The first team of acupuncturists is back from its exploratory trip to Haiti, where they were enthusiastically and gratefully received. The three acupuncturists visited General Hospital and treated over 100 patients suffering from amputations, crushed limbs, and emotional trauma. Many reported a significant decrease in pain and other symptoms; one man asked if they would come back every day!
Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) has also received requests to train local health care providers in the use of ear acupuncture for trauma and pain. This is the model used by the Pan African Acupuncture Project for many years, and has the advantage of empowering local communities to provide for their own health care needs, rather than relying solely on foreign volunteers.
The next team of acupuncturists is scheduled to go to Haiti on March 4. In addition to treating patients, the group will train providers at General Hospital in Port-Au-Prince, at a local medical school, and with a group of doctors who are setting up mobile clinics in outlying areas.
Please visit AWB’s website for more information, including a TV news story filed by the Florida reporter who accompanied the acupuncturists to Haiti. The site also features a wonderful photo album of scenes from Port-Au-Prince, local hospitals, and acupuncturists at work. It’s really a beautiful set of pictures — I encourage you to take a look.