At Calm San Diego, our mission is rooted in helping people find balance, relief, and empowerment in their lives. But some members of our community face challenges that go far beyond everyday stress—survivors of human trafficking are navigating the long road to recovery after enduring unimaginable trauma.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in supporting these survivors through the life-changing power of acupuncture and holistic care. With your help, we can continue to expand our impact and give survivors the tools they need to heal, rebuild, and reclaim their lives.
The Reality of Human Trafficking in San Diego
Human trafficking, including forced labor and sex work, is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the United States, generating an estimated $9 billion annually. San Diego is one of the epicenters of this crisis, with the local sex trafficking trade alone bringing in approximately $800 million each year.
As one of the top four trafficking destinations in the nation, California, and particularly San Diego, sees a wide range of victims:
- Underage runaways seeking safety
- Individuals from other countries seeking work
- Household workers and sex workers coerced or tricked into exploitative situations
These victims are often isolated, afraid, and hidden. San Diego’s geographic spread and cultural diversity create an environment where traffickers can easily move and conceal victims, making it challenging for law enforcement to provide help.
When survivors do escape, they are often left with lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Healing from these experiences requires compassionate, long-term care—and that’s where we step in.
The Lasting Impact of Trauma
The effects of human trafficking extend far beyond the immediate experiences of abuse. Survivors often face:
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to fear and danger leaves survivors with nervous systems stuck in a heightened state of stress.
- Physical Pain: Trauma is stored in the body, leading to chronic pain, tension, and fatigue.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common, as survivors work to process their experiences and regain a sense of safety.
Science shows that trauma fundamentally alters how the brain and body function. Elevated cortisol levels disrupt sleep, mood, and immune function, while physical and emotional pain reinforce each other, creating a cycle that can feel impossible to escape.
How Acupuncture Supports Survivors
Acupuncture offers a holistic, non-invasive way to help survivors begin their healing journey. At Calm San Diego, we’ve seen firsthand how acupuncture can:
- Calm the Nervous System: Trauma leaves the body in “fight or flight” mode, but acupuncture helps shift the nervous system into “rest and digest,” reducing stress hormones and creating a sense of calm.
- Relieve Physical Pain: By improving circulation and stimulating the release of endorphins, acupuncture eases tension, chronic pain, and discomfort.
- Improve Emotional Well-Being: Acupuncture supports the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood and resilience.
- Rebuild Connection: For many survivors, trauma creates a sense of disconnection from their own bodies. Acupuncture provides a safe, supportive way to reconnect and heal.
Each treatment is a step toward empowerment, helping survivors reclaim their health, build resilience, and move forward with hope.
Our Mission: Healing and Empowerment
In 2024 alone, Calm San Diego has provided nearly 300 acupuncture treatments to survivors of sex trafficking. These sessions represent more than just a chance to relax—they are vital for helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Through these treatments, survivors are able to:
- Regulate their stress response and feel safe in their bodies
- Relieve chronic pain and tension
- Begin to process and release emotional trauma
- Develop tools for long-term health and balance
Our work is about more than addressing symptoms—it’s about creating a space where survivors can begin to envision a brighter future.
The Growing Demand for Care
As awareness of our program grows, more survivors are reaching out for help. While we’re honored to provide care, the increasing demand means we need your support to continue offering these life-changing treatments.
How You Can Help
This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of survivors. Here’s how you can join us:
🌱 Become a Sustaining Member
For just $15 or more per month, you’ll provide ongoing support for survivors’ treatments. As a thank-you, you’ll receive a Calm San Diego water bottle or coffee mug to remind you of the difference you’re making.
🌼 Sponsor a Full Treatment
A one-time donation of $110 funds a complete acupuncture session for a survivor. Each treatment helps them find relief from pain, stress, and emotional overwhelm while supporting their long-term recovery.
Why Your Support Matters
Every treatment we provide is a step toward healing, strength, and hope for a survivor. By supporting Calm San Diego, you’re giving survivors the tools they need to rebuild their lives with confidence and resilience.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s come together as a community to expand our impact. With your help, we can continue to provide the care survivors need to heal and thrive.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The journey to healing is never easy, but every small step makes a difference. Your generosity this Giving Tuesday can help survivors of human trafficking find balance, relief, and empowerment through holistic care.
Visit The Pain Free Project to become a sustaining member or sponsor a treatment today. Together, we can create a community of healing, resilience, and hope.
