Unique Pain Relief Offered to Dominicans on Comfort
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090425-11
Release Date: 4/25/2009 9:29:00 PM
By Airman 1st Class Danielle Grannan
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (NNS) -- Citizens of the Dominican Republic now have access to acupuncture aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) as part of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to improve health and well-being.
"There are really two facets to my job here," said Aaron Cook, an acupuncturist from the University of California, San Diego, who is offering his services to both patients and crew members.
"I help with issues such as pain control and stress relief for patients and crew members and I'm also here to educate people about acupuncture and its advantages."
According to Cook, many of the patients he has seen in the Dominican Republic have not heard about acupuncture or know much about it. "It's very rewarding to be able to introduce them to something that will help them."
Jackenson Pierre Propeta was escorting his 14 year-old son aboard Comfort April 24 when Cook treated his chest pain.
"I feel much better now," said Propeta. "I had never heard of acupuncture before I came on the ship, but it helped me a lot."
"You're doing a lot to make up for the things this country is missing," continued Propeta. "I thank you so much for all of the help you are giving us."
The Dominican Republic is Comfort's second stop in a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission. Comfort is scheduled to be in the Dominican Republic until May 2.
For more news from USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), visit www.navy.mil/local/tah20/.
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