Samueli Institute’s work with our military and veteran partners is dedicated to keeping our troops healthy, thriving and “in their boots.” 

Our scientific discovery is rooted in identifying, investigating and evaluating complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches that augment the current care our troops and veterans are receiving. More medical providers within the military medical system practice CIM than ever before. 

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF RETURNING WARFIGHTERS

A peer-reviewed study by Samueli Institute and Palmer Chiropractic published in January 2013 showed that active-duty military members are significantly more likely to use integrative medicine than their civilian counterparts.CAM usage

Almost 45 percent of active duty military reported using 13 different modalities, including acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, herbal medicine, energy healing, relaxation techniques and spiritual healing.

These numbers show that service members and their families are already embracing integrative medicine. They want and need more resources, information and access to be empowered for self-care.

PROVIDING AN EVIDENCE BASE FOR DECISIONS
Samueli Institute's work ensures that only highly researched modalities be provided in a scientifically proven manner.

Historically, the military has not undertaken a systematic approach to evaluating the use of these therapies, or the process for integrating them with conventional care to optimize performance. Now, military and veterans’ facilities across the country are implementing care programs and practices that use integrative medicine and focus on healing environments, and are looking to the Institute to develop and analyze the evidence base for these approaches.

MILITARY MEDICAL RESEARCH AREAS
Samueli Institute collaborates with these military stakeholders and academic institutions across the country to conduct research that addresses the diverse populations and health needs within the military, including research on:

Specific CIM treatments and interventions as well as specific categories of diseases, conditions and needs that are of high relevance to military fitness and operations in the areas of:
  • Pain: Management of acute and chronic pain with a focus on the efficacy of acupuncture and chiropractic care in a military environment.
  • Performance: Enhancement of wellness, resilience and performance through whole person care, mind-body practices and the evaluation of training programs.
  • Stress: Management of stress and stress-related disease.

This work is supported by the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Award Numbers:

W81XWH-08-2-0212
W81XWH-11-2-0173
W81XWH-08-1-0408
W81XWH-11-1-0759
W81XWH-10-1-0820
W81XWH-07-2-0076
W81XWH-06-1-0279
W81XWH-06-2-0009
W81XWH-10-1-1011
W81XWH-10-2-0184
W81XWH-08-1-0615
W81XWH-10-1-0938
W81XWH-11-1-0538

The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation.

In the conduct of research where humans are the subjects, the investigator(s) adhered to the policies regarding the protection of human subjects as prescribed by Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 45, Volume 1, Part 46; Title 32, Chapter 1, Part 219; and Title 21, Chapter 1, Part 50 (Protection of Human Subjects).