A wonderful attribute of oriental medicine (OM) is its ability
to affect many people, disorders and diseases. Many times, OM's
treatments and results can be administered and experienced in a
quick and effective manner. While instant results such as a
reduction in symptoms are rather common, for chronic conditions
long term treatment is needed many times to help bring healing to
the root of the disorder.
A strong example of this is the use of OM in "At Ease," NUHS'
free veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
clinic. The PTSD clinic serves veterans that have given our
country and us so much of themselves, and as a result, are carrying
wounds within themselves from the battles they fought. Often, they
receive the OM treatments as an adjunct treatment to other
therapies they are receiving outside of the NUHS clinic.
Through the application of acupuncture, primarily auricular
acupuncture, these veterans are able to receive some relief in
their PTSD symptoms. A common procedure in the PTSD clinic is for
the patient to receive five acupuncture needles in each ear. It is
believed that these needles work directly with neurotransmitters in
the brain, much like pharmaceuticals, helping to reduce stress,
blood pressure, and decrease the psychological symptoms PTSD
creates. It has been seen and reported that the combination of OM
alongside other prescribed treatments greatly improves the quality
of life for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Dr. Frank Yurasek
This clinic was created by Frank Yurasek, PhD, MSOM, (shown
above), who is also very involved in the Wounded Warrior Project
and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Dr. Yurasek has found OM therapies,
ranging from auricular acupuncture to medical Qi Gong, have a
profound impact on veterans experiencing PTSD. He has been
researching and applying his research to this field for many years.
As a result, he brings a vast amount of knowledge and first-hand
experience to each patient. In addition to his skills and
knowledge, it is apparent that he genuinely cares about each and
every patient in the clinic. Dr. Yurasek's compassion runs just as
rich as his knowledge base.
I am fortunate to have started interning this trimester with Dr.
Yurasek in the PTSD clinic. I have always held great honor and
esteem for those in the military and feel extremely grateful to
have this opportunity to work with them. I feel very encouraged for
each patient as I watch the promising results I see during each
treatment. While I am not aware of any instant cure for PTSD, I
think it is reassuring to know there is much more patients can do
to find their way out of the disorder then they may have realized
before.
I encourage those of you reading this blog to share the PTSD
clinic information with those you know. From what I am learning,
many veterans go years without receiving help, or enough help for
PTSD. This greatly decreases their quality of life, and of those
they care for and love. We would be honored to have them come to
our free PTSD clinic and help them to the best of our
abilities!