Acupuncture as a Treatment in the Military

By Joe Chang, MAOM, DiplOM, LAc

During a number of my presentations I get asked quite often, “How can I work on military personnel as an acupuncturist?” I am often conflicted as to how to respond. On one hand, I am pushing for more positions in the military for acupuncturists. But, in a way, it was a hard fought sell to get funding for the two integrative PTSD programs that I am involved with at Ft. Bliss and at Ft. Hood. A key question that is always be asked by the leadership at an Army Medical Center is: “Where is the research, and is it working?” My reply is that research is underway at Ft. Bliss and at Ft. Hood on our integrative PTSD programs. Additionally, my own research on acupuncture and its effects on PTSD will hopefully be underway by the end of the year.

Certainly I am not the only acupuncturist working in the military. Through my presentations I have met a number of acupuncturists employed throughout the VA Medical Centers and various military treatment facilities. Our colleagues are now at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Seattle Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and VA Medical Center at East Orange. I have also met the past president of AAAOM, Martin Herbkersman, who is getting numerous referrals from the VA Medical Center in South Carolina. Each of us has a different background. The majority of acupuncturists working in the VA system have a Western background as a nurse and an acupuncture license to practice in that state. The majority of acupuncturists working with the Army are credentialed providers. This means that we have access to medical records, can order lab tests, and do not need the supervision of a physician.

As I continue to push for more positions, I have realized that it is important that the first step is to establish an occupational code. This classification is essential, as every employee in the military healthcare system has an occupational code. Chiropractors, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and occupational therapists are all coded, to name a few. Without this code, entry into the military is difficult. To help facilitate this, AAAOM is working with their lobbyist, Mr. Sam Brunelli, on the addition of an occupational code, as well as the important HR646 bill that will enable Medicare to pay for acupuncture services.

A military saying supports our slow and deliberate process, “Hurry up and wait.” I have never experienced this process until now. Progress may come at a snail’s pace, but I believe that once acupuncture is established within the military, practitioners of Oriental medicine will be looked upon in a different light. Hopefully, if someone asks us, “So, what do you do for a living?” our answers will not lead to another question, “What is that?” Instead, I’m hopeful that people will say, “I heard the military is using acupuncture to treat our soldiers.”