Download the PDF of this update here!
Since 2006, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) has trained over 6,000 licensed acupuncturists to offer trauma-healing treatments to people affected by disaster and human conflict. Many AWB-trained practitioners have gone on to create healing projects in their communities for veterans, active duty soldiers, reservists, first responders, and their families.
These projects are part of AWB’s Military Stress Recovery Project, a network of thirty free Community Service Clinics serving wounded warriors and their families. MSRP clinics offer over 30,000 treatments annually to help people recover from the emotional and physical wounds of war. They offer safe haven for warriors and their families to connect with one another, feel less isolation, and receive support.
Click here to see a list of MSRP clinics.
Stories from people served in AWB MSRP clinics in 2019:
“Healing Circle Veterans Acupuncture Project (HCVAP) is part of AWB’s MSRP network, started in Sep 2013, and since then we have served approximately 500 military and first responders including their families. Our goal is to help alleviate some of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experienced by combat veterans and active duty, both its degree and severity, over time. We hope to bring healing and peace into the lives of those who receive treatment, as well as to help their families and their communities. We expect this work will help reduce anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, violence, suicides, substance abuse and other difficulties often experienced by those with untreated PTSD.”
-Ida I Mat Aris
“I feel amazing after one session. I cannot wait to go again and I’m so grateful to have met Guy (coordinator)! Thank you. Living in pain and with PTSD is manageable thanks to AWB and #theinnspot!”
– Danae Wakefield, after receiving treatment at the InnSpot, an MSRP clinic in San Diego
“I came back from fighting in Vietnam with a broken heart. I saw horrible things and did them too, so I know that mine was not the only broken heart… Until I had acupuncture, I could not sleep through the night for over 40 years. I feel like my life is coming back to me after a very long nightmare. I’m very grateful to get the acupuncture that is healing my body and soul.”
~Don Lau, Vietnam Veteran from San Francisco
Thank you to the volunteer practitioners and donors who make the AWB Military Stress Recovery Project possible!
