‘Integrative PTSD Programs for Vets’

Posted on April 24, 2009 by eresko

 

Photo by Benjamin Faust on Unsplash

Since I originally posted this article way back when in 2009; the VA really upped their game in the treatment of veterans with alternative methods like Acupuncture.  There has been a growing number of studies, testing the effects of acupuncture on symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as Insomnia and other sleep disorders (night terrors, night sweats, vivid dreaming etc.), musculoskeletal pain, brain injuries, anxiety, and depression, and the list keeps growing. 

There are many studies out there, lots of Veterans are finding benefit in these treatments, and as I said, the VA is implementing more options and ways in which Veterans can access Acupuncture treatments either as an adjunctive or stand-alone treatment.  It can be a little complicated to get your approval at times, but for the most part, ask and you shall receive, but the bigger point is, Acupuncture is available, it works and it fills a void where Veteran’s can find healing benefits in physical, mental and emotional aspects of their lives.

For more on how Acupuncture works to treat Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux and more, check out this great article from The Mattress Nerd.

 

 

Originally posted article (April, 2009):

Keeping with the theme of my last two posts, this article was just published in Acupuncture Today (both a newspaper and internet source).

…and just when I was wondering why there weren’t more programs out there working to implement these complementary modalities in treating Veterans’ with PTSD.  It reaps benefits for both the afflicted vets as well as our economy!

“Advocates for the integrated approach in the treatment of PTSD at both Ft. Hood (El Paso, Texas) and Ft. Bliss (Killeen, Texas) were convinced that the traditional methods of treating PTSD weren’t long enough in duration, intense enough or comprehensive enough. A program was created that would address all aspects of PTSD and treat the whole soldier. This integrative approach treats many of the symptoms of PTSD that are not addressed through the standard mental health protocols, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. The concept eventually led to the implementation of the Ft. Bliss Restoration & Resilience Center and the Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program at Ft. Hood that incorporated medical massage, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, marital/family therapy and reiki with the standard treatment protocols of cognitive-behavioral and cathartic psychotherapies and pharmacotherapy”.

To read the whole article, click this link:  Weighing the Costs, Integrative PTSD Programs for Veterans

Source:  www.acupuncturetoday.com April, 23 ’09

About eresko

I am a licensed Acupuncturist and NCCAOM Board certified Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. I live in Hailey, Idaho, where I have an Acupuncture practice, Erin Hill Acupuncture as well as a type of Integrative Wellness Care practice, Tune Up. I am also a Level I & II certified Kettlebell Instructor and teach private classes in the Wood River Valley, Idaho. I have been very active in sports and athletics since I can remember. I received my BS in Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado @ Boulder. In my practice I utilize all modalities to help get you where you want to be, whether with Acupuncture, Nutrition, or Kettlebell training. I am well versed in treating Sports specific conditions; pain, injuries, strains & sprains and use my knowledge of the body both from a Chinese Medical standpoint and a traditional Western one; a concept that most of my patients are familiar with. In addition, I incorporate my knowledge of the physical body & how we move, where restrictions, pain, or tightness may reside and how that, in turn, affects the internal organs or vice versa. For each individual that walks through my door, I am able to assess what each person needs as far as therapy to achieve their goals. Each person is different, inside and out and treatments should reflect that. Among my modalities, I use Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tuina (a type of Chinese bodywork), Japanese style Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Nutrition, and Lifestyle coaching as well as my Kettlebell training for rehab and for improving one's fitness level.
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1 Response to ‘Integrative PTSD Programs for Vets’

  1. Anna says:
    May 2, 2009 at 7:50

    Thanks for posting this. There’s actually a facility near me in Milwaukee that is using acupuncture, reiki, massage, etc. to help treat survivors of sexual assault who may be experiencing PTSD (http://www.thehealingcenter.org/aboutus/services/default.aspx). Hopefully future research will show that non-western treatments are not only effective, but will also allow people to be more accepting of them as a viable treatment options.

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