Why Acupuncture?

Worldwide research studies conclude that the positive health benefits of Acupuncture are both curative and preventive. The renowned United Nation's based World Health Organization (WHO) lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture is a useful and valuable treatment, including nourishing and strengthening the immune system for immune-compromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS.

With ever-increasing conflicts in the world, there are so many victims of war and refugees who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. Scientific Research shows that Acupuncture can help greatly in these areas.

In accordance to the needs of developing nations, conditions appropriate for Acupuncture Therapy are as follows:
* Digestive: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperacidity, Indigestion
* Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress reduction, and Neurosis and PTSD
* Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat: Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitus, Toothache 
* Gynecological: Infertility, Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual syndrome
* Addiction Control
* Circulatory: Blood pressure regulation, Chronic Fatigue, Immune system support, Diabetes 
* Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain/weakness, Neck pain, Sciatica 
* Neurological: Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic Bladder dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke
* Respiratory: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, and Sinusitis, Smoking cessation, Tonsillitis 

Source: World Health Organization, United Nations

Health care practitioners (doctors, nurses, medical assistants) trained in acupuncture are much more self-reliant having a "new" set of tools to use in conjunction with allopathic medicine. A series of acupuncture protocols exist that can be initiated in emergency situations where conventional life-saving equipment may not be available will also be taught.

Acupuncture affords significant savings in medicines, which in these developing nations are often expensive and not readily available. Also the preventive qualities of Acupuncture treatments permits significant savings in drugs and medical procedures.

Humanitarian assistance through acupuncture is also inexpensive, since the total cost, paid by Acupuncture Ambassadors, is essentially limited to the following:

* air and ground transportation costs, food and lodging expenses for the volunteer practitioners/diplomats
* teaching supply costs
* costs for acupuncture supplies.

The teaching of Acupuncture to the blind.

Blind acupuncture is a nationally recognized practice that has openly existed in Japan since the early Edo Period (1603-1867). Currently, 30 percent of the roughly 90,000 licensed acupuncturists in Japan are blind. These visually challenged are found nationwide mixed among the sighted at clinics and hospitals, carrying out private practices, and passing on their skills to others like themselves in special schools for the blind. They hold the same licenses, earn the same wages, and charge the same fees. They even have Zenshinshikai, a national association for blind acupuncturists, to set future agendas and provide a buffer against possible discrimination.

The opportunity to learn viable medical skills, gain a meaningful vocation and a means to financial freedom for the sight impaired in developing countries is great.

A worldwide language of medicine and community.

The teaching of acupuncture and the theories of Traditional Asian Medicine also create and foster a common language, a global language, in which all acupuncture practitioners and patients worldwide can communicate, thus solidifying international relationships and cross-cultural bonds betweens citizens of countries of the world. This promotes a healthier, more productive, cohesive, and inter-connected world, united by the common language of Acupuncture and Traditional Asian Medicine.