Improving health through mind-body practices: Veterans' experiences of yoga and qigong in VA

Chronic pain, polypharmacy, and mental health concerns are among many problems facing Veterans. Traditional therapies, including medication, are one approach, yet recently Veterans have been seeking complementary strategies to address health concerns. VA Medical Centers now offer Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) programs to provide non-pharmaceutical options for improving health and well-being. Yet little is known about how Veterans experience these programs. This qualitative study examined Veterans’ perspectives of two mind-body CIH programs in VA.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted with Veterans (n=31) enrolled in yoga and qigong classes at two VA Medical Centers. Participants discussed motivations for enrolling, expectations, perceived benefits, and areas for improvement. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We conducted a grounded content analysis in which transcripts were coded line by line, with codes developed inductively from the data, and then organized into broader emergent categories utilizing constant comparison.

Results

As a result of these CIH programs, Veterans reported physical and mental health improvements, reductions in medication use, development of coping skills, and improvements in social relationships. In comparison to traditional therapies, Veterans reported greater satisfaction and health with yoga and qigong. No negative experiences were reported; only logistical issues were identified as areas needing improvement.

Conclusions

Health benefits from CIH programs touched many aspects of Veterans’ physical, emotional, and social lives.  Veterans were satisfied with the CIH programs and reported how their lives had been transformed as a result of participation. These programs should be considered worthwhile investments for healthcare systems to pursue.