The last decades have seen the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expand to incorporate complementary therapies to serve the veterans in maintaining their health and well-being. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and tai chi are complementary and integrative health (CIH) systems that are holistic healing practices in addition to the application of conventional medicine.
The emergence of alternative therapies for veterans
In the past, veterans’ health care was based primarily on conventional medical practice. But since recognizing that the veterans constitute a unique class of problemsāi.e., anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSDāthe VA extends its services by incorporating CIH treatments. The shift is an advancement towards giving veterans a broad range of facilities for ensuring their well-being and health.
Yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation are incorporated into the VA’s integrative health program. Yoga educates one to be conscious, to breathe, and to put the body into alignment to enhance mental sharpness and physical strength.
The Veterans Yoga Project, in partnership with the VA, offers free in-person and online yoga classes tailored for veterans and their families. The classes are tailored to enhance mental health, quality sleep, and overall quality of life. The partnership is a testament to the VA’s commitment to whole care provided.
Scientific evidence also supports the value of these practices. Research suggests that yoga has been utilized to decrease the signs of chronic low back pain among veterans, and meditation exercises have been associated with lower anxiety and depression. These findings are an indicator of the therapeutic value in the application of mind-body practices to treat veterans.
Acupuncture and Tai Chi
Apart from yoga and meditation, the VA has also introduced other ancient forms of therapy like acupuncture and tai chi into its health care.
Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, is the insertion of extremely thin needles into specific points on the body in the hope of healing pain and speeding up the healing process. VA hospitals nationwide have begun incorporating acupuncture as a highly effective therapy for chronic pain, finding it can reduce drug usage.
Tai chi, practiced in China, is slow motion combined with breathing regulation and focus. Because tai chi has shown the ability to improve balance, flexibility, and cognitive functioning, tai chi has become part of stress management and physical functioning treatment for veterans.
Joint ventures to enhance holistic care
The VA’s holistic health mission also becomes evident in the association of the VA with other agencies sharing a vision about the health and well-being of veterans.
One of the collaborations is with Connected Warriors, which is a company that provides trauma-sensitive yoga to veterans. The collaboration offers a window for the veterans to access the yoga practices and disciplines that will reverse the hardships of trauma, leading to healing and wellness.
Similarly, the VA collaboration with the Veterans Yoga Project has made more mindful resilience classes available. These are available for veterans to offer them coping skills for PTSD and other mental health conditions in addition to conventional treatments and enabling whole-person healing.
The impact of alternative therapies
Personal stories from veterans illustrate the life-altering impacts of alternative therapies.
For instance, Army veteran Sarah Johnson credits yoga with helping her deal with PTSD and gain some sense of control and balance over her life. Her experience fits into a wider trend of veterans turning to alternative sources for solace and healing.
Additionally, research indicates that veterans who receive yoga interventions are given reduced chronic pain and enhanced mental well-being. The research considers the potential for CIH interventions in controlling complicated diseases prevalent among veterans.
Challenges and way forward
While the integration of alternative medicine into treatment for veterans has shown promise, challenges do exist. Sustained access to certified practitioners, overcoming resistance to non-traditional treatments, and providing sustained funding are real concerns that need attention.
The VA’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve CIH services reflect the organization’s dedication to treating these disorders. By facilitating alliances, research, and a veteran-oriented approach, the VA works towards enhancing the health and welfare of America’s veterans.
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