Treating PTSD in Veterans with Acupuncture

As we celebrate veterans and military families this month, we’re glad to know that the Veterans Administration is offering patients an exciting new program to help them cope with PTSD.

Recently, I profiled an innovative program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Although the hospital offers a wide range of services to veterans, its acupuncture PTSD clinic is unique.

A holistic approach to treating anxiety, anger, and addiction through acupuncture. Dr. Jeremiah Krieger leads the clinic. The clinic is operated in collaboration with the Emperor’s College of Traditional Medicine in Santa Monica.

There I met three outstanding veterans who shared their stories of service on and off the battlefield. I was moved by their courage. They all expressed deep pride in their service to their country.

But that service came at a price. Veterans have told me that they felt out of control when they returned home. They experienced depression, isolation, and dependence on alcohol and drugs. Some felt cut off from their families. Some people get angry easily.

Dr. Krieger calls recovery from PTSD a “second battlefield.” In this theater, veterans battle their demons. The goal is to function as a civilian again and heal from the trauma of war. It was a great honor for him to meet these three veterans.