‘It’s Magic’: Acupuncture Brings Relief, Connection to Veterans

Veterans Inc. and MCPHS's New England School of Acupuncture collaborate to provide weekly treatments, offering Worcester-area veterans support for pain, stress, and recovery.

For Caleb Andrews, an Army veteran, Friday mornings have become a sanctuary. The calm, therapeutic energy filling the makeshift acupuncture center on the second floor at Veterans Inc. in Worcester offers him something he hadn’t anticipated—relief and a chance to feel pampered. Andrews, who served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army, was initially skeptical of acupuncture. “I hate needles,” he said. “I couldn’t sit still at first, couldn’t sit for more than 15 minutes. But I trusted the process.”

Two months later, the changes he feels are undeniable. Andrews describes a complete turnaround in his physical and mental well-being. “My neck pain is gone. My back pain is almost gone. And I’m getting a full eight hours of sleep,” he said. After struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, Andrews was medically discharged from the Army. Now a resident at Veterans Inc., he began seeking ways to manage his anxiety and stress, which led him to try acupuncture through a partnership with the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).

This weekly acupuncture service extends the ongoing relationship between MCPHS and Veterans Inc., who have worked together for many years, including on Stand Down events that serve the veteran community. The acupuncture initiative is the result of months of planning between Maria Broderick, Director of Clinical Education at NESA, and Joshua Eilerman, wellness coordinator at Veterans Inc. Broderick sees their joint goal as “making healthcare more accessible and supporting the unique challenges faced by veterans, particularly those in recovery or dealing with chronic pain.”

Healing Together

Beyond benefiting veterans, Broderick points out that the program also provides MCPHS students with practical experience. “It’s a valuable opportunity for us to educate our students, provide our services, and contribute to health access in Worcester County.”

For Andrews, this new addition to his routine offers more than pain relief—it has introduced him to a supportive community of fellow veterans. Each Friday, they gather, sharing stories, laughter, and a space for healing. “I love cracking jokes when they come in,” Andrews said with a smile. “It’s like a good getaway for us—a place to feel normal and taken care of.”

In the treatment area, NESA students and faculty use a “community-style” approach, with guidance from onsite faculty members Stacey Fiutem and Linda Thomas. Veterans sit together in an open room, receive individual assessments, and then relax for up to 40 minutes with needles placed in points on their ears, hands, and feet. The acupuncture sessions are tailored to address the physical pain and mental struggles veterans often face. “Acupuncture is uniquely positioned to help veterans because it addresses both physical and mental health,” Broderick said. “It’s particularly effective for pain management, relaxation, and substance use recovery.”

Fiutem recalls that Andrews could only tolerate a few minutes of treatment when the program started in early September. “He was so quiet and nervous at first,” she said. “Now, he does the full treatment and makes us all laugh, too.”

Broderick explains that there is strong evidence supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness in substance use and recovery, making it a valuable addition to Veterans Inc.'s offerings. Chronic pain and substance use issues often intersect in the veteran community, making treatments like acupuncture an ideal fit for those seeking relief beyond traditional methods. The sessions also support veterans’ overall wellness and stress recovery.

Eilerman finds the collaboration inspiring. “When I saw the resources MCPHS had to offer and Maria’s dedication, I knew we had to bring this to our veterans,” he said. “Acupuncture is just one of many tools we want to provide to give veterans options in their recovery journeys. They’ve been there for us—this is a way to be there for them.”

Path to Recovery

Sean Crosby, program manager at Veterans Inc., observes firsthand the effect acupuncture has had on veterans. “After the sessions, we see their stress levels decrease, which in turn lessens symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety,” he said. “It also opens the door for better communication. Some veterans are reluctant to ask for help, but this makes them more open to connecting with their clinicians.” Crosby, who grew up in a military family, feels a personal connection to the program. “Seeing my father go through trauma and not have access to treatments like this—this is a huge development.”

Acupuncture has quickly gained traction among veterans at Veterans Inc., with an overwhelmingly positive response. Each Friday, the treatment area fills up, with many veterans eager to try acupuncture for the first time. They now serve about 12 to 14 patients per session, and the sense of community is palpable. “It’s amazing to see how much the veterans appreciate this service,” Broderick noted. “Our faculty and students report that the veterans are excited to participate and even encourage others to try it.”

After finishing his eighth treatment on Oct. 25, Andrews said the weekly sessions have transformed his outlook. “Every Friday, I wake up excited to be there,” he said. “Whatever they do, it’s magic.”