An organization called "Acupuncturists without Borders," (after the organization of doctors called Medicins Sans Frontiers) has been treating veterans and their particular concerns regarding combat trauma and PTSD. Says one veteran:
“I served two tours of combat in Vietnam. I’m 100% disabled because of PTSD. When I first started coming to the AWB clinic in Albuquerque, I had spent years suffering from high anxiety. I believe that because of the acupuncture I have become calmer and my anxiety has drastically come down. I don’t want the new vets to suffer for years like I did. Acupuncture is helping me get my life back.” -- Raul Rojas
Richard H. Thompson, a four star general (retired), adds, "I have participated and believe it can help. I fully support the efforts of this organization."
According to Acupuncture without Borders, veterans acupuncture clinics are currently open in the following cities: Fort Myers, Florida; Warm Mineral Springs, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Maine; Framingham, Massachusetts; Grants Pass, Oregon; Portland, Oregon; Madison, Wisconsin; Portland, Maine; Portland, Oregon; Rochester, New York; Rockland, Maine; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Pojoaque (Santa Fe area), New Mexico; Times Square, New York City, New York; and Stevens Point, Wisconsin; with future acupuncture clinics for veterans pending in Arlington, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ithaca, New York; New York City, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and others.
For a list of the currently operating veterans acupuncture clinics, click here.
If you're an acupuncturist who wants to become involved, there are future trainings scheduled in Albuquerque, Los Angeles and Orlando, Florida, in the coming months. Click here for a list of the trainings.
For a link to the organization itself, click here.
