Group Acupuncture for PTSD in Veterans

Photo by timely rains

Over the course of this past year (and then some), three of my classmates and myself completed a unique senior research project (OCOM's equivalent to a Master's thesis). Our project was pursuing the feasibility of treating veterans with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms by using the group acupuncture model (everyone is treated in the same room using chairs instead of tables).

Our project began with the intent to open a free group clinic for veterans, where we would be able to needle them and change the world with the help of NIH (National Institute of Health) funds, endless supplies, and eventual support from the VA.  However.....we are students, and both insurance and liability are very limited. The idea of us actually needling on a non-intern site is a pretty difficult hoop to jump through, and can take longer than one year, which is all we had. After several changes, we decided to do a qualitative study instead. We interviewed several practitioners about their experience in treating veterans, and if they had any advice for us, what points they would use, etc. We learned a lot about treating those with PTSD, and realized that it could be done the way we thought it could.

This project spiked a lot of interest both within ourselves and at our school, and it looks like we have a new group of students who are going to carry on with the project next year. The next phase of the project will be interviewing veterans in a group acupuncture setting, hopefully at a site that is already treating veterans with group acupuncture.

I posted some information a few months ago on Veterans Day about veterans assistance (outside of the VA) in the Portland area. Our interest was peaked after the first phase partly because of the Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP), which offers free acupuncture to veterans and their families on Thursday evenings in Southeast Portland.

There is a real need for more research on PTSD in returning veterans, and I'm very happy that our group was able to take this project as far as we have, and we're really looking forward to see what the next group will do with it. I'm hoping it's a small start to something big.

Veterans Assistance in Portland

Memorial Day is an important holiday that seems to be often overlooked. It's often seen as the time for relaxing or a possible camping trip, but today was meant to remember those who have lost their lives in war. Driving past the cemeteries decorated with US flags today reminded me again what this day is truly about.

Everyone I know has had a family member, a friend, or someone close to use who has served in the military. Some didn't return from the wars they served in, and we remember them this day. However, I feel that today is also an important time to remember those were able to return home. I thought I'd give a list of a few places where those veterans who have safely returned home might find some assistance. Returning Veterans Resource Project NW is another free source of assistance for veterans. They have a list of providers who offer free services to veterans and their families.

Acupuncturists Without Borders is a program in place throughout various cities and states, and you can check their site for more information about where to find them. They have a great listing of where clinics are already open, and where new ones are soon starting up.

Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP) was initiated by Rick DeTroye, LAC, and Diane Miller, MD, who have set up weekly free treatments in southeast Portland with the intention of helping returning veterans. You can check out their brochure for more information, and read an article from the OHSU site about the project.

Today is an important day for many of us. Remembrance of people who are no longer with us is an important part of helping to heal, but also keeping their memories close to us with each passing year.