Addiction, Acupuncture, and the Army

Prescription drug abuse is a rampant problem in the civilian world, so it should come as no surprise that misuse of medication plagues a military that has been both physically and mentally drained over the past decade. Pain happens and narcotics can be used appropriately and effectively to treat and manage discomfort. Addictions frequently have a root in liberal prescribing practices, inability to deliver non-pharmaceutical pain management modalities, and underlying or untreated mental health disorders. However, we do live in an era where putting the blame solely on the prescriber or claiming ignorance of the abuse potential of the drug are becoming anachronistic excuses. Increasingly, VA and military facilities across the country are using CAM therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation...

Addiction, Acupuncture, and the Army

Prescription drug abuse is a rampant problem in the civilian world, so it should come as no surprise that misuse of medication plagues a military that has been both physically and mentally drained over the past decade. Pain happens and narcotics can be used appropriately and effectively to treat and manage discomfort. Addictions frequently have a root in liberal prescribing practices, inability to deliver non-pharmaceutical pain management modalities, and underlying or untreated mental health disorders. However, we do live in an era where putting the blame solely on the prescriber or claiming ignorance of the abuse potential of the drug are becoming anachronistic excuses. Increasingly, VA and military facilities across the country are using CAM therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation...

The Balancing Act

I normally do not promote promotion of medical acupuncture since, contrary to the contention of this article, most physicians who practice medical acupuncture are not experts in both fields, but rather specialists in one and dabbles in the other. I will forgo my usual rant about weekend courses, dry needling practices, and cookbook style acupuncture and instead be mollified that the EU and USA appear to be on the same 1/4 page of acceptance when it comes to insurance coverage for evidenced-based CAM therapies. Getting the Balance Right (excerpt)By Lizzy Beckwith for CypresNews Jan. 16, 2011 Even diehard medical traditionalists accept that acupuncture is excellent for pain relief. Back pain, knee pain, tennis elbow as well as pain caused by many other health issues, including cancer, can be...

The Balancing Act

I normally do not promote promotion of medical acupuncture since, contrary to the contention of this article, most physicians who practice medical acupuncture are not experts in both fields, but rather specialists in one and dabbles in the other. I will forgo my usual rant about weekend courses, dry needling practices, and cookbook style acupuncture and instead be mollified that the EU and USA appear to be on the same 1/4 page of acceptance when it comes to insurance coverage for evidenced-based CAM therapies. Getting the Balance Right (excerpt)By Lizzy Beckwith for CypresNews Jan. 16, 2011 Even diehard medical traditionalists accept that acupuncture is excellent for pain relief. Back pain, knee pain, tennis elbow as well as pain caused by many other health issues, including cancer, can be...

Setting Goals for 2011 and Beyond

Setting SMART Life GoalsSetting goals is the key to staying on track and providing a clear direction to your life. Start with an overall self-concept that you want to achieve. It can be as simple and straightforward as “I am kind” or “I am content,” and as complex as “I am a holistic success” or “I am an accomplished innovator.” In order to become the person you want to be, it is important that goals be SMART goals. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Set short-term goals for as little as 1-3 months, medium term goals for 6 months to a year, and long-term goals for 5 years or more. You can also include a lifetime accomplishment list. Start with short term first and experiment. Set your goals in the following categories: Health Family Social Career Education...

Setting Goals for 2011 and Beyond

Setting SMART Life GoalsSetting goals is the key to staying on track and providing a clear direction to your life. Start with an overall self-concept that you want to achieve. It can be as simple and straightforward as “I am kind” or “I am content,” and as complex as “I am a holistic success” or “I am an accomplished innovator.” In order to become the person you want to be, it is important that goals be SMART goals. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Set short-term goals for as little as 1-3 months, medium term goals for 6 months to a year, and long-term goals for 5 years or more. You can also include a lifetime accomplishment list. Start with short term first and experiment. Set your goals in the following categories: Health Family Social Career Education...