complementary and integrative health

His mechanic job in Vietnam took its toll on his back. He used morphine until VA suggested acupuncture. Today, he feels like a new man.

Now, VA investigators are examining the effectiveness of a clinical, trauma-sensitive yoga intervention to help women Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and went on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Veterans with chronic pain are replacing opioid pain medications with yoga, acupuncture, and other Whole Health approaches to care. Report reveals promising findings associated with Whole Health.

A literature review by VA researchers highlights the usefulness of biofeedback for headache and incontinence treatment, and stroke recovery. There was less evidence for its role in other conditions.

Findings from clinical trials suggest mindfulness can aid in recovery from PTSD.

Dr. Matthew Bair is a general internal medicine physician and VA health services researcher. His main research interest is pain management in primary care. Over the last 15 years, Bair has been part of a team that has worked to improve pain management for Veterans, particularly through combining pharmacologic (drug) and non-pharmacologic treatments.

VA researchers are studying whether tai chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body therapy, can help relieve the chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms experienced by many Gulf War Veterans.