Page 78 - Total War on PTSD

Currently, the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Affairs Administration are supporting research on the efficacy of acupuncture for treatment of combat- related pain and trauma. Increasingly, acupuncture is being integrated into health services provided on military bases and in VA hospitals. AWB’s work over the past decade has helped make this happen.
Treatments offered in the MSRP program are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol, which has proven to be extremely powerful in alleviating symptoms of stress and trauma. During treatment, people sit fully clothed in a room together, often in a circle of chairs, and a licensed acupuncturist places five tiny needles in each ear. Recipients are invited to close their eyes and rest for 30-45 minutes as the acupuncture does its work. In many MSRP clinics, the NADA protocol is supplemented with additional ear, scalp, or body points.
Clients at MSRP clinics experience benefits such as a full night’s sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They experience improved mental clarity, less anxiety and depression and a renewed interest in social relationships and community. Many subsequently report that they are able to reduce medication dosages for a wide variety of symptoms that are co-morbid with stress and post-traumatic stress, including pain and insomnia.
The potential of this program is enormous. History has shown that the long-term impact of war takes a tremendous toll for decades. By providing free acupuncture to Veterans who have recently returned from war, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself. By offering treatment for Veterans from previous wars and conflicts, we take part in helping mend the psychological wounds of the past.
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