Contact Information: Contact: Mina Larson NCCAOM 703-314-2908 mina.larson@nccaom.org
Acupuncturists Help Heal Haiti
Nationwide Effort to Provide Much Needed Relief Through Acupuncture
| Source: NCCAOM
JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - February 22, 2010) - In the wake of the recent devastation in
Haiti, a 3,000 year old-medicine will serve as a remedy for survivors and
relief workers to combat stress and trauma. The National Certification
Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the certifying
body for professional acupuncturists, and The American Association of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), the national trade association
for acupuncturists in the Unites States, have teamed up to promote
Acupuncturists Without Borders' (AWB) relief efforts in Haiti and the
benefits of acupuncture treatment for individuals affected by disaster.
"Many people are not aware of the healing effects of receiving acupuncture
treatment during the aftermath of an overwhelming disaster such as the
Haiti earthquake," said Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, CEO of the NCCAOM. "By bringing
this medicine to the streets of Haiti, not only are acupuncturists
improving thousands of lives, but they also bring public awareness to the
value of this medicine during crisis situations."
Free, community-style acupuncture, provided by the volunteer-based
organization, AWB, has been a source of relief for Haitians in need. AWB
has mobilized a team of volunteer acupuncturists to treat those devastated
by the recent earthquake. The organization is working closely with contacts
at the Port-au-Prince General Hospital, Universite Quisqueya medical
school, displaced camps in Port-Au-Prince, and many other grass roots
organizations and international medical teams.
"Everyone in Haiti is suffering from some level of traumatic stress and/or
post traumatic stress disorder," said Diana Fried, Executive Director of
AWB. "We feel honored that our acupuncture treatments are welcome in Haiti,
and that we can do our small part to help ease the suffering, and bring
about some recovery for the body, minds and spirits of the Haitian people,
whose lives we touch."
AWB's Haiti Disaster Recovery Program plans to send teams within the next
few weeks and thereafter on an ongoing basis and expects to start trainings
in Haiti within the next few months. The longevity of AWB's relief effort
in Haiti will depend on the availability of funds, since cost of water,
food, housing, and local transportation in Haiti are currently high.
Once people affected by this type of tragedy have water, shelter, food, and
immediate medical attention, the need goes to the next critical step of
mental, emotional, and spiritual care, along with ongoing physical care
-- this is where acupuncture comes into play. Acupuncturists can provide
significant calming relief in these situations.
"We are proud to work with the NCCAOM and AWB in continuing these efforts,
so that more people can be given the opportunity of healing," said Deborah
Lincoln, President of the AAAOM.
To get more information about donating or helping Acupuncturists Without
Borders, please go to their website at www.ACWB.info.
ABOUT AWB
Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) provides immediate disaster relief and
recovery to communities that are in crisis resulting from disaster or human
conflict. AWB is committed to creating alliances with local community based
organizations and treating all who have been affected
-- survivors, first responders, emergency personnel and other care
providers.
ABOUT NCCAOM
The mission of the NCCAOM is "to establish, assess, and promote recognized
standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for
the protection and benefit of the public." The NCCAOM can also serve as a
wonderful resource for those seeking a nationally certified acupuncturist
in their local community by going to www.nccaom.org and utilizing the
NCCAOM Certification Registry Search Engine.
ABOUT AAAOM
The AAAOM, an organization devoted to promoting the practice of acupuncture
and Oriental medicine and educating consumers about its many benefits, has
been instrumental in getting the word out about the healing powers of
acupuncture during crisis times. American Association of Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) Mission Statement: "To promote excellence and
integrity in the professional practice of acupuncture and Oriental
medicine, in order to enhance public health and well-being." To find out
how acupuncture can benefit you, please see the AAAOM website, or call the
AAAOM Office toll free at 1-866-455-7999.