When it comes to ancient Chinese acupuncture, everything old is new again.
Acupuncture, which involves inserting tiny needles into strategic points in the body, is now being used in a revolutionary new PTSD education clinic, emergency department, and other clinical settings at the Virginia campus in West Los Angeles.
When Navy veteran Johnny Theisen first started coming to the clinic seven months ago, he was using a walker and suffering from a variety of other issues. Since then, he has gone through a ‘transformation’ and speaks glowingly of how acupuncture helped him get there.
“A lot of the treatments you get at neurology and other clinics are great, but here they seem to target specific areas and make you feel better physically and mentally. It helps me in every aspect of what I’ve done. It’s amazing,” he recalled.
Dr. Jeremiah Krieger, the first full-time herbalist physician in Greater Los Angeles, Virginia, founded the clinic a year ago. Theisen is just one of many veteran participants who credit Krieger and other acupuncturists with helping them heal.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is most commonly known for treating pain, but it is also applied to a wide range of other conditions, from gastrointestinal issues to PTSD to reproductive health. This custom dates back about 3,000 years.
In 2018, VA announced standards to allow the employment of qualified acupuncturists at VA medical centers. Mr. Krieger and Dr. Kirsten Tillish, director of integrative medicine since 2013, have been at the forefront of the growth of acupuncture within the acupuncture system.
How can tiny needles help the body heal? Scientists are still studying how and why acupuncture is effective, Krieger explained, but there is evidence that acupuncture releases anti-inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulators, endorphins, and endogenous hormones from the body. He explained that there is evidence that it releases sex opiates.
“It improves blood flow to the injury site. It calms brain centers associated with pain and trauma, promotes neuroplasticity, and helps the brain create new, healthier pathways,” Krieger said. Ta.
Earlier this year, doctors in Long Beach, Virginia, along with other researchers published “Acupuncture for Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” showing that acupuncture is effective in treating PTSD symptoms. I discovered that.
relieve symptoms
A year ago, Krieger launched a PTSD clinic on Tuesday afternoons where acupuncture doctoral trainees from Santa Monica-based Emperor’s College come to the West LA VA Medical Center to treat veterans.
There, a large room with calming sounds, comfortable chairs, reclining tables, and a caring staff became a welcoming sanctuary.
Krieger has seen amazing results in these clinics and other settings. He and Dr. Thomas Blair, assistant director of the emergency department, worked together to start a program to use acupuncture in the emergency department.
There, Krieger helped patients endure kidney stones without drug relief, regain the ability to breathe normally despite early heart failure, and cope with the pain of metastatic cancer after being off opiates. All of this is due to ancient practices.
“It is safe, painless and has very good clinical results. It is a great way to solve health problems and is gentler on the body compared to harsh treatments such as surgery or medication. It has a healing effect,” he said.
The spread of acupuncture
PTSD clinics and emergency departments are just a few examples of where acupuncture is used. A walk-in battlefield acupuncture clinic for pain held on Fridays draws a large number of veteran patients.
Dr. Beverly Haas, mental health leader for the West Los Angeles Virginia Home Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, has seen firsthand the effects of acupuncture on the veterans she works with.
“They really like going there. They always look forward to returning home and find it helps a lot with reducing stress and reducing anxiety and pain,” Haas said. Told. In a letter to VA leaders, she reported that many veterans described the treatment as “game-changing.”
Reservations for Krieger’s clinic are required two months in advance. He hopes the use of acupuncture continues to expand, especially in the field of mental health.
“If you know that your veterans care about you and are doing your best, they are the most appreciative, loyal, wonderful, appreciative people I have ever worked with. It’s very rewarding. The combination of good medicine and kindness is a miracle,” he added.
Many veterans report that acupuncture may seem scary at first, but keeping an open mind is key, Theisen said. “Really listen to them.”
“Give acupuncture a chance,” added military veteran Bradley Griffin, another clinic participant. “It’s strange, but it works. Try it for yourself first and then decide.” Above is Griffin during an acupuncture treatment.
