I visited Lesbos twice in 2021 to offer my acupuncture skills to refugees living in the island. I worked at the Earth Medicine clinic, a project that offers free treatments to refugees and which runs thanks to donations and the presence of volunteer therapists from all over Europe.

Thanks to the generosity of the many people who donated last year, I was able to give 145 treatments during my first visit, and 187 during the second one. There are thousands of people in the refugee camp in Lesbos living in inhumane conditions, including disabled people. Many of the people I met last year were experiencing severe pain, PTSD symptoms, digestive issues, and many other symptoms that are exacerbated by their difficult living conditions in tents and containers in a place where summers are extremely hot and winters and windy, cold, and humid; and in total uncertainty about their future. Most of this people can benefit from acupuncture treatment as well as from our basic human care.

There is no trauma or holistic care available to refugees apart from Earth Medicine, an organisation founded by my amazing friend Fabiola Velasquez. Often, she is the only person offering help that aims not only to relief physical symptoms, but to offer a safe space where refugees can feel human again after all the indignities they are subjected to on a daily basis.

Please help me get there to continue this important work.

One day, it could be us or our loved ones in need of refuge and humane treatment. Let's plant the seeds of love and compassion so we can harvest this later.

With love and gratitude,

Sandra