Originally published December 14 2005
Asian Americans enjoy stress relief that comes from ear acupuncture
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Saint Vincent’s World Trade Center Healing Services offers a free acupuncture clinic, and many Asian Americans have benefited from this service, which reputedly helps those battling depression, as New York's Chinatown tries to rebound from the economic depression and slump in tourism brought about after 9/11.
The events of Sept. 11 had a huge impact on Chinatown, particularly employment, Wong said.
Acupuncture can decrease anxiety, improve sleep and promote relaxation, said Wong, who has a background in social work and psychotherapy, in addition to being trained in ear acupuncture.
A University of Arizona study found that acupuncture can also be an effective treatment for depression.
They lack opportunities to earn a decent living and many undocumented Chinese immigrants do not have health insurance, Lee said.
Although white, middle-aged males have the highest suicide rate, Asian Americans have a higher suicide rate than the other ethnic minorities in New York City, Lee said.
According to the New York State Office of Mental Health, Asian-American women have the highest suicide rate of all women over 65 and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders are the least likely to seek mental health treatment.
Unfortunately there are no specific statistics on Chinese Americans.
Since January Lee has counted 14 media reports of suicides in New York City's Chinese community, she said.
Because ear acupuncture uses tools, techniques and methods that are part of traditional Chinese culture, it is a more accepted treatment for depression and other mental health problems, Wong said.
In the Chinese community, there's a social stigma associated with mental illness, she said.
After her husband died, Betty couldn't sleep and subsequently lost 25 pounds.
Acupuncture was first developed in ancient China more than 3,000 years ago to prevent and treat illness, and relieve pain.
It is offered in five points in the ear --- each point affects the balance of the body, Wong said.
It was Blondet's eighth visit to the free ear acupuncture clinic, which he learned about while watching Queens public access channel.
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