Community Acupuncture Provides Relief and Recovery for U.S. Soldiers and Veterans.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In wake of the recent tragedy of an American serviceman gunning down fellow troops in Baghdad, a 3,000-year-old medicine has emerged as a remedy for soldiers dealing with the psychological impact of war. Free community-style acupuncture, provided by volunteer-based organization Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), has been the relief that many soldiers have been searching for to combat the immense stress and trauma associated with war.

Having provided relief to Hurricane Katrina victims, AWB also launched the Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP) for active soldiers, veterans and their families throughout the country and has been implemented through local clinics nationwide. Treatments by AWB are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol, which has proven to alleviate symptoms of stress and trauma. Treated military personnel are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. The Walter Reed Medical Center is also investigating acupuncture as a viable treatment modality for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in returning veterans and the military.

Diana Fried, Executive Director of AWB, believes, "History has shown that the long-term impact of war takes a tremendous toll. By providing free acupuncture treatments to soldiers and veterans, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself." Marc Loi, an Army journalist serving in Iraq, e-mailed his sister, an acupuncturist and volunteer with AWB, and shared how, "You have no idea how important your work (weekly acupuncture clinic for military) is...because the trauma and stress levels soldiers face here are enormous."

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture an Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the certifying body for professional acupuncturists, has teamed up with AWB to promote the benefits of acupuncture treatment for mental health issues faced by soldiers and veterans. Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, CEO of NCCAOM asserts, "By bringing public awareness to this most crucial issue facing our military personnel today, we can potentially improve and even save thousands of lives with the proven efficacy of acupuncture treatment for stress, trauma, and psychological issues. The NCCAOM can also serve as a resource for those seeking a nationally certified acupuncturist in their local community by going to www.nccaom.org and utilizing the NCCAOM Certification Registry Search Engine." Active duty military, reservists, veterans and their families can find local free acupuncture clinics by going to www.ACWB.info or calling AWB at [phone].

"The mission of the NCCAOM is to establish, assess, and promote recognized standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for the protection and benefit of the public."

"Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) provides immediate disaster relief and recovery to communities that are in crisis resulting from disaster or human conflict. AWB is committed to creating alliances with local community based organizations and treating all who have been affected - survivors, first responders, emergency personnel and other care providers."