules.
Electroacupuncture. An electrical device is connected to two to four acupuncture
needles, providing a weak electrical current that stimulates the acupuncture
needles during the treatment.
Laser acupuncture. Said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles.
Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is sometimes used during
the treatment for weight loss, smoking cessation, addictions, and anxiety.
Although the length of the acupuncture session can vary from a few minutes to over
an hour, the typical treatment length is 20 to 30 minutes. The initial visit may take up
to 60 minutes.
After the treatment, some people feel relaxed (or even sleepy), while others feel
energetic. If you experience any unusual symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
You may feel a slight sting, pinch, ache, or some pain as the acupuncture needle is
being inserted. Some acupuncturists manipulate the acupuncture needle after it
has been placed in the body, by twirling or rotating the needle, moving it up and
down, or using a machine with a small electric pulse or current. Some
acupuncturists consider the resulting tingling, numbness, heavy sensation, or ache
(known as "de qi") desirable in achieving the therapeutic effect.
If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort during the treatment, you should
notify your acupuncturist immediately.
