Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are getting what some might consider a surprising medical treatment for their ailments. Armed with Science reports that doctors at Camp Leatherneck are using acupuncture to help heal wounded warriors.
According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of using needles to stimulate certain points on the body in order to restore health. Even though I hate needles, I've had acupuncture in the past, and found it to be enormously relaxing and healing.
The alternative medicine program was started by Camp Pendleton's Navy Cmdr. Keith Stuessi. He directed the Concussion Restoration Care Center at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. He told Armed with Science he believes alternative treatments can be beneficial:
Even though Stuessi left his post at Camp Leatherneck in March, his replacement, Cmdr. Earl Frantz is continuing to allow the use of acupuncture on military patients.
Armed with Science posted this video about the military's use of acupuncture. Take a look:
