Printer Friendly Page
ACUPUNCTURISTS EASE PAIN OF TRAUMA -- A pilot
program
in Albuquerque was developed to treat a
population grappling
with PTSD -- veterans returning from
Afghanistan and Iraq.
Needles used in acupuncture are
both slender and solid. Members of Acupuncturists Without Borders
are using the technique to help treat returning war veterans and
Hurricane Katrina survivors. |
Story here...
http://www.seacoastonline.
com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=
/20070610/LIFE/706100302
Story below:
-------------------------
Acupuncturists ease pain of trauma
By Colleen Lent
features@seacoastonline.com
While the National Institute of Mental Health estimates about 5.2
million Americans have post-traumatic stress disorder, many suffer
quietly.
"There's a lot of stigma attached to post-traumatic stress disorder or
talking about feelings," says Sarah Tewhey, executive assistant with the
Acupuncturists Without Borders nonprofit organization. "A lot of people
don't feel comfortable going to a therapist."
However, Tewhey says AWB volunteers are offering an alternative to
treating the anxiety disorder, which arises from exposure to
life-threatening events, including natural disasters and military
combat.
As Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast and displaced Louisiana
residents, AWB was formed in October 2005. Tewhey says about 75
participating acupuncturists from around the country responded by making
10- to 12-day treks to the devastated region to treat evacuees and
rescue workers facing psychological and physical stressors.
Louis Bornstein, owner of Five Element Acupuncture Ltd., with offices in
Portsmouth and Hampton, says the ancient Chinese medical technique isn't
painful despite the use of needles. Unlike hollow hypodermic needles
used to extract blood, the acupuncture needles are slender and solid.
Following guidelines established by the National Acupuncture
Detoxification Association, AWB acupuncturists place sterilized needles
on the external ear and other accessible body parts of fully clothed
patients.
"The sensation, if you feel it at all, is (like) a pinch, and then you
don't feel it at all," Bornstein says.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that stimulation of anatomical points
helps remove imbalances of energy or "qi" in the body. The steady flow
of qi through meridians or pathways regulates opposing forces of yin and
yang. In turn, the balance of the two forces leads to spiritual,
emotional, mental, and physical health.
"The power of acupuncture is really incredible to watch," Tewhey says,
referring to the Hurricane Katrina treatment sites. "You can see the
stress fall off of people."
Tewhey says those receiving treatment often fall asleep during the 30-
to 60-minute session despite the backdrop of a mildewed and waterlogged
community. Some practitioners believe the resulting relaxation can
increase the effectiveness of other treatments, including counseling and
medication.
Traditionally, acupuncture has been conducted in private clinics.
Thus, Tewhey says AWB volunteers, including practitioners from New
England, are learning to acclimate themselves to different environments.
Treatment may take place on sidewalks, church altars, or homeless
shelters. Meanwhile, some patients are frightened, depressed, or
frustrated. Tewhey says training conferences prepare volunteers for
disaster and conflict sites.
"We essentially share protocols," she says.
AWB members also meet to evaluate the success of current programs and
plan future initiatives. Tewhey says a pilot program in Albuquerque,
N.M., was developed to treat another population grappling with
post-traumatic stress disorder — veterans returning from Afghanistan and
Iraq. On Jan. 1, 2007, the American Psychiatric Association issued a
press release stating about 20 percent of Iraq war veterans contend with
mental-health problems induced by combat. Chronic pain, fatigue, and
insomnia are some side effects. Tewhey says AWB volunteers are striving
to supplement initial treatment with self-care training to help all
post-traumatic stress disorder patients stay on the path of healing.
"All of that takes money," she adds.
The Louisiana and New Mexico programs are losing momentum because of
financial constraints.
"We don't have the funding to continue the program," Tewhey says, adding
AWB wants to return to Louisiana. "Wherever we've been people have asked
when we're coming back."
ON THE WEB
For information, visit
www.acuwithoutborders.org.
-------------------------
Larry Scott --
