Have you ever used alternative healing?

2014-01-21T14:31:34-05:00

If so, what type and how did it work for you? I have heard that various military and VA medical facilities have offered alternative healing options to Service Members and Veterans, to assist with PTSD and other medical issues. I am interested in finding out more about its use and its results. Thanks in advance for your input.

Thanks, Clarence

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 21 at 2014 6:20 PM

2014-01-21T18:20:41-05:00

SGM,

I have been given recommendations on various alternative options, but the only one I have used from the VA is massage therapy for my scars and nerve transplants from a few combat injuries, it helps to reduce the tingling sensations from the nerve grafts and also helps to break up the scar tissue in and around the surgical areas.

I was even talked to about medical MJ for pain from many of my injuries that are at a 9/10 on pain levels, but I passed as I wasn't sure how that would reflect on my benefits and legalities for my state, which is not one of the ones that approves of the use for medical purposes.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 21 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-01-21T18:38:58-05:00

You mean weed SGM? I've never used it but momma, daddy, brother, sister, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Becky, Uncle David, Great Aunt Susie and all 51 of my first cousins swear by it.

I'm not even kidding.

Response by SPC Joe Boots made Jan 30 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-01-30T21:10:02-05:00

in my experience SGM, the VA has only ever recommended a slew of pills and conventional counseling therapy , and more pills ..

i tried all that a few times and to be honest it all made everything worse. i have PTSD and MS .. sometimes they run parallel , sometimes they intersect.

i found a civilian therapist to talk to and some other unconventional therapy methods and they do help me out. massage therapy, yoga and meditation are my main therapies right now and they are working wonders with calming my mind down.

i have found my major issue is a racing mind. survival mode 24-7. so calming that is ultimately what im after and i dont need 5 different medications / side effects for that!

Hooah! and good luck MSG!

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 31 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-01-31T10:31:28-05:00

When I was in/on Okinawa, I was privileged to study Karate. As such, I had a shoulder injury from a bit of the strenuous training and Kumate.
My sensei recommended a local acupuncture therapist, I was a little hesitant but based on the discomfort I went. Absolutely the most effective therapy ever, I was back to full usage of my right arm and shoulder within a week.
I would love to experience that again for my other Service Related disabilities, but Stateside acupuncture is pricey and not recognized by Tricare for referrals. And even if there was a Military or VA doctor that "says" they could do it...I'm not that Huckleberry.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 31 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-01-31T10:55:49-05:00

Acupuncture really works! I've had problems with my left shoulder after returning from Iraq. I'd been receiving some massage on it and it helped a bit. Then she asked me if I'd like to try acupuncture, why not, so I did. I was amazed how well it worked. In no time at all I had better movement with my arm. I also had problems with my left hand, and she put the needles to it as well. Good move.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 31 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-01-31T11:02:08-05:00

SGM Clarence Zarnes I have not tried alternative healing, though I would be open to it to see if it works. I am about to start physical therapy for onset arthritis in my neck and back. I had gone to a chiropractor several times but was not seeing improvements. I don't know enough about medical care to say what works and what doesn't, beyond my own case of course.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 31 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-01-31T11:18:55-05:00

SGM Clarence Zarnes - I most certainly do. Most effective is Flush Free Niacin for treating depression, there are herbs that help the inflammation, herbs that calm and much more. Please check out my website:
http://www.wholepatriot.com

The Whole Patriot

Natural Health Solutions for the American Serviceperson

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-01-31T11:55:55-05:00

SGM,
I had several herniated discs as well as history of migraines.

For the herniated discs, I have used acupuncture, cortisone injections, and even Botox. Aside from my neck being smooth and youthful, Lol, it worked. I eventually ended up with permanent fix with laser repair, but those all worked for pain management.

For the migraines/headaches, I swear by essential oils. All natural and no chemicals. As someone that used 800mg Motrin for years and my stomach got torn up, I was happy to try something organic. I am not a salesperson, but I prefer DoTerra. I use something called "Past Tense", which when rubbed on source of headache, rids it within an hour.

I have other oils for other ailments, and they truly work (for me).
--Peppermint oil for sinuses
--Lavender or Serenity for sleep
--Melaleuca (tea tree) for breakouts.
**The great thing is that one oil can solve a multitude of issues, where over-the-counter may have several ingredients that only and/or possibly solve one issue.

My advice, look up what oils work for your issue, then order it through Amazon or Ebay. Cheaper and you can get samples before you commit to a larger bottle.

((ok, my plug is over. Lol))

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2016 8:17 PM

2016-08-08T20:17:49-04:00

I pay for a homeopathic doctor and an alternative therapist to assist in any issues that I have developed over the years throughout the Army. I feel that talk therapy treatments combined with medications can are not a path I choose to partake in, and this method helps me deal with things on personally structured method for myself rather than a cookie cutter one.

Response by SFC Wanda Purifoy made May 28 at 2019 4:43 PM

2019-05-28T16:43:05-04:00

I have heart arrhythmias. Since about 30 years old, I experienced what I call butterflies in my heart, a fluttering feeling. I noticed they occurred when my stress level was high. I switched to decaf coffee and they only showed up ever few years or so when I had a major stress event. After my big brother dropped dead at work from a "massive heart attack" last year, my heart was doing flip flops on and off daily, weekly, monthly, etc. I went to my VA clinic and they started running tests including a 2 week holter monitor. The holter report showed I have about 5 different arrhythmia things going on, only one of which I had noticed before. They sent my report to a cardiologist who recommended a "low dose beta blocker".
After looking up beta blockers, and after my experiences with modern medicine, and my experience with changing to a primal diet years ago, I decided to skip the beta blocker and took the test results to a Naturopathic Doctor. The ND recommended several food supplements, herbs and vitamins as well as exercise, meditation and journaling.
I was already on the diet she recommended so I only needed to tweak it a bit by adding free range eggs instead of grocery store eggs, and more organically grown foods. I added meditation, exercise, and a bit of yoga. My little brother sent me a pair of noise cancelling headphones to help me deal with the stressful, noisy neighborhood I live in. I also use them to listen to sleep meditations at night.
Some of the changes have been against my will, but since I am determined to improve without Rx drugs, I am forcing myself to journal (this doesn’t come easily to me), learn yoga, and exercise. I focus on one aspect at a time until it becomes routine, and then I add another item. I’m actually looking forward to my next exercise day.
I have been using these natural remedies since February. I have noticed a great reduction in the heart tricks (I had one a few minutes ago), and I’m gaining energy. I also respond more calmly to stress events and am able to accomplish more things around the house. I’m looking forward to more improvement. I’ve set goals: no heart mis-beats for several days in a row; strength to start working on building a small work shop, and calm enough to be around people occasionally.