Hollister acupuncturist practices a healing art
Robert Barry is a nationally certified and state licensed
acupuncturist who operates his practice out of Hollister. Robert is
a 2001 grduate of Five Branches Institiute, where he also teaches
anantomy, physiology and numerous other courses, and has practiced
under many masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
The Pinnacle sat down with Barry to discuss acupuncture and what he
brings to the quality of health for the people of San Benito
County. For more information on Barry’s practice or to schedule an
appointment, call 636-7958 or stop by his practice at 330 Tres
Pinos Rd. B2-5.
Hollister acupuncturist practices a healing art
Robert Barry is a nationally certified and state licensed acupuncturist who operates his practice out of Hollister. Robert is a 2001 grduate of Five Branches Institiute, where he also teaches anantomy, physiology and numerous other courses, and has practiced under many masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. The Pinnacle sat down with Barry to discuss acupuncture and what he brings to the quality of health for the people of San Benito County. For more information on Barry’s practice or to schedule an appointment, call 636-7958 or stop by his practice at 330 Tres Pinos Rd. B2-5.
Q: What made you decide to be an acupuncturist?
A: I became interested in acupuncture after it helped me overcome chronic pain that I had developed from a lifetime of being a musician. I had numerous positive experiences with acupuncture and this form of medicine just resonated with me.
Q: How would you describe/define acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is an ancient, yet modern form of medicine where practitioners of Chinese Medicine insert microscopic, sterilized needles into very particular anatomical locations in order to assist the body with healing.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects involved with getting acupuncture?
A: There are possible side effects such as bruising if the patient is taking certain medications but it is generally an extremely safe, holistic form of medicine.
Q: What kind of illnesses does acupuncture treat?
A: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treat an enormous number of ailments. Realistically, every system of the body can be treated by acupuncture.
Q: Who is a candidate for being treated with acupunture?
A: Everyone is a candidate! I encourage people to go online to explore acupuncture because it’s such a common thing to do. You may be suprised at the huge amount of positive research and information.
Q: Can acupuncture be used as a preventative medicine? If so how?
A: Acupuncture, often times in conjunction with herbs, is often used as a preventative form of medicine, for example to strengthen the immune system during cold and flu season.
Q: Can acupuncture be used concurrently with Western Medicine? How do the two medicines work together?
A: Acupuncture and Western medicine work wonderfully together. I see every day in the clinic how well they compliment each other. No matter which form of medicine you practice, the human body is the human body, and we all see the same ailments clinically, for example in matters of Orthopedic Medicine or Internal Disease. We just treat them differently. Nearly everyday I suggest to patients that they see their M.D. or another specialist if they need to for lab work, imaging, follow up, etc. Integrative Medicine is about finding the best solution for the patient.
Q: What factors do you attribute to the increasing popularity of acupuncture in the United States?
A: It works. People get results and they tell their friends and family. There is skepticism but most of the public is well informed these days. What modern research methods are confirming now in 2007 is what the Chinese have been documenting for thousands of years.Â
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an acupuncturist?
A: Helping people. Providing a space for the patient where they are heard. Combining Western and Eatern diagnostic methods and treating with acupuncture.
Q: What made you decide to open your practice in Hollister?
A: I always wanted to practice in a smaller town and not commute that much.
Daniel A. Cressman can be reached at [email protected].
