Why Military & Veterans Think Acupuncture First

Many Americans are using medical treatments that are not currently part of mainstream or rather, a conventional medical practice. Patient empowerment, self-activation, preventive self-care, and wellness are emphasized in complementary medicine. When health care providers and facilities offer traditional and complementary types of care, it is called integrative medicine.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) of the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 percent of American adults use health care approaches developed outside of mainstream conventional medicine.

HEALING THE WHOLE WARRIOR - COMPLEMENTARY CARE FOR MILITARY & VETERANS

Through their “Making Warriors Well” culture the ACUS Foundation is leading the way in complementary and integrative health for military and veterans by teaching military and VA physicians to Think Acupuncture First when treating pain and stress.

According to the ACUS Foundation, 400,000 to 500,000 U.S. veterans of recent war suffer from combat-related pain and stress. Additionally, 90% of the 60,000 service members injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are living with chronic pain and nearly half a million military personnel are estimated to suffer from PTS (post-traumatic stress) or TBI (traumatic brain injury) . In 2010, the Veterans Administration spent $2 billion on treatment for veterans recently diagnosed with these conditions.

PTS and TBI differ from other neurological and psychiatric conditions in that they don’t always respond to traditional therapies, including pharmaceuticals. One method that has demonstrated consistent success is acupuncture. Acus-trained military physicians use acupuncture as a primary treatment or a complement to conventional surgical, pharmaceutical, or psychiatric approaches to these conditions, which are frequently intertwined with other physical and emotional disorders.

A VETERAN ACUPUNCTURIST

The health benefits offered by Chinese Medicine, when used in conjunction with Western medicine, can have significant impact on the well-being and quality of life for veterans and active duty military personnel.

“Being a combat U.S Air Force Veteran with multiple deployments I’ve always sought Chinese Medicine for my well-being. Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbs, Tui Na massage, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, can significantly improve sleep and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. All of which are post combat symptoms for veterans and symptoms of active duty. I am encouraged everyday I come to work as I get to practice this wonderful medicine and provide the same benefits to my patients as I’ve received throughout my own wellness journey.”

- Dr. Tiffany Avery, DACM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.

To learn more about Dr. Avery’s experience WATCH THIS VIDEO.

Modern Acupuncture supports heroes who are active military personnel and veterans. Acupuncture is a low-cost, highly effective treatment with no side effects or risk of addiction. Check with the clinic near you for more information on how Military and Veterans can use the healing power of acupuncture for their benefit.