FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE CENTER TREATS VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS
The Family Acupuncture Center is an independent and locally run clinic dedicated to the free treatment of trauma experienced by combat veterans, active duty and their families. It is part of a national network of independent member clinics established with the help of Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB).
Thousands of military veterans suffer from serious acute traumatic stress - they may be having flashbacks, panic, insomnia, suicidal ideation, or any number of symptoms. A June, 2007, Washington Post article reported that "nearly 40 percent of soldiers, a third of Marines and half of the National Guard members" are reporting symptoms of mental-health issues.
In 2006, AWB established the Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP) with a pilot clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today, 27 clinics operate nationwide treating thousands of our nation's service members. The campaign, originally intended to help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, soon discovered veterans from other conflicts were underserved, as well as the families who help them cope with PTSD symptoms.
Current wars can re-engage trauma with veterans. While many people think PTSD is only combat related, it's not. PTSD can come from sexual assault, abuse or any other traumatic experience. For more than a decade, patients at the Family Acupuncture Center have been treated for non-combat related PTSD. Unlike conventional therapy for PTSD, acupuncture does not rely on rehearsing or replaying the traumatic events. Instead, acupuncture treatment is a more passive experience of relaxation and calm while the needles help to "reset" the brain to stop replaying the overwhelming horror.
At AWB member clinics around the country, veterans are experiencing benefits such as a full nights sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. Acupuncture is currently being investigated at Water Reed National Military Medical Center as a viable treatment for PTSD in returning veterans and the military has started using acupuncture in the battlefield to help with pain. AWB is a private entity and is not affiliated with the Veterans Administration or the military. Treatments provided by the Family Acupuncture Center are confidential.
Family Acupuncture Center in Silver Spring will be offering the Community Style Acupuncture, which consists of:
- Acupuncture needles on ears only
- Treatment to help reduce stress and anxiety; help with trouble sleeping; provide a general sense of well-being
- 30 - 45 minute treatment / group setting
Family Acupuncture Free Veterans' Clinic hours will be:
Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 P.M., beginning Tuesday March 4, 2014
13415 Connecticut Ave., Suite 204
Silver Spring, MD 20906
For more information, contact:
Kay Madsen at 240-393-5420
Website:
e-mail:
familyacupuncture@verizon.net
