Supporting Communities in Humanitarian Crises with Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine A Perspective.

Abstract

My background is in nursing, midwifery, and acupuncture. In November of 2021, I came across a blog post about volunteering as an acupuncturist in a rehabilitation clinic for migrant refugees and asylum seekers on the island of Lesvos. With experience in the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol and trauma training provided by Acupuncturists Without Borders, I decided to apply to the nongovernmental organization Earth Medicine rehabilitation clinic. I stayed for 2 weeks in January 2022, and went again in September 2022 for 2 weeks, but that time, I was based inside the camp. On returning home from my first trip, and while giving a talk about Lesvos to our regional group, a fellow acupuncturist suggested that we could do something closer to home. Thus, we set up a project in our city, Exeter, in the United Kingdom. Thanks to a willing team of volunteers, asylum seekers and refugees are offered free acupuncture treatments weekly on Saturday mornings. This takes place in a community center in a group setting, using the NADA ear protocol, as well as other acupuncture points and occasional full-body treatments when the circumstances allow this. Although the work on Lesvos was hard, it was also very rewarding. Working there has had a profound effect on me and I plan to go back. At our local project, we receive very positive feedback from the people who come to us. Using acupuncture to address post-traumatic stress disorder is very worthwhile, and I encourage others to consider doing the same.