Finding Healing Through Teaching: A Veteran's Journey with Tai Chi

What began as a personal journey of healing transformed into a mission to help fellow Veterans find relief through the ancient practice of Tai Chi and Qigong – a perfect embodiment of VA's Whole Health approach, which focuses on "what matters to you, not what is the matter with you."

"I thought it might be good to share this with other people who've got shoulder issues or back issues. And so that led me to become a volunteer at the VA," says Crosley, who has now accumulated over 2,000 hours of volunteer service teaching at both the Hinesville and Savannah clinics. His classes are part of the VA's comprehensive Whole Health program, which offers Veterans complementary and integrative health services to support their personal health goals.

The impact of these classes extends far beyond physical improvement. "There's kind of the physical improvement, maybe range of motion issue or maybe less pain reduction. And from a mental health standpoint, they walk away feeling less stress, kind of relaxed," Crosley explains. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the VA's commitment to supporting Veterans' overall well-being.

For Veterans like Ron Cobb, who was among the first to join the class, the benefits have been transformative. "I could be in more pain if I didn't do this exercise. The movement and all the breathing and everything I'm learning, it is helping me, not only on Fridays, but all through the week," says Cobb. His experience demonstrates how Whole Health practices can become valuable tools for Veterans to manage their health between clinical visits.

Crosley incorporates both Tai Chi movements and Qigong, explaining that "Qi Gong is one of the three pillars of traditional Chinese medicine." He adapts the practices to meet Veterans where they are, offering seated classes for those with balance and mobility issues – a personalized approach that mirrors the VA's commitment to developing health plans based on each Veteran's unique values, needs, and goals.

Perhaps most significantly, the class has recreated something many Veterans miss after leaving service - a sense of community. "When you get out of service, you don't have that kind of spirit of the group, that esprit de corps," Crosley reflects. "And I think that that kind of gets reestablished when they're kind of all pursuing that same common goal. But that goal happens to be, you know, to feel better and better, more wellness in their life."

For chronic pain sufferers like Cobb, the class offers valuable relief. "It's not a cure," he acknowledges, "but it'll give you some relief for an hour or two. It all works."

Crosley's pitch to Veterans considering the class is simple: "What do you have to lose? Most people, when they walk away, they're like, 'hey, this was pretty good.' I've never had anyone say, 'oh, this stinks' and storms out. Because it actually works. And people walk away feeling physically better, mentally better."

Veterans interested in exploring Tai Chi or other Whole Health services can start by speaking with their VA provider about a referral. Classes are available at multiple locations, including Charleston, North Charleston, Savannah, Trident, Goose Creek, and Beaufort, with some virtual options available. As the VA says, "The road to better health and well-being starts here, with you."

Through volunteer-led programs like Crosley's Tai Chi classes, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System continues to expand its Whole Health approach, offering Veterans complementary practices that support their journey to better health – physically, mentally, and emotionally. These classes represent the VA's commitment to helping Veterans discover and pursue their own unique answer to the question: "What would you do if your health were the best, it could be?"

For Veterans interested in learning more about the VA's Whole Health approach and exploring a wider range of whole health opportunities, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System offers a wealth of information on their website https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/. This program is just one-way Veterans can take charge of their well-being and live a healthier, happier life.