Acupuncturists Respond to Haiti Earthquake Disaster

Acupuncturists from around the country are making plans to travel to Haiti to offer acupuncture to earthquake survivors. Much like the efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the program will offer free group-style acupuncture to help with pain, trauma, stress, sleep, and any other physical ailments.

Though acupuncturists had planned to wait until basic needs were met, such as water and food, sanitation, and emergency medical care, these plans have changed.  As early as February 3rd, three acupuncturists will accompany a group of doctors to rural areas in Haiti.  These doctors have stated clearly that they want acupuncturists’ help immediately for pain and trauma treatments and surgical anesthesia, as well as treating the doctors themselves, who will surely also be overwhelmed, exhausted, and traumatized.

Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as highly useful in emergency situations.  Survivors in New Orleans frequently commented that acupuncture was the most helpful support they got as they tried to adjust to life after Katrina. Acupuncture has also been used more and more frequently by the military in combat situations, to treat pain and stress in injured soldiers even before they are transported to medical facilities. And, programs across the country are using acupuncture to treat post-traumatic stress in veterans.

The Haiti Disaster Recovery Project is a joint program of Acupuncturists Without Borders, and Pathways to Wellness in Boston.  For more information, visit the AWB website: http://acuwithoutborders.org/haitiprogram.php