I'm writing this on the eve of my 21 year old niece's scheduled deployment to Iraq.

My first contact with veteran patients was in 2006 under the mentorship of Dr. Niemtzow. I followed Dr. Niemtzow while he made his rounds at Walter Reed treating wounded soldiers from the Afgan war. I was impressed with their idealism, humility and patriotism.

It was not until a year ago that the VA opened it's door to acupuncture as a way to treat pain so to alleviate dependence on opioids. I got myself certified as a provider. Pain is on top but Acupuncture treats many other conditions and I find myself treating Parkinson's Disease, PTSD, Erectile Dysfunction and other problems that my patients bring in.

I am confident that one day the value of Acupuncture and Oriental Mediicine in promoting well-being will be appreciated and accepted as a frontline intervention for all diseases not only by the VA but by Medicare.