Acupuncture Treatments For IDF Soldiers Chayal’s Angels
In times of conflict, the well-being of our soldiers is paramount. Beyond the physical challenges they face, the emotional and mental toll can be overwhelming. A group of dedicated healing practitioners has stepped up to provide much-needed relief to these brave men and women. This initiative, known as Chayal’s Angels, is making a significant impact on the lives of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. Alpert Acupuncture Clinic in Zichron Ya’akov is playing a pivotal role in this effort.
Dr. Zev Alpert’s Journey – Chinese Medicine
Zev Alpert graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2019. After working in various clinics in the Pacific North Western United States, Zev moved his family to Zichron Ya’akov in the Haifa district. This quiet, green, coastal city is in between Haifa and Tel Aviv. The central location makes acupuncture treatment available to people from all over the country. However, the onset of war shifted his focus to a more urgent cause.
The Birth of Chayal’s Angels
Zev discovered Chayal’s Angels through a Facebook post by its founder, Tasha Cohen. Tasha, originally from England, resides near Zichron Ya’akov and has a background in organizational business management. She started by driving soldiers and supplies to bases, which quickly evolved into organizing a team of volunteer therapists to treat the soldiers directly at their bases.
The Impact on Soldiers – Stress & Chinese Medicine
When our soldiers are able to take off their gear and get some rest, their adrenaline levels begin to even out. The injuries they have acquired during service begin to turn into pains that they no longer need to ignore in order to be on the battlefield. They also start to think about the families and businesses that are waiting for them. This causes anxiety and other emotional issues. The acupuncture treatments that we provide for these brave men and women promotes the activity of the brain’s natural pain killing medicines. This often results in a restorative nap and a smile on the face of the patient. Zev says “It is spiritual fulfillment to see these soldiers getting relief from this natural safe medicine. The only side effect is relaxation and feeling better”
Since its inception, Chayal’s Angels has treated over 1,600 soldiers, predominantly reservists between the ages of 25 and 40. These soldiers, who had transitioned from civilian life back to military service, faced immense physical strain. They were carrying heavy equipment and sleeping in challenging conditions, leading to various physical ailments. Alpert Acupuncture Clinic in Zichron Ya’akov has been crucial in addressing these needs.
Providing Relief and Boosting Morale
Treatments Offered
The volunteer practitioners, including acupuncturists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and energy healers, travel to northern army bases to provide treatments. Zev and his colleagues address a range of issues from back pain and anxiety to sleep disturbances and respiratory problems. Soldiers who have never experienced acupuncture before are often amazed at the relief it provides. Alpert Acupuncture specializes in treating chronic pain, ensuring that soldiers receive the best care possible.
A Day in the Life of a Volunteer
On a typical day of volunteering, Zev and six other therapists set up their equipment in a field or tent and treat soldiers one after another. Zev shared a story about a soldier with a suspected herniated disk who found relief through acupuncture, cupping and massage. The soldier was incredibly grateful, not just for the immediate pain relief but for the exercises and advice Zev provided to manage his condition.
The Volunteers’ Perspective
The volunteers come from various backgrounds, many of them English-speaking immigrants. Despite language barriers, communication flows smoothly, with soldiers eager to practice their English. The camaraderie and gratitude expressed by the soldiers create a fulfilling environment for the practitioners, reinforcing their commitment to the cause. Zev Alpert and the other healing practitioners provided essential treatments that make a real difference.
Supporting Therapists and Soldiers
The operation of Chayal’s Angels involves significant logistical efforts and costs, particularly for fuel and vehicle maintenance. Tasha Cohen, who manages the logistics, is seeking sponsors to help cover these expenses. Donations ensure that the volunteers can continue their essential work, providing physical and emotional support to soldiers on the front lines.
Looking Ahead – Donate to Chayal’s Angels
Cohen envisions expanding the program to provide more comprehensive support for the therapists and the soldiers. She aims to secure funding to pay the therapists for their invaluable work and to establish a healing center post-war, where soldiers can receive free alternative treatments for both physical and psychological ailments.
“Over the past weeks and months,” Cohen said, “it has become apparent that our soldiers will need to heal from the stress, trauma, and exhaustion that arise from the collective undertaking.”
You can make a difference by contributing to this noble cause. Donations can be made at GiveSendGo. Your support will directly fund the maintenance of transport vehicles, purchase of clean water and medical supplies, and enable the continued delivery of treatments to IDF soldiers.
The work of Chayal’s Angels exemplifies the spirit of unity and support that is crucial during times of conflict. By providing relief to those who protect our nation, these healing practitioners are not only addressing physical ailments but also boosting the morale and spirit of our soldiers. Your support can help sustain this vital mission and ensure that our soldiers receive the care they need. Alpert Acupuncture Clinic in Zichron Ya’akov and the entire team at Chayal’s Angels are dedicated to this cause.
How You Can Help Chayal’s Angels
Thank you for your generosity and support in these challenging times. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who defend us.
Zev Alpert is the CEO and Founder of Alpert Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Clinic מרפאת דיקור סיני, which specializes in treating chronic pain, anxiety, trauma, sleeping disorders, insomnia, and myofascial dysfunction. He continues to treat Israeli soldiers pro bono and maintains a private practice in Zichron Yaakov.