Pacific College of Oriental Medicine News & Events

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

Awards/Recognition

Community Outreach

Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

June 12, 2003

For More Information Contact: Rebecca Wilkowski, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Victims of Torture Use Acupuncture to Heal

As part of the complex healing process that torture victims must undergo, Survivors of Torture International is working in conjunction with the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine to provide acupuncture treatments to survivors from around the world.

Founded in 1997, Survivors of Torture is a nonprofit organization that seeks "to care for survivors of politically motivated torture and their families" in San Diego, according to the Survivors of Torture Web site.

"Our goal is to help people [who have been tortured] get into the mainstream with jobs and education," said David Gangsei, clinical director of Survivors of Torture. "Acupuncture is one of the treatments we have in a holistic approach to helping torture survivors."

At the end of 2001, Diane Powell, a psychiatrist at Survivors of Torture, suggested that patients might benefit from receiving acupuncture as part of their healing process. At the recommendation of a licensed acupuncturist, the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine was contacted about providing these services. Survivors of Torture has been sending patients there ever since.

"Pacific College recognized a need that they wanted to respond to," Gangsei said.

Patients receive their first four treatments at the clinic free of charge. After that, Pacific College bills Survivors of Torture for the treatments, with every fourth treatment free. Patients referred by Survivors of Torture also receive any herbs they need at a 35 percent discount, with the herbs also being billed to the program rather than the individual.

"Patients get referred for acupuncture for a whole variety of pain complaints and general health concerns and general stress," Gangsei said.

Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over 43 conditions, including depression, stress, constipation, headaches and pain. Gangsei said that acupuncture treatments have undeniable benefits for torture survivors.

"Our experience has been that the clients referred to Pacific College have benefited enormously, both in terms of their symptoms and in terms of general moral," Gangsei said.

For more information about Pacific College’s work with Survivors of Torture, please call (800) 729-0941.

###