Army Asst. Surgeon General: VA needs alternatives like acupuncture

As employees of the Departmante of Veteran's Affairs prepare to vote this week on a proposal for expansion of NADA ear acupuncture services for veterans in crisis, a CNN story today includes comments from the Army's assistant surgeon general, who spoke about the need for acupuncture as an alternative to medication based care. 

"Whether it be acupuncture or biofeedback or yoga therapy, there is a host of other things we can provide to patients to take care of them right, other than narcotics," said Brig. Gen. Richard Thomas, in a story on Chris Bachus, who reportedly died in 2008 from a toxic over-dose of medications, prescribed by the VA.  According to Thomas, the VA is currently reviewing policies on medication management to ensure safer procedures for the growing problem of over-medication within veteran's care.

The acu detox proposal will expand access to veterans for NADA community ear acupuncture clinics in a barrier free capacity, specifically for veterans in crisis, as part of suicide prevention, and those on wait lists for conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

VA employees are encouraged to vote for the acu detox proposal.  While NADA is not a cure for any psychiatric disorder, it has been used as an adjunct to and for prevention of conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, and schizophrenia.

The voting begins June 6, and will end June 10 as part of the VHA Employee Innovation Competition.

Click here to learn more about this proposal:

http://acudetox.com/nada-protocol/nada-advocacy/146-votes-needed-to-expand-ear-acupuncture-for-military-veterans.html