Use of Holistic Procedures to Assist Veterans

A Marine Corps veteran was recently present at an open house to thank Healing Heroes in the Heartland for helping her recover and walk.

Healing Heroes of the Heartland held an open house at its offices at 2508 25th St., Rock Island, where many veterans and supporters assembled to discover more information about the non-profit organization. “The organization is devoted to contributing holistic services to heroes,” explained Angel Hong of Milan, doctor of chiropractic and holistic medical director. Holistic services are focused on treating an individual completely, both physically and emotionally.

Although Healing Heroes in the Heartland inaugurated in 2013, utilizing holistic procedures to help individuals with anxiety, trauma, or pain is not a recent approach. “Three thousand years ago, people had depression,” Hong quoted. Similar programs by other organizations focusing on healing and rehabilitating active duty military members and veterans also utilize a holistic approach to promote a faster and complete treatment of not only physical injuries or conditions but also emotional complications, such as PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorders.

From individuals curious of the group’s services to supporters who’ve previously benefited from its services, more than 60 people attended this particular open house event, including soldiers who’ve been referred by doctors.

Marine Corps veteran Heather Petersen of Bettendorf, acknowledged Healing Heroes for supporting her through her recovery from a severe accident that left her in pain. In August of 1998, Petersen was a heavy-equipment mechanic serving in Japan. She was ordering parts by a table when a steamroller near her jumped into gear. Heather Petersen was pinned between the table and the steamroller. She described her experience during the accident, which lead to severe back complications, nerve impingement, joint and leg pain, Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, as well as difficulty getting out of bed and walking due to the pain and other symptoms. Petersen then learned about Healing Heroes in the Heartland at a health fair at the Rock Island Arsenal, where she is a contract specialist. She recognized that if it weren’t for Angel Hong, she wouldn’t have been able to walk and she would have continued utilizing medications supplied by the Veterans Administration. Currently she undergoes regular acupuncture, cupping therapy and chiropractic treatments.

One of the major challenges for Healing Heroes in the Heartland involves getting active duty members and veterans alike to admit they need help. The association wants to expand its services to accident and abuse survivors as well as increase the amount of first responders. Paul Lappin, development coordinator of grants for Healing Heroes, described how many people resolve to taking medications, but there are other non-pharmacological ways to treat a variety of injuries or conditions.

The group uses Chinese medicine, acupuncture, life coaching, massage therapy, and meditation to help overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, which Angel Hong mentions these treatment options have shown to be beneficial for the condition.

Stacy Muhs of Eldridge was among various vendors at the open house who was at a booth to discuss Young Living Essential Oils. “The Bible mentions many essential oils such as cedar wood, which King Solomon used to build his palace and temple. Smelling cedar wood helps people clarify their thinking,” Muhs stated. “We’re all here to help provide support for our veterans and people who suffer from PTSD and any kind of emotional or physical issues.”

Other local organizations, such as the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System, have also established a variety of medical benefits for veterans and active duty service members alike. Both groups of individuals can now seek medical attention of their injuries through services such as chiropractic adjustments, manual manipulations, and exercises, as well as specialized services for emotional disorders or conditions affecting service members and veterans.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com

A holistic approach, or the treatment of an individual as a whole, including both mental and physical factors, has been used before to treat a variety of injuries or conditions but a current group, Healing Heroes of the Heartland, has currently organized to begin holistic treatment for active duty military members and veterans. The procedures have been greatly effective in helping many individuals. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Source: Chiropractic: A Safer Strategy than Opioids

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs site