Nigel Martin: Vietnam War Veteran
New Zealand Veteran Affairs covers the cost of acupuncture for problems and injuries of veterans that were sustained during war time. Veterans in requiring of acupuncture may choose to consult with a qualified acupuncturist who is a member of the Acupuncture NZ (previously known as The New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists Inc).
Nigel Martin has chosen to do just that. He served in Phuoc Tuy province in Vietnam from 1968- 1969 in the Victor 3 Company 4 RAR and has been receiving acupuncture for over two years. He swears that it was the acupuncture that has kept him at work and he keeps putting off retirement.
Nigel was sceptical at first when he was referred to the acupuncturist but decided to give it a go. Since then he has never looked back and found out that many of his other veteran mates that he served with in Vietnam have also been getting acupuncture.
The only thing he doesn’t like about the acupuncture is that since starting the treatment, his desire for drinking alcohol has lessened but he does however like the weight loss as a side effect.
The US Military now recommends acupuncture for its personal
The American military is now also using acupuncture to treat soldiers in their rehabilitation programs. Many soldiers who have been injured are still often left with chronic pain after surgery and manual therapies such as physiotherapy may not have been successful. Sergeant Rick Remalia is one such soldier who suffered multiple broken bones from a rocket grenade attack in Afghanistan and now receives regular acupuncture under strict orders!
In fact he has commented that acupuncture is the first treatment that has made a really big difference for his constant pain.
The US military seniors have decided to look into other treatment options as opposed to just using pain killers. Even the army doctors are being trained in acupuncture such as Col. Rachel Wasserman who is stationed at Fort Campbell.
Veteran Affairs New Zealand also covers veterans for acupuncture
In New Zealand veterans of the Vietnam War suffer from a host of ailments including psychological and physical problems.
Nigel Martin and son Reuben return to Vietnam in 2010
Many Veterans suffer from the controversial effects of Agent Orange which include skin problems, cancers and possible deformities in their children and grandchildren.
It is suspected that Agent Orange damages the liver and other organs.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used to address the distressing symptoms associated with their past exposure to the toxin.
