Editor's Note: The patients' names have been changed for privacy.
In 2009 Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) traveled to Nepal for the first-ever "World Healing Exchange" trip.
In 2015, after the earthquake, their work continued as they treated tens of thousands of survivors. Additionally, AWB sent volunteers from the U.S. and Europe in support of this effort. The current focus in Nepal is on women and children who have been trafficked and/or abused, as well as supporting drug abusers in their recovery. These case studies are from three organizations where Nepali acupuncturists, trained by AWB, are working as part of the AWB team.
SAATHI Women's Center
Saathi, meaning "friend" in Nepali is a non-profit organization that is not affiliated with the government. In 1992, when Saathi was established, they identified "violence against women and children" as an area requiring urgent attention and intervention. One particular contemporary problem is the abuse and trafficking of women and children, which the group has been diligently working to combat. Today, Saathi not only works for the empowerment and support of the conditions for women in Nepal, but also in educating men to treat women with equal respect and dignity.
Case No. One
Rani (13 years) was brought to Saathi women's center by Nepal police, after she was found wandering around the Thamel area. She said she did not remember the location of her home. It can be assumed she ran away from her family.
After a week's stay at Saathi, her behavior started to change. She started talking loudly, making fun of everyone, laughing out loud for no reason. Her roommates found her noisy and left her alone. Then she became a little violent throwing food and other things. Notes from her acupuncturist: She does not like to sit in one place for too long, so ear seeds were used. The first three weeks were difficult to control her during clinics, it was necessary to hold her hands to try to keep her still for at least 5-10 minutes. Soothing music was also used to calm her.
Now, she sits with the group for the treatment and after 10-15 minutes, she leaves quietly. She always has a big smile. Her friends say, she has stopped mocking them and now they allow her to sit with them during free time. When asked is the treatment is helping her, she doesn't say anything but just nods her head in agreement. The hostel coordinator says, it has cured her insomnia and she has calmed down very much. After 8 treatments Rani has exhibited sound sleep and reduction in anxiety.
Case NO. Two
Sabita (16 years) was raped by her paternal uncle at the age of 15. When she told her mother she was silenced, as her mother thought the news would bring evil to her family. Her mother suggested she stay away from her uncle, but after a few months he raped her again. This time she didn't tell anyone.
When she began to see changes in her body she realized she may be pregnant. With the help of one of her friends, she made her way to Saathi. There, they were able to assist her with not only treatment but also in filing a case against her uncle. At 8 months pregnant the case was still in progress. Symptoms included depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia, flashbacks, hypertension, eating disorders, sleep talk, other emotional distress.
Notes from her acupuncturist: She had an immediate response, her mood became lighter, and peaceful (utilizes meditation as well). After 8 treatments she has sound sleep, and a reduction in anxiety. However, she worries about her future and that of her child, since she has nowhere to go. Sabita shared, "The best part of the treatment is closing my eyes and not thinking of anything. During these 45 minutes I keep on repeating my own name in my head and everything is white and I see no one, and no fingers pointing at me."
Case NO. Three
Sushma (30 years), an alcoholic and mother of two has been in the center for seven months. When her husband left for an overseas job, her consumption of alcohol started to increase as a way for her to cope with his absence. She said, "I spent most of my time in bars, it didn't matter if it was day or night." Her family members brought her to the center when she started abusing her children.
Symptoms included high blood pressure, anxiety, numbness in hands and calves, and body tremors from alcohol withdrawal. Her acupuncturist reported that her blood pressure is now under control and her anxiety level has decreased. She was also taught three acupressure points to help with her high blood pressure.
After the fourth treatment the numbness in her hands and calves completely disappeared. Unfortunately, she is still experiencing body tremors from the disuse of alcohol. Though the treatment brought positive changes physically, she is still struggling with depression and negative thoughts. She shared that though she misses her husband and children, she feels they won't accept her.
To learn more about AWB or their World Healing Exchange program please visit ACWB.info.
Priti Thapa has run AWB's Nepal office for several years. After the earthquake Priti not only ran a huge disaster relief operation for AWB, but she also participated in many other ways for the relief effort.
Diana Fried launched Acupuncturists Without Borders in 2005, and has worked in disaster areas and underserved communities doing community acupuncture healing in Louisiana, Haiti, Nepal, Mongolia, Ecuador, Mexico and other locations in the U.S. and around the world. Diana developed AWB's Healing Community Trauma training program, which provided training for over 6,000 acupuncturists in the U.S., and hundreds in other countries, on how to do mobile community service field work with acupuncture. She graduated from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture and is also a certified acupuncture detoxification specialist (NADA), and a certified qigong instructor.