Why Care About Veterans

 [Not updated since Trump Victory 2016]
"Why should America care about veterans?" asked the civilian...
This new page features recent information about the Wounded Warriors Project. Notably, Bruce Willis has added his name to the ranks of supporters of that organization.I found a Kevin Costner statement and Trace Adkins and even Eminem.

Below that are some of the graphics, videos and links that are on other pages of this site that I have created to share what I know with others who can then help people in their own lives.

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Here is a video interview with a student who is one of the many who are hoping that their contributions can benefit a healther society. The answers to the questions on both sides...well, they are still being created. This is not an easy time for human society:

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Whether you are a military veteran or a veteran surviver of life in the midst of traumatic civilian situations, I have found resources I'm offering to share with you.

Spikes? You may feel as if you have been driving down the road of life with spikes poking holes in your tires. Maybe just a single spike sticking in from the side that you carry with you causing gradual air leak which is enough to make driving erratic and slow, if not impossible at all.

Trauma is a key focus of mine. Trauma can be any of a number of types. Neglect, assault, auto accidents, and much more can cause a person to have a dramatically changed life. I want to let visitors to my site know that there are things that can be done whether it is "psychological" or physical trauma that has impacted their life. [New: At the bottom of this page is the new TBI News feed that I'm testing as a plug-in, from BrainLine.Org. See also BrainlineMilitary.org., with a 3-D Model of the Brain.]

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We all are aware that: Our Nation Is Still At War

Superb film excerpt showing men and boys motivated to do the wartime work...in another century. [I watched it in theater 5 times and several more on DVD in my home office.] Today's uniformed service is much different, but Friends, Family and Community can still be central in the minds and hearts of those who join.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.  With Russell Crowe and Ralph Bellamy.
Treating veterans is an important challenge after they are welcomed home.

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This video about War and sacrifice is recently compiled at the Washington National Cathedral -- an unexpectedly clear look at what Sacrifice means to those who have sacrificed in many ways:

1. See New Brain Science. 
2. Daniel Amen, M.D. -- the brain imaging doctor. See more on my Amen Education Center section.
3. New: Brain Health Education & Research Institute. June 2012 conference -- Advances in the Prevention and Management of Sports-Related Concussions.

4. Neuroscience and Psychology/Psychotherapy gives me great hope. Here is the link to Shrink Rap Radio and an aspect of emotional regulation and the Vagus Nerve:

This links to an interview by psychologist David Van Nuys, Ph.D. with Stephen Porges, Ph.D.
[Click here to go to page to hear/download MP3 interview]

FYI: Many things can push the brain into less than optimal function. There are many "shocks and traumas" of life besides traumatic impacts to the skull that can affect brain function. In fact, I think that everyone would benefit from doing all that they can to improve their brain health no matter what was their past history of physical or mental trauma.

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Videos below: Brain trauma and violence | Washington DC area Amen Clinic intro | the Amen Solution @ Home support network.

They have studied about 100,000 brains

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Dr. Amen offers Brain Mapping using Quantitative EEG. I am in touch with a number of local resources for this. I'm proud to have seen patients in the office of Dr. Tom Budzynski and Dr. Helen Kogan Budzynski: Neuropioneers. Before he died, he and I had begun a research project comparing Neurofeedback assessments before and after sessions, with the AcuGraph digital meridian imaging technology that I am promoting to mental health practitioners. (www.AcuGraphNeuropsych.com) 

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and "Generation Mars" 
[His site | My Blog on Autonomic Science]

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Quantitative EEG brain imaging is part of The Coming Home Project [see below]
Stephen Xenakis, M.D.: Brain Injury and Quantuum EEG

Dr. Xenakis is also a retired general in the Army (he likened it to being a CEO, helping to get things done) and is promoting the rapid assessment and help for soldiers and veterans who have experienced brain effects from blast concussion and direct trauma. He also speaks (near the end of his presentation) about the positive things that we can do to help people understand their life after injury and how they can move ahead into full and rich lives.

I think that qEEG will be helpful for examining all types of brain function, in both civilians and military. This would help us to advise people on how to most rebuild their lives after traumas, whether physical or psychological.

The Coming Home Project [click on this link]: site where families and supporters connect to help traumatized veterans.

