Military Finds Acupuncture Brings Relief

Acupuncture has been steadily gaining recognition as a viable treatment option for military veterans.  The Army Pain Management Task Force was created in 2009 to make recommendations for a comprehensive pain management strategy and includes acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Recent studies tell us that at least 40% of veterans entering the VA system are coping with pain. Pharmaceuticals can help reduce the pain, but if soldiers become reliant on high powered painkillers, the Department of Veterans Affairs may have to deal with the side effects for decades to come. 

Acupuncture is also offered to help veterans cope with PTSD. Here is a testimonial given to Acupuncturists Without Borders,

My name is Raul and I’d like to let you know how acupuncture has benefited me. First a little about myself, I served two tours in combat in Vietnam from 1968-1970. I suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’m 100% disabled because of PTSD. My symptomology from PTSD is wide in range. I have high anxiety, easily angered. I have a hard time sleeping with nightmares and flashbacks and I’m always mind-racing. I had a hard time relaxing.

I was introduced to acupuncture from another combat friend of mine. The organization is Acupuncturists Without Borders. I’ve been receiving treatment once a week for about the last two and half months now.

I believe that because of the acupuncture treatments I have become calmer and my anxiety level has drastically come down. I’m able to sleep more restfully and longer and without nightmares or flashbacks. My mind-racing is definitely not as bad. I now feel that I can sit and kickback and relax without feeling anxious. I attribute my changes to the acupuncture treatments I’ve received. I can say that acupuncture works. It does for me. Thanks!

Raul Rojas     

In honor of Memorial Day, Karen Giles Acupuncture would like to thank all members of the military and their families for their dedicated service to our country.  We welcome the opportunity to serve you!

 

Being Flexible with Spring's Arrival

Elemental Wisdom

As an acupuncturist, I rely on the seasons and their “elements” in my work.  In the Five Element style of acupuncture, Spring is the season of the Wood element.  What does this mean to you?  The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body.  It allows for physical movement, energy pushing up and out in the body like the plants and flowers push out and up from the ground.   And it needs flexibility so the “push” is smooth and efficient.
 
It has been interesting to observe the shift from Winter to Spring this year.  In mid-March, nature was pushing right past Spring and all was in bloom.  Then everything took a step back to cold and windy days.  Even the birds took notice and quieted in the midst of bursting trees and flowers.  What has the bumpy transition to Spring felt like to you?  Maybe you were enjoying the summer-like days in March and then felt a slump back into the colder weather.  Or perhaps you didn’t feel ready for such intense temperatures.   How flexible have you been with the swings in nature?
 
Regardless, nature will continue to move through its cycle.  Some ways you can support your movement through the transition is to be flexible.  As you keep in the rhythm of the transition and take on springtime activities, incorporate simple stretching, yoga or qi gong in your days.  Take time to open up at the hip and shoulder joints, where the flow of energy can get stuck or blocked.   Wood must be easy and flexible to maintain its strength.  And as it is in nature, it is within us.
 
Karen Giles Acupuncture wishes you all the gifts and new possibilities that spring has to offer!