Inspired by a trip to the 2016 International Yoga Festival, Sami Rank felt called to bring acupuncture to Rishikesh and provide it’s citizens with this incredible therapy, free of charge. Earlier this year, Sami Rank, L.Ac. brought a medical team of 11 practitioners and 3 administrative volunteers, primarily from Arizona in the US, who were able to provide free acupuncture and medical services through the Swami Shukdevanand Charitable Hospital, and the Divine Shakti Foundation, associated with Parmarth Niketan. A massive thank you to Sami and his team for turing their calling into a reality.

The family of a patient being treated for post-stroke rehabilitation couldn’t believe how much improved the patient’s spirit was after just one treatment. They stopped an intern in the street to relay this and asked if they could bring the patient back for another treatment.

One patient changed his travel plans after his first day of treatment so that he could come every day to the clinic. He had extensive health issues and multiple seizures per week. During the week, he had only one seizure, and his demeanor changed from depression to exuberant and sunny.

The group hopes to make this an annual excursion, as it was so fulfilling for the patients and practitioners alike.