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Alternative Therapies At The VA

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Accupuncturist Howard Kong, left, applies pins to patient Richard Fox’s ear and head as his father and partner Lam Kong watches Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, in Oakland, Calif. Fox has been receiving accupuncture treatments from the Kongs for 28 years and said the treatment on Wednesday was a “tune-up” to maintain his body’s systems at an equal level. Alternative medicine like acupuncture and chiropractic services could be cut from the list of benefits covered by Medi-Cal, California’s low-income health insurance, under Gov. Gray Daivs’ midyear budget proposal. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

The Tomah VA Medical Center is one of 18 veterans hospitals across the country taking part in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health program. Whole Health takes a holistic approach to veterans’ health; participants in the program can take part in nontraditional therapies such as acupuncture, tai chi and energy healing. The Tomah VA hopes that the program will help reduce opioid painkiller prescriptions as they continue to address problems of overprescribing in the wake of a patient death in 2014.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Hope Kirwan Guest
  • Adam Flood Guest
  • Victoria Brahm Guest

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