Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture on Milwaukee Public Radio

"During emotional hearings about the alleged overprescription of narcotics at the Tomah VA hospital, many who testified noted there are safer ways to treat pain. One treatment mentioned was acupuncture." 

"Veterans in Wisconsin Seek Alternatives to Narcotics to Ease Pain"
Erin Toner. WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio. 2 April 2015.

Milwaukee Public Radio news reporter Erin Toner visited the MVA Clinic this week. She interviewed veterans Ron Gronitz and Larry Burt (who also works at the Dryhootch FOB* at our Easter Seals clinic location) as well as our acupuncturists, clinic founder, Christine Jablonski and Dr. John Vondrell.

Listen to the podcast (or read the report) at this link:
http://wuwm.com/post/veterans-wisconsin-seek-alternatives-narcotics-ease-pain

*Forward Operating Base

Acupuncture vs. Hypodermic Needles: There's a Big Difference!

If you've had a flu shot lately, or had your blood drawn, it's likely you're worried that acupuncture will be just as painful.  After all, needles are all alike, right?

Actually not!  The hypodermic needles that are used for shots or when you give blood are thick and hollow.  This is because they are designed for a certain job: to move blood out or inject a medicine or fluid into your body. 

Top: Hypodermic needle

Bottom: Close-up of hypodermic needle point.

Acupuncture needles are very different. They are fine, thin, and quite flexible, often no thicker than a human hair.

12 acupuncture needles can fit into
a single, regular-size hypodermic needle!

During a treatment, acupuncture needles are inserted just under the skin. Most people  are surprised that the needles produce little or no sensation and that the treatments are quite relaxing. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment. 

Acupuncturists use standard medical procedures to prevent infection. At the MVA Clinic, which uses the NADA Ear Protocol,* clients are given alcohol pads to disinfect their ears before the treatment.  The acupuncture needles are sterile, used only once, and then disposed of.  

If you have never had acupuncture before, it may be hard to believe that it is a very relaxing treatment.  But many people experience a profound relaxation with treatment and some describe it as almost a meditative state. 

• See our post -- What Happens at the MVA Clinic? -- a step-by-step, illustrated review of a typical treatment day.

• You can also read more about acupuncture at our page on this site: What is Acupuncture?

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* What is the "NADA Protocol"?

[from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Website]

"At five designated ear points in each auricle (outer ear), NADA-trained clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while the patient (in most circumstances) relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair. Ordinarily, groups of patients sit together while undergoing the treatment."

In the United States, acupuncture practitioners must be certified. Medical doctors who practice acupuncture must complete a training program approved by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.  Non-physicians must pass board exams given by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for certification.  

At Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture, acupuncturists are licensed or certified in the state of Wisconsin and have malpractice insurance in place. OSHA guidelines are followed at all times in the clinic setting. In addition, all staff volunteers have been screened and have received training in the clinic’s operations. 

If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@TheMVAclinic.com. Or tweet us at http://twitter.com/TheMVAClinic.

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Image of hypodermic needle points by Dr. Henning Krämer. Image of acupuncture needles by Xhienne. Permission for both granted under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

Image of CVS Alcohol Prep Swabs from the product page on Amazon.

What Happens at the MVA Clinic?

 

When you come in you will see one of our greeters and the reception desk just as you come in the door.  Please take a moment to sign in.

If this is your first visit, you will sign a treatment consent form and, if it is okay with you, a consent to photograph. (If not, that's okay too. We'd just like to be able to add more pictures to this website!)

After your 1st visit, just put your name on that day's sign up sheet. This is also where you will pick up the alcohol swabs to clean your ears before treatment.

Make yourself comfortable while you wait.

The treatment sessions are private - and quiet.  We ask that everyone turn their cell phones off.

 

Before your treatment begins, the acupuncturist discusses the procedure and answers any of your questions and/or concerns. 

Then, in less than a minute, the ear needles are put in place. 

Now you just sit back and relax.  Many people find themselves entering into a very calm and meditative state which can last anywhere from 15 to 50 minutes.  Quiet music is played in the background and the lights are kept low which many people find very restful.

Afterward the needles are removed. Some people find they need to sit a few minutes before they get up to leave.

What does it feel like? Here's what some of our Vets have told us.

"Every time I have a treatment, it [the relaxation effect ] gets stronger." (Iraq Vet)

"I like the relaxation but it also treated my back pain!" (Vietnam Vet)

"She puts the needles in and it's Good night, Mabel!" (Vietnam Vet)

Many of our Vets say the effects of the treatment last for hours and even longer as they have successive treatments.

Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture Clinic Team Leader Christine Jablonski Talks About Acupuncture

Christine Jablonski, MSOM, MB, LicAc, BSN*

Registered Nurse/ Licensed Acupuncturist

The Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture clinic was established two years ago by Christine Jablonski. Christine is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Acupuncturist. After graduating from Marquette University's College of Nursing in 1975, she worked in a wide variety of health care settings in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Germany. 

