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 Latest News From Our Volunteers in Nepal

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY CARE CLINICS IN NEPAL

Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in the world and has been plagued with political unrest and military conflict for the past decade. In 2015, a pair of major earthquakes devastated this small and fragile country. 

Since 2008, the Acupuncture Relief Project has provided over 300,000 treatments to patients living in rural villages outside of Kathmandu Nepal. Our efforts include the treatment of patients living without access to modern medical care as well as people suffering from extreme poverty, substance abuse and social disfranchisement.

Common conditions include musculoskeletal pain, digestive pain, hypertension, diabetes, stroke rehabilitation, uterine prolapse, asthma, and recovery from tuberculosis treatment, typhoid fever, and surgery.

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COMPASSION CONNECT : DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Episode 1
Rural Primary Care

In the aftermath of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, this episode explores the challenges of providing basic medical access for people living in rural areas.

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Episode 2
Integrated Medicine

Acupuncture Relief Project tackles complicated medical cases through accurate assessment and the cooperation of both governmental and non-governmental agencies.

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Episode 3
Working With The Government

Cooperation with the local government yields a unique opportunities to establish a new integrated medicine outpost in Bajra Barahi, Makawanpur, Nepal.

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Episode 4
Case Management

Complicated medical cases require extraordinary effort. This episode follows 4-year-old Sushmita in her battle with tuberculosis.

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Episode 5
Sober Recovery

Drug and alcohol abuse is a constant issue in both rural and urban areas of Nepal. Local customs and few treatment facilities prove difficult obstacles.

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Episode 6
The Interpreters

Interpreters help make a critical connection between patients and practitioners. This episode explores the people that make our medicine possible and what it takes to do the job.

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Episode 7
Future Doctors of Nepal

This episode looks at the people and the process of creating a new generation of Nepali rural health providers.

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Compassion Connects
2012 Pilot Episode

In this 2011, documentary, Film-maker Tristan Stoch successfully illustrates many of the complexities of providing primary medical care in a third world environment.

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From Our Blog

Brad Carroll | Massage Therapist Voluntteer | Nepal

“Dhanybhad” and “dukhchha” are two of the first Nepali phrases I learned during my stay as a volunteer practitioner at the Vajra Varahi Healthcare Clinic in the village of Chapagaon. The first phrase is defined as "thank you" while the second is translated as "pain". Although the definitions of these two phrases can be interpreted universally, my perception of the meanings of these words has changed, transformed and evolved during my experience.

Brad Carroll | Massage Therapist Voluntteer | NepalWhat I once believed to have been two words that were easily defined and observed, they now present in a more abstract way that has lead me to reflect upon and seek a deeper understanding. In this pursuit, many questions have surfaced relating to my observations of pain, gratitude and the results of care based on the effectiveness of the overall patient/practitioner relationship. For example, how is pain determined and processed individually and how does a single condition effect people so differently? How much does physical pain effect an individuals emotional health and overall quality of life? How is quality of life for an individual defined and do I have a role in judging and or determining this for a patient? Why, as a practitioner is it so easy to accept the appreciation, gratitude and praise from patients when its them who is providing the opportunity to learn, grow and practice skills and utilize knowledge. Overall, how can one learn to understand and empathize with another’s pain in order to communicate more effectively how a treatment can effect a condition? How much does culture effect perceptions of pain and the ability to humbly provide and receive thanks? And finally, how does this information help practitioners in the field of therapeutic massage?

Brad Carroll | Massage Therapist Voluntteer | NepalAlthough I may never have adequate or thorough answers to these questions, the thoughts provoked from them have come to symbolize my experience in Nepal and provide a pleasant reminder of my mission as an individual and practitioner in the healing fields. As I prepare to leave Nepal my own form of “dukhchha” has developed from the thoughts of missing the wonderful people and culture that welcomed me into their community. For all the patients, interpreters, staff and practitioners that helped cultivate this experience allowing professional and personal growth for me, I wish to express with all sincerity......”dhanybhad!” ---Brad Carroll

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Our Mission

Acupuncture Relief Project, Inc. is a volunteer-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Tax ID: 26-3335265). Our mission is to provide free medical support to those affected by poverty, conflict or disaster while offering an educationally meaningful experience to influence the professional development and personal growth of compassionate medical practitioners.


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