Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) is taking its service to a different population, U.S. Veterans. The Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans Project will provide free acupuncture treatments for veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, but also welcomes veterans from all other past conflicts or wars as well as the veterans’ family members.

The Veterans Project has been underway in Albuquerque, NM for over a year. Other clinics are opening around the country. As in Louisiana, treatments are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol which has proven to be extremely powerful in alleviating symptoms of acute stress and trauma. During treatment, people sit fully clothed in a circle of chairs, and the licensed acupuncturist places 5 tiny needles on each ear. The recipients are invited to close their eyes and rest for 30-45 minutes, as the acupuncture does its work. Group treatment creates a sense of community and commonality, and the energy of the group enhances the treatment for everyone.

Veterans are experiencing benefits such as a full night’s sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. AWB is now working with acupuncturists around the country who plan to open local clinics in their communities.

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 treatments to veterans currently returning from war, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself, and by providing treatments to veterans from past wars and conflicts, we can be a part in helping mend the psychological wounds of the past.

The beauty of acupuncture is that it is a simple, low-cost modality offering immediate, effective, and easily accessible treatment for large numbers of people. Acupuncture is a tool that can work harmoniously with other more conventional treatment modalities such as counseling and medication.