MY FATHER WAS A NAVY SEAL
I never knew my Father was a Navy Seal . . . not until after his passing, on the day of his memorial almost thirty years later.
We all knew he'd served in the Navy, but that was it. He never talked about his service in the Korean War, nor his multiple tours in Vietnam, and he served right up until the very end. In later years, as a civilian, he never made comment on the modern-day wars, such as the Persian Gulf or any of the other international conflicts blasted across the news.
He just kept his head down, chain smoked, played old-time jazz on the piano, tended to his beloved Koi in the back-yard pond, and tinkered with his classic 64’ Thunderbird. He also worked and lost a hundred odd jobs over the years to make ends meet. He barely slept. Sometimes his hands shook for no reason.
Planes and helicopters overhead made him go instantly still . . . waiting, listening, and then eventually breathing again once they'd passed. Committing to get-togethers – like birthdays, weddings or graduations, was hard for him. . . “too many people,” he always said – but it frustrated me no end. I missed getting to really know him more.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often a silent, albeit destructive condition that millions of military service men and women grapple with when returning from deployment. In my Father's era (Korean, Vietnam), it was not even considered a "condition," and there were few resources to support those suffering through it.
When my Father passed away in 2000, we all gathered at his home for the memorial, only to be shocked by the unexpected visit from a brigade of Navy Seals, in full uniform no less. They gifted us an American Flag in his honor, gave a ceremonial salute to him, and over the course of the afternoon the stories unfolded. I learned that my Father was a Navy Seal in a covert unit, that his unit’s comrades adored him, that he had specialized skills in submarine detonation (Frogman), and according to them – he “climbed like a monkey, swam like a fish, spoke five languages, and could hold his breath longer than anyone else in his unit.”
WHO WAS THIS MAN?
In retrospect, I recognize his PTSD for what it was, and see how it must have impacted his everyday life. The sleeplessness, shaking hands, chain smoking, dislike of crowds, his introversion – all impacts of the trauma itself.
Today, there are so many ways Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer support to Veterans, easing the burden brought about by the aftermath of post-war trauma, both emotionally and physically.
One primary example is the advent, and overwhelming success, of the NADA Acupuncture Protocols. NADA is a protocol of ten auricular (ear) acupuncture points which are used in conjunction with other therapies for PTSD, pain management, anxiety / stress symptoms, insomnia, nightmares, and to minimize symptoms of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.
Today, there are millions of military men and women who would potentially benefit from such supportive treatments. If my Father were alive today, I would embrace him in awe of all he gave and lived through, and I would say "thank you!" Ask us more, we’d be honored to be part of your path of wellness.
WHAT IS THE NADA ACUPUNCTURE PROTOCOL
NADA ear-acupuncture is a clinically effective, adjunct therapy which is cost-efficient, drug-free and compatible cross-culturally.
The process involves the gentle placement of up to five very thin, sterilized disposable needles into specific acupuncture points on each ear.
The NADA Protocol utilizes a non-verbal approach. As a recipient, you do not have to talk, just receive.
Recipients sit quietly in a group setting for 30-45 minutes allowing the treatment to take effect.
Easy to administer within behavioral health, addiction, military or disaster relief settings - or in any location a group of people can sit together.
The combined application of acupuncture with counseling, education, medical support and Veteran support groups - such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) - enhances opportunities for success.
BENEFITS OF NADA ACUPUNCTURE PROTOCOLS
Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine (i.e. it literally changes your brain chemistry.)
Minimizes drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms (i.e. tremors, sweating, joint pain, anxiety, etc.)
Increases calmness and significantly reduced agitation
Improved sleep, reducing incidents of night terrors
Concurrent with improved outcomes during Talk Therapies (Counseling)
Safe, no negative side effects, no counter-indications with other medications or concurrent therapies.
Cumulative impact, the more frequently applied, the more impact sustained.
Can be safely applied daily.
Phil Veneziano, M.S., L.Ac.
Cristina R. de La Mar, M.S., L.Ac., Doula
(917) 210-1063
Seven Point Wellness is an Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Clinic, located at 187 Millburn Ave., Suite #101 in Millburn, NJ, in the Trader Joe / CVS Business Complex.
We are an easy drive from Maplewood, South Orange, Short Hills, Livingston and most cities in Union, Morris and Essex County, NJ. We are also an easy walk from the New Jersey Transit via bus or train.
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RESOURCES:
Application for the NADA Acupuncture Protocol:
Addiction and compulsive behavior, Trauma, PTSD, Labor and Delivery, Maternal Health, Disaster Response
NADA PROTOCOLS REASEARCH
https://acudetox.com/evidence-for-the-nada-protocol-summary-of-research/
https://acudetox.com/bibliography-of-research/
https://acudetox.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bja_summary_of_research_findings_2011.pdf
PTSD Treatment for Veterans: NADA PROTOCOLS
https://acudetox.com/veteran-s-affairs-evidence-based-guidelines-for-ptsd/
Reduced Opioids use for Pain and Anxiety
https://acudetox.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/NADA_2014_Conf_Margaret_VIPCenter.pdf
VIDEO – Veteran Success Story
https://acudetox.com/health-for-heros/