When Leith. Garret and I originally began this project we envisioned a six week project in which we hoped to see maybe 3000 patients. We worked like demons on all of the logistics of founding a non-profit organization, raising money, gathering supplies, transporting hundreds of pounds of said supplies and standing up to the rigors of treating so many patients in less than optimal conditions. As we have reached our official project benchmark I am proud to announce that the Acupuncture Relief Project has provided 116 practitioner treatment days and administered 2443 acupuncture treatments to 806 patients in the Campagoan valley of Nepal.
We have seen some amazing results especially in the areas of chronic pain, fever paralysis and GI disorders. We have also had to work though many frustrations and a few disappointing outcomes (mostly involving patients near death, victims of domestic violence and patients suffering from serious long term illness').
At this point our team will be taking separate directions. Leith and Garret will be taking some time to travel (Leith to India and Garret to Japan) while I will continue to see patients for 3 more weeks. I've decided to focus my attention on a few promising patients who are suffering from bone tuberculosis, Pott's spine, fever induced paralyis, foot drop and neuropathy. All of the patients I have selected have made substantial improvment and I am hoping that intensive treatment over next few weeks will provide lasting results.
Garret will return to the clinic in late January and treat for an additional 8 to 10 weeks. Leith returns February 1st for an additional 4 weeks in the clinic. This should bring our project to over 200 practitioner treatment days in Nepal.
In this season of family and friends, I think of my family far from here and hope that they know I am exactly where I need to be. I'm proud of the work we have done here and extremely honored to have worked with Leith, Garret and Diane over these past few months.
And thanks to all of you who follow our project with all of your loving support. -Andrew
News Blog
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.
FEATURED CASE STUDIES
Rheumatoid Arthritis +
35-year-old female presents with multiple bilateral joint pain beginning 18 months previously and had received a diagnosis of…
Autism Spectrum Disorder +
20-year-old male patient presents with decreased mental capacity, which his mother states has been present since birth. He…
Spinal Trauma Sequelae with Osteoarthritis of Right Knee +
60-year-old female presents with spinal trauma sequela consisting of constant mid- to high grade pain and restricted flexion…
Chronic Vomiting +
80-year-old male presents with vomiting 20 minutes after each meal for 2 years. At the time of initial…
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.
Episode 2
Integrated Medicine
Acupuncture Relief Project tackles complicated medical cases through accurate assessment and the cooperation of both governmental and non-governmental agencies.
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.
Episode 4
Case Management
Complicated medical cases require extraordinary effort. This episode follows 4-year-old Sushmita in her battle with tuberculosis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Our Blog
Seasons Greetings from Nepal
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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.