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Warrior Resilience Conference III; February 2011 (near the Pentagon)

Defense Centers of Excellence Links | Videos: DVBIC, NIH and more

www.RealWarriors.org  | Wounded Warrior Regiment (Marines)

Documentary: Restrepo 

Two Heroes from the platoon followed in the documentary, Restrepo.

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Preparations for Warrior Resilience Conference IV March 2012 [Info site]
My theme for my contributions:
Please Consider FlexAware -- [my FlexAware overview]

Below: business card modified for Warrior Resilience support. This emphasizes that FlexAware is supportive of any religion or none. It is not like Yoga. It is consistent with New Brain Science and honors your healthy core brain and mind. [New Brain Science]

Words of respect from the developer of FlexAware:

"...People of any religious or spiritual tradition can enjoy FlexAware with no distractions and no worries. There’s nothing in it that presumes, suggests, requires, or relies on faith.

If you have some faith tradition or practice, you may find special value in FlexAware. Many traditions and practices use breathing as a theme or focus. A synonym for “inhaling” is “inspiring.” The root of “inspiring” is “spirit,” which is Latin for “breath” or “to breathe.” All of the FlexAware movements start with breathing and awareness of how we breathe.

You might even do small subtle FlexAware movements as you pray or meditate or worship. The movements can be nearly indistinguishable from stillness. Even such small subtle movements facilitate blood flow and nerve activity, thereby preventing or relieving stiffness and pain — and perhaps adding power to your prayers and practices." -- Steven Shafarman

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Post-Combat Behavioral Health: Certificate program from Alliant International University.
You can contact Alliant International University about this training for yourself.

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FlexAware®: I am deeply impressed with the insights behind the FlexAware approach to neurological reintegration and fitness enhancement. This is a technique that can be practiced during other activities, as well as being a major rehabilitation-support activity on its own. Please visit my descriptive page for more in-depth information including research into Biotensegrity: FlexAware. I am recommending it for general fitness, but when used in a focused manner it can be very beneficial for TBI trauma.

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Warm Water Therapy: My recommendations for treating trauma; made to leadership at the Warrior Resilience Conference 2011
[page on information site].
[View document, PDF]

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Military Acupuncture: There are articles about "Battlefield Acupuncture"
My descriptions --  Acumeridian Science | AcuGraph digital meridian imaging

Pictures: Stephen M. Burns, a specialist in acupuncture, inserts a needle into the ear of Lt. Col. Catherine A. Reardon to treat her headaches and hand pain.(Baltimore Sun photo by Glenn Fawcett / December 9, 2008) [Article online] 

Lt. Col. Dean Hommer, a doctor at Womack Army Medical Center, performs scalp acupuncture on Spc. Daniel Ebensteiner, Warrior Transition Battalion, June 12 to treat the hypersensitivity of a scar on Ebensteiner's left ankle from an airborne injury suffered in 2008. [Article online] 

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Please check out my blog page about the new way to understand the "internal protector", the Autonomic Nervous System: "Autonomic Science: Relax, You're Not Sitting Atop A Rocket."  Below is a video about the work of Stephen Porges, Ph.D., who's talked with me several times, and whose Polyvagal Theory makes sense of the new things that are being realized about the importance of supportive relationships to enhance the healing process.  My page about Dr. Porges' research  

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[YouTube Video below -- Click on picture to play it. It lasts only 60 seconds, but is very positive.] James Earl Jones welcomes you: Suicide Prevention -- Don't let people miss the Welcome we hold out to them. [Extra: Special assignment -- Watch the video at least two times; look at their eyes and their facial expressions. You are not alone. Welcome.]

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"On Belonging and Coming Home": David Whyte: Poet

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Veterans Journey Home [site]

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[Click here or on picture for NICABM video on The Warrior Mindset]

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Non-invasive qEEG brain function assessment: Synaptic Connections, Inc. -- formed as a not-for-profit resource [more]

[NOTE: One practitioner who is using this is Scott Fairchild, Psy.D., in Florida, who told me about the QEEG program being used for the military, the The Coming Home Project.]

