From West Seattle acupuncturist Miranda Taylor (who you may know for her advocacy with the High Point Neighborhood Association), we get word of acupuncturists citywide banding together to offer free services to Iraq/Afghanistan combat veterans on November 11th, and planning a permanent clinic to support them. Read on for full details:

Miranda is among the acupuncturists who will be helping out as needed, and forwarded this news release from organizers. (Note the clinic’s on Beacon Hill, but since that’s just at the other end of the bridge, not too far to mention here, and West Seattle veterans are more than welcome.):

Seattle Acupuncturists Plan Permanent Clinic to Support Veterans – Free Clinic on Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) at 6:00 p.m. at 2524 16th Ave. South. (El Centro de la Raza; here’s a map).

On Veterans Day in November, many Iraq/Afghanistan combat veterans
will be suffering 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 response, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) is implementing a nationwide program to provide free acupuncture to returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Groups around the country are forming to create a nationwide network of free community acupuncture clinics for veterans and their families. Seattle area acupuncturists are in the planning of stages of forming a weekly clinic focused exclusively on serving Veterans, and will host their inaugural event in the El Centro de la Raza community center on Beacon Hill on November 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Acupuncturists Without Borders, who is coordinating the program, began by treating
residents, volunteers, relief workers, first responders and military personnel in post-Katrina New Orleans. Having successfully implemented community-style acupuncture there with over 8000 treatments, AWB is working to implement its Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans Project and inviting communities around the country to participate.

Community Style Acupuncture 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 and make you feel better.
∗ 30 – 45 minute treatment
∗ Done in a group
∗ All needles are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposed of after use.

Raul Rojas, a Veteran and participant in the Albuquerque Clinic for the Iraq/Afghanistan
Veterans Project, has found great value in this burgeoning program and states, “I believe that because of the acupuncture treatments I have become calmer and my anxiety level has drastically come down. I’m able to sleep more restfully and longer and without nightmares or flashbacks…Acupuncture is helping me get my life back.”

Donations and sponsorships to this event will be split 50-50, with half of the proceeds going to support AWB’s national efforts, and half going to support the formation of the Seattle Veteran’s Acupuncture Clinic. Tax exempt contributions can be made to Acupuncturists Without Borders, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Veterans and their immediate families can reserve a place at this event by making an online appointment at http://www.communichi.org/ or by calling 206-860-5009.