In June 2013, Calgary and Southern Alberta experienced the worst flooding in province history. Over 100,000 people were displaced as evacuation notices were given during the state of emergency. Many homes were lost, and seemingly insurmountable damage done. Clean-up operations have been exhausting and overwhelming for many folks and recovery of our city and surrounding area has been lengthy.
In this time of need local acupuncturists formed a group called YYC Acupuncture Relief Project (YARP). YARP has been administering free ear acupuncture treatments which specifically treat post-traumatic stress to any member of the community be it evacuee, volunteer, first-responder, or anyone suffering from this disaster.
How Does Ear Acupuncture Help Relieve Stress?
The ear is a micro system of the body and the specific points used help alleviate the shock and trauma people have encountered as a result of the flood. The synergistic effects of all five points helps to transition people out of the fight-or-flight stress response and allow their nervous system to balance. Effects are often immediate and can last over a week.
The protocol was formulated by the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA) and has been used for over 30 years, all around the world to aid in disaster recovery situations, PTSD treatments, addiction detoxification. After treatment patients report feeling more relaxed, optimistic, calm and focused, that they sleep better, and have less tension, and relief from aches and pains. Please see the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA) website for more information.
All volunteer practitioners are local registered acupuncturists (R.Ac) and this project is supported by our professional college, College and Association of Acupuncturists in Alberta (CAAA).
We are also supported by Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), a non-profit organization that has treated over 20,000 people following disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, California Wildfires, Arizona Shootings, Oklahoma School Shootings, and Iowa Floods.
Clinic Locations: All YARP Clinics are now closed.
