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The
Treatment
Portland Veterans’
Acupuncture Clinic (PVAC) is
a community-style
acupuncture clinic. This
means that people are
treated in a quiet, group
setting, sitting fully
clothed in a circle. Very
fine, sterile, single use
needles are inserted just
under the skin in 5 specific
areas of both ears (please
see NADA Protocol below).
Individuals sit quietly and
rest with the needles in
their ears for 30-40
minutes. Needles are then
removed and the treatment is
over. [Acupressure
techniques are available for
those who don’t wish to be
treated with needles.
The treatment setting is
peaceful. The group is made
up of people in similar
circumstances: a circle of
buddies/comrades, spouses
and children. The circle is
a mini-community of people
with similar experiences.
Words are not needed here to
feel connected to those
around you.
NADA Protocol
In the 1970’s, Dr. Michael
Smith began using auricular
(ear) acupuncture for
alcohol and drug addiction.
In 1985, the National
Acupuncture Detoxification
Association (NADA) was
formed. Since then, the NADA
Protocol has spread all over
the world via clinician
training. On their website (www.acudetox.com),
NADA reports that patients
in their programs evidence
improved retention, a more
optimistic and cooperative
attitude, and reductions in
cravings, anxiety, sleep
disturbances and need for
pharmaceuticals. Since 9/11,
acupuncturists have expanded
the use of the NADA Protocol
to treat recovery workers in
disaster settings (e.g.
Ground Zero, New Orleans
after Katrina, San Diego
after the recent wildfires).
First responders and
displaced citizens treated
in the field reported less
insomnia and fewer
nightmares, reduced
irritability and anger,
increased mental clarity and
ability to focus on tasks
(to find out more about
these programs please see
www.acuwithoutborders.org).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part
of a 5,000-year-old system
of medicine that originated
in China. It is used to
treat chronic and acute pain
as well as many illnesses.
Traditionally, acupuncture
was used as a preventive
medicine to keep people well
with improved health overall
and stronger immune systems.
It continues to serve these
functions today. Acupuncture
can be used in conjunction
with any therapy or
prescription medication(s) a
client may be receiving, and
acupuncture may enhance the
effectiveness of these other
therapies.
Advantages
of Community Style
Acupuncture
Acupuncture in a
group setting has some
particular advantages:
-
Broad Spectrum -
Acupuncture addresses
physical, mental and
emotional conditions
simultaneously.
Acupuncture often
enhances the
effectiveness of other
modalities. Patients who
receive acupuncture
treatment may require
smaller doses of
pharmaceuticals as their
systems begin to work
more efficiently.
-
Immediate Results -
Acupuncture offers
immediate results that
include deep relaxation,
reduced anxiety and a
sense of wellbeing. Many
people report these
feelings stay with them
for several days after a
treatment.
-
Simple and Accessible -
No long paperwork or
complicated equipment is
needed. Patients do not
have to talk about
symptoms at all. The
results are still the
same!
-
Safe - There are no side
effects or
contraindications for
acupuncture. It is
non-addictive. The
needles used are sterile
and used only once per
point, then discarded in
the proper biohazard
containers. The
technique involves
little to no pain.
-
Professional - The
clinic is staffed with
National Board
Certified, Maine
Licensed and
malpractice-insured
acupuncturists who have
experience with the NADA
protocol.
-
Cost Effective - Because
treatments are done in
groups, many people can
be treated at once. The
supplies needed are
basic and inexpensive.
The clinic is supported
by donations and is run
at no cost to the
veterans and their
family members.
Contact Us
Please feel free to
contact if you have any
further questions, would
like to make a donation, or
would like to volunteer for
the clinic. All of us
involved with the Veterans’
Clinic feel it is one way to
help heal the pain of our
nation at this time. |
