February 11, 2009

Racine acupuncturists offer help to veterans

Serious acute traumatic stress may afflict combat veterans. Flashbacks, panic, insomnia, suicidal ideation and other symptoms continue their daily assault. According to an April, 2008 Rand study, one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression.

In response, Acupuncturists Without Borders started a free community-style acupuncture program for veterans and their family members. Acupuncturists nationally offer free veterans clinics, demonstrating how acupuncture helps heal stress and trauma. Treatments of five small needles placed in each ear last 20-40 minutes.

Two local acupuncturists Christie Kern and Linda Stengel, began their free Veterans Clinic in November. It continues on Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. throughout the year. Their clinic is located at 4344 Douglas Ave.

Community Style Acupuncture offers treatment to reduce stress and anxiety; help with sleep and restore a general sense of well being. It occurs in a quiet, supportive group setting; it is not “talk therapy.” All needles are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposed of after use.

Acupuncturists Without Borders began by treating residents, volunteers, relief workers, first responders and military personnel in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Treatments are free; donations are accepted to help fund supplies and support new Veterans Clinics. For more information, check the AWB website.

For more information on the Racine Veterans Clinic, call 939-0111 or 639-3000. Walk-ins are encouraged; no appointment is necessary.

5 comments:

  1. This is welcome news. Wonderful and generous idea...Linda Stengel is a good person, and this move on her part not a surprise.

    Vets need help, deserve much more!

    And folks, take it from one who knows...acupuncture DOES NOT hurt.

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  2. Linda Stengel brings more than simply her skills as a an outstanding acupuncturist to treating those of us with chronic pain conditions. She is compassionate and merciful in looking at each patient from a big picture holistic approach. I highly recommend Linda and her clinic.

    Kudos to you, Linda!!!

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  3. It is no surprise that Linda would donate her time and skills to help the veterans. She is a very highly trained and compassionate therapist. This shows in her clinic set-up as she practices in a way to make the care affordable to all.

    Following treatment by Linda, my husband got his first relief in over 10 yrs.from chronic sciatic pain.

    Thanks Linda for all that you do.

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  4. Thanks, Racine Post, for including more health related news – especially news about alternative and complementary health – on this site.

    As a psychotherapist and health professional, I can vouch for the wonderful benefits of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. I often refer to acupuncture as the method is a great supplement to psychotherapy and also stands on its own as a healing modality.

    Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can benefit from acupuncture because it’s highly effective calming the central nervous system, which has been mobilized and remains on hyper-drive due to combat and other service-related stresses and fears. It is also helpful for more generalized stresses, supporting a person’s ability to function more effectively in daily life. This may mean less tension at work and at home, and less arguments with spouse and family.

    Acupuncture is also very helpful in detoxifying from addictive use of medications, cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drugs. The needling – which really does not hurt – eases the withdrawal process and helps the body to release toxins while also aiding in relaxation.

    Finally, it also is often effective in healing chronic pain, including back pain and headaches.

    I hope that veterans of any age, whether having served in peace or war, will take advantage of this generous offer by these health professionals.

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  5. I can vouch for the relief acupuncture can bring. Linda treated me for pain I have had for over 20 years. I am now pain free.

    As to pain...my children, who do NOT like needles, have been treated several times. They told me that they didn't feel anything.

    This move on Linda's part is so like her - caring and compassionate. I am proud to know her.

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