Clinic Grand Opening is Thursday June 12, 2008

Madison Veteran's Project is a grassroots volunteer initiative in Madison, WI. Our mission is to offer a free acupuncture clinic to serve veterans and their families. The treatments are designed to support an individual's efforts to heal from trauma, transition home from military service and also to address the specific issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Treatments support rebuilding strength and resiliency which are essential for the recovery process. Acupuncture treatments have a calming effect and can help those struggling with anger, frustration, anxiety, and depression, as well as other physical and emotional issues. Local licensed acupuncturists will administer this service free of charge to veterans and their families in a group setting on a weekly basis. This is a walk in clinic and no appointments or preregistration is required.

Our intention with this project is to put into action acknowledgement of the effect of trauma on veterans, their families and community and to respond with compassion with positive action.

This initiative is nationwide and is being led by Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) http://www.acuwithoutborders.org/ – an organization which continues to send volunteers to the Gulf States in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In October of 2006 AWB opened its Veterans' Clinic project in Albuquerque, NM.  Treatments are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol which has proven to be extremely powerful in alleviating symptoms of acute stress and trauma.  Five acupuncture points in the ear are treated while the person relaxes, fully clothed, for 30-45 minutes.  This treatment is conducted in a group setting since the benefits are greater when the experience is shared.

Veterans are experiencing benefits such as a full night’s sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. AWB is now working with acupuncturists around the country who plan to open local clinics in their communities.

The potential of this program is enormous. History has shown that the long term impact of war takes a tremendous toll for decades. By providing free acupuncture treatments to veterans currently returning from war, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself, and by providing treatments to veterans from past wars and conflicts, we can be a part in helping mend the psychological wounds of the past.