In Portland, a project is created to provide veterans and their families with free acupuncture sessions. For eight years now, the Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP) has become the go-to clinic of military veterans and their loved ones who would want to experience the health benefits and healing effects of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an ancient medicine practice that originates in China. It is based on a theory that diseases are brought about by disruption in the energy flow of the body. Acupuncture aims to correct the imbalance on the energy flow by inserting thin, metal needles on the vital points of the body. By correcting this imbalance, acupuncture can help the person get back to his healthy self again.
The practice of acupuncture has only become known in America and Europe when US President Richard Nixon went to China in 1970s. It was his visit to the country with a New York Times journalist that sparks the interest of Americans into this traditional Chinese medical practice.
Why PVAP is Offering Free Acupuncture Sessions
PVAP started in 2007. It is a non-profit clinic that solely depends on the generous donations of its clients. According to its official page, PVAP was founded by a researcher and two acupuncture practitioners who found out that there is a growing number of military veterans returning from deployment who show signs of stress. Believing that acupuncture can free them from those stress-related symptoms, they came up with a project, providing free sessions not just for veterans but for their families as well.
In a local news, it was reported that over 5,000 veterans have already took part of the free acupuncture sessions in PVAP’s clinic. Many of these clients have undergone the NADA technique. This technique involves the insertion of small, stainless-steel needles on the outer part of a person’s ear. Taking about 30-45 minutes per session, NADA technique has been known for its relaxation effect.
How Acupuncture Sessions are Done in PVAP
Acupuncture sessions offered by PVAP are done in groups. In the clinic, patients sit comfortably in chairs in a room shared by several others. This is done to promote a sense of community and feeling of belongingness.
Clients of PVAP have needles inserted on their ears, scalp, and sometimes on their hands and feet.
With this project, the proponents aim to improve the physical and mental well-being of the veterans by providing them with relief from stress-related symptoms like sleeping problems, substance abuse, irritability, feelings of guilt, and problem in concentrating.
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