Acupuncture at UVI’s International Day of Peace Observance

JO WILDER|

ST. CROIX – Community acupuncturist, Serena Sundaram used needles to heal trauma at the University of the Virgin Islands on Sept. 18.

Acupuncturist Serena Sundaram treated a dozen of the 100 students attending the International Day of Peace observance in the UVI  theater.

Sundaram explained to the audience that acupuncture is a tool for diffusing the effects of trauma when people are not ready to talk.

In the break-out session, Sundaram showed the video, “Unimagined Bridges: Ear Acupuncture Treatment for Disaster Trauma.” The video documents the positive outcomes of treatment for the victims of 9/11 and other high crime areas in US cities.

At UVI’s “Hurt to Healing” workshop last spring, health care professionals said that part of the violence in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a reaction to the trauma around us.

“It is exhausting living in disharmony. Unless the trauma is addressed, we assimilate the negativity and implode or explode perpetuating the cycle of violence,” Keys said.

Sundaram said acupuncture is one way to dissipate anxiety and move patients away from a fight or flight state… it helps one come back to the present.

Acupuncture is commonly used to to regulate energy flow and induce a feeling of relaxation. Since college students tend to be stressed, students attending the workshop gave it a try.

“I never thought acupuncture would be something I would try …The sharp thin needles packed a bigger bark than their bite. The procedure was painless. The result was relief. I found myself focusing on the needles and in doing so, drifting off into a state of calmness … from feeling drained, to having my battery recharged,” senior Denver Mike said.

Mike was one of the students that welcomed Sundaram in the breakout session by agreeing to treatment.

“The UVI students are so interested, engaged, brave and willing,” Sundaram said after the event.

Serena holds a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) from Southwest Acupuncture School.

She was one of many health care professionals that responded to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to treat the injured and displaced in lawn chairs in yards, garages … in whatever space was available.

One can see her for treatments in acupressure, acupuncture, holistic health, mental health and oriental medicine.

Her office, CommuniChi Central is in the Island Medical Center, Sunny Isle, Suite 8A.

Her office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Prices are determined on a sliding scale between $20 to $40.

Feel free to contact her at 340-692-9238.

One phone call may be the first step to feeling “recharged,” in control and completely relaxed.