On Friday, November 21, acupuncture and oriental medicine students from National University treated homeless veterans at Chicago’s “Winter Standdown” at the State of Illinois Northwest Armory.

Accompanied by clinician Dr. Hyundo Kim, the students used “ear seeds” on veterans: an easy non-invasive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Students participating included Nik Romanovich, Samantha Brodersen, Amal Khaled, Justin Abitua, Linda Clarke, Kathryn Foulser and Amy Rivenbark.

The treatment uses small seeds taped onto five key acupuncture points on the ear that are used as part of the traditional NADA protocol (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association). NADA has been proven effective in treating cases of psychological and emotional trauma, PTSD, depression, ADHD and most forms of addiction.

Started in 1988 in San Diego, today nearly 200 Standdown events occur across the U.S. each year and serve over 52,000 veterans. At a Standdown event, homeless veterans are brought together in a single location to access community resources and supplies that can help them address individual problems and start rebuilding their lives.

This year, in addition to free treatment from the NUHS student team, veterans were offered haircuts, food resources, flu shots, housing and employment assistance, winter clothing, veterans’ benefits assistance and more.  The large Northwest Armory boasted booths staffed by volunteers representing several citywide government and non-profit agencies.

National University is proud to participate in outreach events that help veterans. The NUHS Whole Health Center in Lombard also offers free acupuncture for combat veterans with PTSD, as part of its health services for veterans and their families.