About Barry Danielian | Midtown NYC Acupuncturist Specializing in Performing Artists and Athletes
“Only the musically trained could truly know the pulse, because the pulse is of a musical nature”
– Ibn Sina
From Patient to Practitioner: A Journey Through Chinese Medicine
People are often curious about what brings someone to the practice of Chinese medicine. In my case, a seed was planted long ago and took five decades to grow. Like most boys growing up in the 70’s, I was bit by the Bruce Lee/Kung Fu movie craze. As enamored as I was by the physical prowess of these Kung Fu masters, I was equally drawn to their methods of healing. These movies often depicted injured fighters getting “fixed up” by herbal poultices, acupuncture, bone- setting, cupping etc. I found it intriguing and without knowing anything about it, this seemed to resonate with me.
Personal Experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fast forward to the mid 80’s… I was a touring musician and session musician in NYC not living the cleanest of lifestyles and suffering with digestive problems not uncommon when you’re on the road 30 weeks a year. Conventional medicine was not helping at all so I decided to go to Chinatown and try herbal medicine and subsequently acupuncture. Within a few short weeks my digestive problems went away. With a few manageable lifestyle changes, those issues were fully resolved and never to return. During that same time period I started practicing Muay Thai, Kali and Boxing. There’s no escaping injuries in the martial arts and again, it was Chinese medicine that provided me with the quickest, most complete and long lasting results.
In short, my journey to becoming a practitioner grew from being a patient and experiencing firsthand the transformative power of this elegant medicine. In addition I was seeing the positive outcomes of the multitude of people I have sent to various TCM practitioners over the decades.
In 2016, I was accepted into the master’s program at the esteemed Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and am now practicing in the greater NYC/NJ area specializing in orthopedics, pain management, neurological & stress disorders. Many of my clients are performing artists and athletes.
Education & Credentials
Barry Danielian holds a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions for Chinese medicine education. He is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) in New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, a Board Certified Herbalist, and holds the Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)® designation from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
With comprehensive training in:
- Acupuncture
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Tui Na (Chinese Medical Bodywork)
- Qigong
- Classical Chinese Medicine Theory
- Western Medical Sciences
Barry is currently pursuing his Doctorate (DAHM) at the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts.
Specializations & Areas of Expertise
Orthopedics & Pain Management
Chronic pain, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, sports injuries
Neurological Conditions
Neuropathy, migraines, Bell’s palsy, stroke recovery, MS support
Stress & Mental/Emotional Health
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, burnout, trauma, transition challenges, aging, and existential crisis
Performing Arts Medicine
Repetitive strain injuries, performance anxiety, musician injuries, dancer injuries, vocal strain
Sports Medicine
Athletic injuries, performance optimization, injury prevention, recovery support
Why Performing Artists and Athletes Choose Barry
For Performing Artists:
As a long-time touring and session musician in New York City, Barry intimately understands the unique physical demands, performance pressure, and injury patterns that affect musicians, dancers, and actors. This isn’t textbook knowledge—it’s lived experience that informs every treatment approach.
For Athletes:
With over 40 years of martial arts training in Muay Thai, Kali, and Boxing, Barry knows firsthand the challenges of athletic training, injury recovery, and performance optimization. His approach integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine with a deep understanding of biomechanics and athletic demands.
Board Certified Herbalist,
Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)®
What Clients are Saying…
“Hands down one of the best Acupuncturist in NYC / midtown — knowledgeable, intuitive, and deeply caring. From the moment I met him, I could tell he truly knows his stuff. He immediately understood what was going on with me and explained everything with such clarity and confidence. His expertise is unmatched, and his genuine compassion sets him apart. I left feeling completely seen, cared for, and amazed by his level of skill and insight.” – Nikolaos K.
“Barry took the time to listen and diagnose my issues. He crafted a personal plan to address my problems. It’s been a long road, chronic conditions are difficult to correct but with Barry’s help and expertise I’m seeing some real improvement! Barry is a healer; he has a vast knowledge of the history and practice of his craft.” – Frank P.
“Barry promptly and precisely diagnosed several lingering ailments, which I’d not even mentioned. He also provided immediate and lasting relief from all post-Covid problems I had been enduring for months. He also recommended very affordable, easily accessible herbal supplements which delivered additional, precise results.” – Mark V., NYC
I’ve known Barry for many years and trusted him musically, but I had no idea how powerful he is with chinese medicine! I was having severe back issues…to the point where I could hardly walk. Barry immediately squeezed me into his schedule, and after an hour of acupuncture, massage, and super relaxed environment, Barry totally relieved me, and was able to work and live life freely. I’m now planning to make Barry a part of my regimented physical maintenance schedule. – Everett B.
In running a martial arts and athletic development facility we keep a healthy network of wellness practitioners and Barry at FBC is at the top of the list. Having a great lineage of healers in his background BD provides what can only be described as the best hands on service in the region delivering comprehensive treatment with great results. We will continue to refer our members and athletes to him as well as sending our staff. – Physical Culture Collective, Brooklyn NY
My name is Alex, and I run a martial arts gym in Manhattan. Barry is a dear friend and the first person I call whenever I’m injured—or when one of my students needs help. I was initially skeptical about acupuncture since I had never tried it before, but after pulling my lower back, Barry’s treatment made me feel 70–80% better after just one session. Beyond being a skilled professional, Barry is an incredibly warm and caring person who consistently goes above and beyond for those who need him. – Alex E. Mastersyka Jiu Jitsu