Returning Veterans Project

I just submitted my Returning Veterans Project stats for the year (they get government funding based on our hours). I treat vets suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other mental and physical injuries that prevent them from returning to a happy, productive life. This is a free service provided by healthcare practitioners like me in WA and OR who feel we need to do more to support out troops *after* they come home. Honestly, the VA isn’t equipped to help these kids and I feel like somebody has to!

This year I donated 76.5 hours, for a total of 359 since I started in 2011. That makes me really happy. If you want to help, too, contact them directly or use the donation box in my waiting room. :)

Daith piercings

I’m getting a lot of questions about daith piercings that supposedly help you lose weight or stop migraines. These are a bad idea.

1) Piercers are NOT licensed to practice medicine. There is a reason we go to school for all those years, have to pass national tests, and maintain state licenses. They don’t know how much they don’t know.

2) They are using the WRONG points! Here’s an actual map of the ear:

There are about 100 points on the ear, so I can treat nearly anything. Ear seeds are quick, portable, and give you a few days of acupressure.

There are about 100 points on the ear. Millimeters matter  – sloppy “daith piercing” placement by an inexperienced piercer is asking for trouble!

Here’s that migraine article again. It contains a better set of acupressure points you can use yourself.

3) Obliterating the point can give temporary relief to some, but metal piercings will cause more stagnation and problems long term. You’re setting yourself up for more pain down the road. Read this.

This is why you’ll see articles online talking about mixed results with daith piercings. The problem isn’t with acupuncture…. it’s that they aren’t using acupuncture! Even professional piercers admit they are not a legitimate treatment method.