After several years of study at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine (Chicago, Milwaukee, and Guangzhou, China), Ms. Jablonski obtained her Master's Degree in 1998. Currently she is employed as the sole licensed acupuncturist for ProHealthCare in Wisconsin. 

ProHealthCare offers a variety of videos on their consumer services website. One of their most recent showcases the acupuncture services that Ms. Jablonski offers at ProHealthCare. 

The treatment shown in the video is not the community style that is offered at the Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture clinic. The MVA clinic treatment uses the NADA Protocol which uses only five designated ear points. (You can learn more about the MVA Clinic approach on this page of our site; and more about the NADA Protocol here.)

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*

• MSOM (Master of Science of Oriental Medicine) Midwest College of Oriental Medicine 
• MB (Bachelor of Medicine) Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China 
• LicAc (Licensed Acupuncturist) State of Wisconsin 
• BSN (Bachelor of Science Nursing) Marquette University

Acupuncture Treats Military Sexual Assault PTSD

A growing number of women are serving in the US military. According to CNN, "more than 200,000 women are in active-duty military, including 69 generals and admirals."  The breakdown: 

About 203,000 in 2011, or 14.5% of the active-duty force of nearly 1.4 million. That number comprises about 74,000 in the Army, 53,000 in the Navy, 62,000 in the Air Force and 14,000 in the Marine Corps. [Source: CNN]

More women serving means more women veterans.  And for many, it means having to deal with a specific kind of trauma: Military Sexual Trauma (MST) (also known as Rape by Rank).

In both civilian and military settings, service members can experience a range of unwanted sexual behaviors that they may find distressing. These experiences happen to both women and men. "Military sexual trauma" or MST is the term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to refer to experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening acts of sexual harassment.  [Source: National Center for PTSD]

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2010 found that 15% of women veterans had reported experiencing MST. 

Psychology Today reports

"Among veterans using VA health care, about 23 out of 100 women (23%) reported sexual assault when in the military, 55 out of 100 women (55%) and 38 out of 100 men (38%) have experienced sexual harassment when in the military."

Military Sexual Trauma combined with combat trauma is especially devastating. The National Center for PTSD goes on to say that "Sexual assault is a type of trauma that often leads to the onset of PTSD for both women and men. Given greater exposure to this type of trauma, women are particularly at risk for PTSD."

Acupuncture is one form of treatment that can help alleviate MST-related PTSD (for women and men).

"Acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system, allowing a break from “Fight or Flight”.  Regular acupuncture (2-3x week) can transform someone who is suffering from severe symptoms of PTSD, whether it is chronic pain, nightmares, insomnia, or emotional symptoms such as rage or depression.  Since approximately 18 veterans commit suicide daily, there is nothing more urgent than treating these service men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country."[Source: Pamela Howard, Community Acupuncture in Richmond, Virginia]

Acupuncture helps by helping the body handle the physical and emotional after effects of traumatic experiences.  

The type of acupuncture used at the MVA Clinic is non-invasive.  The person keeps all their clothing on and sits in a chair. Five 'acu-points' in the ear are used. The treatment session lasts 30-45 minutes. Some people find they need to sit a few minutes before they get up to leave. Health care personnel are available in case of need and the acupuncturist is ready to answer any questions before, during, and after the sessions.

 Veteran receiving ear acupuncture.

Image source: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Because of the nature of MST/PTSD, many women do not feel comfortable being treated in a mixed gender environment.  The Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture clinic has a private treatment area available for anyone, male or female, who would prefer it. 

If you have concerns or would like more information, please contact us at info@themvaclinic.com.

And if you have never had acupuncture before, here are a few links from our site with more information. 

• What Happens at the MVA Clinic? -- a step-by-step, illustrated review of a typical treatment day at Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture.

• What is Acupuncture?

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RESOURCES

The National Center for PTSD has posted the following fact sheets on their site.

• Rape of Women in a War Zone
  Summarizes the prevalence and effects of war-related rape on women in a war zone, such as in Kosovo and Bosnia.
• Sexual Assault against Females
  Defines sexual assault, how often it occurs, and the characteristics of perpetrators. Discusses women's reactions to sexual assault and what to do if you have been sexually assaulted.
• Traumatic Stress in Women Veterans
  Discusses stressors faced by women Veterans and what can help.
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
  Discusses what military sexual trauma is, how common it is, and what you can do about it.
• Women, Trauma and PTSD
  Learn about trauma and PTSD in women.
• Women's Mental Health Services in the VA
  Describes services offered to women Veterans, including the Women Veterans Health Care Program.

For additional information on acupuncture and veterans, see our Articles & Resources page.

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Top image of female soldier - Licensed from GettyImages.