On Friday 14th January, a group of acupuncture colleagues decided to put their skills to good use and assist evacuees and volunteers based at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds.
The group, named Acupuncture Recovery Clinic (ARC), worked from 8am to 8pm daily providing massage and acupuncture treatments, free to all.
Sarah George joined the team on Friday and worked throughout the weekend treating evacuees and volunteers for stress, insomnia, fatigue and body aches. She was joined by at least 30 other volunteer professional acupuncturists and massage therapists.
Sarah recalls giving perhaps 50% of the people she treated their first ever massage. “It was a honour to be able to assist the evacuees and volunteers who all looked so tired and worn out. Many commented that sleeping at the evacuation centre was difficult. Some had heartwrenching stories of loss. Mostly, the stories were inspirational of flood evacuees and the homeless, helping others who had lost their homes. A massage or acupuncture treatment, gave them some time out, and recharged the spirit and the batteries to continue on.”
Acupuncture supplies were donated by the practitioners and local clinics (including HealthWise) and industry suppliers.
Sarah is taking an active role in ARC to continue the efforts of the volunteer group once the RNA evacuation centre is closed. The group plans to provide discounted treatments to those seriously affected by the floods in the weeks to come.
For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture). Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), massage therapy and natural health at her Broadbeach clinic and is the Chinese Medicine Senior Lecturer at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Gold Coast campus.
