Acupuncture for veterans in the borderlands

Close-up of a woman in a military uniform with medals, standing in front of white horizontal siding.

Does it really work?

Yup, it really does. And after giving over 140,000 treatments over the last 13 years, in clinics and community centers throughout the border region, we can say that from experience. There are various studies attesting to acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain, anxiety, inflammation, and beyond.

Frequent acupuncture is a safe, simple tool that can change people’s lives.

Ask us how to get the VA to pay 100% for your sessions

top 5 conditions we treat

#1: PAIN IN BACK, NECK AND JOINTS

One of the most common reasons people get acupuncture is back & neck pain, or in joints like the knee and shoulder. Acupuncture helps your body change its response to muscle tension or even structural damage. Whether you woke up with a stiff neck or are in chronic pain after a serious injury, acupuncture can help your body adjust and heal.

#2 STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

In our modern world, our bodies’ stress responses are constantly triggered. Acupuncture can help your body and mind learn how to calm down again, and to adapt to a more moderate response to the pressures of daily life.

#3: MIGRAINES AND TENSION HEADACHES

Acupuncture is very effective for headaches of all kinds. It’s best to come in well before a migraine starts,but even if you are already feeling the onset of a headache, a treatment can quickly reduce or even stop the pain altogether.

#4: ALLERGIES AND SINUS ISSUES

In our dry climate, with pollination and dust affecting us year-round, sinus issues and allergies abound. Acupuncture quickly calms an intense histamine response, reduces inflammation of the membranes in your sinuses, and over time improves your resistance so your body doesn’t overreact in the future.

#5: BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE!

Getting regular acupuncture helps you feel more like yourself again. Acupuncture helps your body rest and recover in all kinds of ways. Most acupuncture “regulars” report better sleep, better libido, better digestion, fewer menstrual cramps, less PMS, more energy, and greater enjoyment of life!

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stories from our heroes

"Dr. Bemis has brought peacefulness into my iner being that I would not have otherwise."

—Dana
"From my first visit until now, this has been one of the best medical. The experiences that I was ever had. I am terrified of needles, but my first treatment proved to be a different experience. I went in with pain in most of my body, bearly able to climb stairs. I left feeling energized and free from pain. Ryan's calm demeanor and attention to my specific needs has kept me from needing any medication to control my previously chronic pain."

Hope
"I am a Vietnam-era veteran who has struggled with anxiety issues, including symptoms of PTSD. I had reached my wits’ end after taking prescription medications, on and off, for nearly 19 years through the VA and my family doctor. The side effects had become difficult for me, and I felt like my choices were becoming very limited. During one particularly difficult period, I was unable to speak with my VA doctor, but the nurse I spoke with was sympathetic to what I was going through. She mentioned that she had heard of some veterans getting relief with acupuncture. Suddenly, another possible choice presented itself. I found Dr. Ryan Bemis in Las Cruces, about 65 miles from where I live. I called hoping to get in as soon as possible, but he was booked out for at least a month and a half. He did, however, have a community clinic open to the public that very weekend and invited me to attend. I signed up right then and there. Since that first meeting, I have continued seeing Dr. Bemis, now going on close to two years of monthly visits. I hope to continue for as long as I am able. What I have gained through this work is a clearer and more conscious approach to dealing with my day-to-day anxiety, stress, and the problems life brings. I am not out of the woods yet and may never be completely, but there is hope. The thoughts I once had about leaving this life prematurely are now on the back burner, and I have a greater ability to work with what I am experiencing instead of feeling completely overwhelmed by it. Dr. Bemis’ passion for his work is evident in his professional conduct and in the care he provides. My sessions have included acupuncture, guided meditation, TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises), and many open and honest conversations. When I arrive for my monthly appointments, we talk about how I have been since the last session, how I am doing now, what has changed, and what may help me continue the progress I have made. For me, this has become much more than simply showing up for an acupuncture treatment. It has been an ongoing process of learning how to better understand myself, manage my anxiety, and move through difficult moments with greater awareness. I could never ask for anything more. Thank you, Dr. Ryan.

Jim
"Absolutely amazing! Always leave feeling relaxed!"

—Paul

Meet Dr. Bemis

Bringing over 30 years of community health experience, Dr Bemis works mostly with groups affected by war, violence, PTSD and trauma. He works with a trauma-informed style, which means he strives to make sessions comfortable, at your own pace, and sensitive to the needs of people affected by violence and disaster. He originally came to the borderlands to aid survivors of violence in Juarez, Mexico. Since then he has worked at the PTSD Warrior Resilience Center at William Beaumont Healthcare System at Ft. Bliss. Currently, he leads a humanitarian aid project aiding refugees and survivors of the genocide in Latin America.

Meet Dr. Ryan

Reslease & resilience Tool Building

We believe veterans deserve all the support necessary to help them to confront pain, hardship and trauma.

Our goal is to give you tools for you to take your healthcare back into your own hands.

Scrabble tiles spelling 'RESILIENCE' with a blurred bouquet of flowers in the background.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DOCTOR, RYAN BEMIS

Meditation Training &Acu

You don’t need any prior experience. Difficulty sitting in silence? No problem. Targettting your needs and tuning into your limitations, Dr. Bemis will teach you how to incorporate breathwork, movement, and simple meditation and mindfulness exercises into your daily life. Each session will also include a full acupuncture treatment.

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Resililence Coaching +Acu

Wanting to make changes in your life? Recovering from illness or trauma? Dr. Bemis helps you tap into that inner resilience where transformation is possible. He’ll work with you to bring tools into your daily life that will help you transform pain into potential. You’ll also receive an acupuncture treatment to cultivate insight and inner resolve.

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Trauma & Tension Release Exercises(TRE)

Dr. Bemis will teach and guide you through a series of exercises designed to activate reflexes deep inside your nervous system and fascial system, which will allow your body to literally shake off stress, tension and anxiety. Acupuncture is optional as a support to your integration process.

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