MEDIA RELEASE

Native Hawaiians have served with honor in the military forces of the United States of America for several generations.

For some who were constantly exposed to serious threats of danger and death, their spirits have been negatively affected by those experiences. Reactions to this trauma resulted in years of long-term suffering by families, close friends and veterans.

The complete unity of spirit, mind, body and heart also known as LOKAHI remained elusive to most of us and just seemed out of reach.

In 1980, the term PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder was coined by the American Psychiatric Association in its third edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM III).

Today, four types of PTSD symptoms are recognized:

* Reliving the event
* Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
* Feeling numb
* Feeling keyed up

When the symptoms last longer than four weeks, cause great distress and disrupt work or home life, an idividual may have PTSD and should seek help. Unfortunately, an ethnic group of kanaka maoli warriors may not be able to find understanding or complete healing within a Western system of health care.

Vietnam-veteran and acupuncturist Edyson Kapua Ching, LAc has collaborated with anthropologist-healer Jeffrey Dann PhD, LAc to produce a symposium March 15 in Hilo, entitled Malama Na Koa, which means, “Care for the Warriors.”

Together, they have gathered a cadre of exceptional healers and other experts with knowledge in the treatment of PTSD to share their collective wisdom and teach the spiritual, mental and physical protocols for restoring LOKAHI in warriors and ohana.

In order to address the needs for eligible veterans to retrain themselves for new jobs, find safe housing, and receive sustainable, traditional health care, the Hawaii College of Oriental Medicine (HICOM) in Hilo has originated a Warrior-to-Healer program.

Fulfilling a goal of healing themselves and their families is a reality for HICOM student veterans. Veteran students may be eligible for a monthly stipend, tuition support, and federal student loan forgiveness programs.

For more information about the Malama Na Koa symposium or about the Warrior-to-Healer program at HICOM, email Dane Kaohelani Silva at dsilva@hicom.edu.