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Dr. Wilson's warning about the unexpected factor: Dental traumas can affect brain health 

Snoring, Sleep Apnea, Dental-Cranial Traumas New
New focus: Dysoxygenosis and the work of Lowell Weinder, DDS, FAGD
[See Biological Dentistry introduction] 

New focus for Functional Medicine practitioners: Dr. Gant interviewed dental surgeon and educator, Lowell Weiner, DDS. The impact on physical and mental health caused by dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system by breathing problems can be profound. 

Boxers, Football Players, Airplane pilots, divers -- who get blows to the head or barotrauma -- can develop micro-clots that lead to bone death ("cavitations").

Anyone with metal fillings has electrical current from foods-plus-metals. Note: This current is stronger than the typical current in the brain.

Root Canal Filled Teeth and Extraction Sockets are a potential source of stress.

Contact a Biological Dentist for guidance.

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Oxygen Therapies

Described on the site of one of Dr. Bruce Rind in Washington DC. His site: www.DrRind.com.

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The work of Charles Gant, M.D. He has founded the Academy of Functional Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology. Genetic marker testing/Brain nutrient assessment/"Brain Health and Wellness" program/ testing for heavy metals and parasites, and much more. Patient programs may contain daily nutrient packets designed to meet the client's genetic and metabolic challenges, and attention to problems discovered through the extensive laboratory testing.

Academy of Functional Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology  |   www.CharlesGantMD.com  

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Colon Hydrotherapy/Rejuvenation/Massage Therapy, Bodywork, Spa visits:

For cleansing and rejuvenation for enhancing tissue function and boosting metabolic processes, etc.

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Craniosacral Therapy: [more info]

This is a subtle method of enhancing communication between the conscious brain and the autonomic nervous system. It is perceived as very relaxing and rejuvenating; however, it is a powerful method of bringing awareness to the conscious mind of the deeper activities of the autonomic nervous system. "Somato-Emotional Release" is an option that Dr. Upledger describes as potentially very important. See information on treatment program they offered to Vietnam veterans (Healing Combat Trauma: the Healing Hands Project).  

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Family Constellation Therapy:  [more info on my information site | my blog introduction to Family Constellations] 

I have taken many of these continuing education workshops which are therapeutic events regarding the experience of one's place in the flow of love and nurture through the generations. I have found it useful for my own life, and have seen its benefits for many participants of "constellations".

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Acupuncture

 Treatment Options:

     I write about the emotional correlations of acupuncture Organs on the meridian system: [click here].  

      There are over 2 million findings with Google search for Acupuncture and Mental Health. 

     Articles [I plan to include additional ones]:

     Acupoint Tapping Therapies: EFT, Tong Ren, etc. 

       Acupuncture: A Valuable Adjunct Therapy; Michael O. Smith, M.D., D.Ac. (He is a psychiatrist and the article is about addictions but it is a valuable presentation about acupuncture and mental health.)

       Book: I recently read Acupuncture is Like Noodles, about the mental health benefits of acupuncture in a group setting. 

 I could write more about acupuncture [read more here], but I want to make it clear here that acupuncture has a very practical benefit and the patient does not need to spend a lot of time learning about theory. As the book, Acupuncture is Like Noodles, puts it, acupuncture should be widely available and not be seen as a high-priced medical treatment (they describe "Zen-Golden Needle Acupuncture", or "White-Coat Acupuncture", delivered at high cost and not used frequently, or not used at all by those with low incomes). My own scientific explanation of acupuncture includes the social benefits of the Autonomic Nervous System (seeThree-Level Autonomic Nervous System information), and I see acupuncture as an experience of both a focus on one's own physical body with at the same time a connection to the nurturing energy of the universe and human family that surrounds them. (See Science and Spirituality.) I often fall asleep when I am receiving acupuncture, and sleep is a very good state for the healing process to proceed without the interference of the mind.

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Hypnotherapy:

Recent advances in non-directive hypnotherapy make it a powerful tool to teach self-awareness and self-treatment. Simple but effective techniques can help people create targeted areas of their body where immune function can be shifted. For more details see: Hypnotherapy | CDs and Self-Hypnosis information [Dr. Schoen's site].

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Developmental Movement Therapy:

I have been impressed with the benefits of movement patterning. There are a number of resources for this nationally. Some of the information that I have is on my other site [Developmental Movement Therapy].

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