Dr. Edward Lamadrid comments on the benefits of acupuncture for combat injuries
Acupuncture has long been used as an ancient remedy for both physical and mental ailments, but as the procedure has become more mainstream, even the military has incorporated the practice into their treatment plans. The Operation Stress Control and Readiness Program (OSCAR), a joint venture between the Navy and Marine Corps, has taken the benefits of acupuncture overseas to help injured soldiers.
Edward Lamadrid, a nationally recognized doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (DAOM), explains that since acupuncture treatments offer stress relief and pain management without the use of pharmaceutical drugs, it makes sense that military field physicians have taken to the practice. “Symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, nightmares and anxiety can be treated through acupuncture,” says Lamadrid. “In fact, it has been reported that acupuncture is even being used to treat cases of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) including concussions and cases of post-traumatic stress disorder.”
By placing professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists and acupuncturists within combat teams, the program aims to provide medical health care to troops by offering a range of ways for soldiers to seek help. “It is great to see that a program has been started to provide the benefits of acupuncture to our soldiers,” adds Lamadrid. “The treatments will help to address and treat the physical and emotional impacts of combat injuries.”
About Dr. Edward Lamadrid
He is a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM) and the founder of Integrative Health Studio in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Lamadrid is a pioneer who has devoted more than three decades to studying all forms of complementary and alternative medicine. He is one of approximately one hundred DAOMs in the country. He is also the campus director and professor at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.