Chinese Medicine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in individuals of any age and is not exclusive to combat veterans.
The traumatic events that can lead to PTSD vary widely and may include situations such as natural disasters, serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, terrorist attacks, or military combat. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, as each individual’s response to trauma is unique.
People with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms that can be categorized into four main clusters:
Intrusive Thoughts: These include distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may also experience intense psychological or physiological reactions when exposed to reminders of the trauma.
Avoidance: People with PTSD often try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. This can include avoiding certain places, people, activities, or conversations associated with the trauma.
Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood: This cluster includes persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, distorted thoughts related to blame or guilt, feelings of detachment from others, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and a diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Hyperarousal and Reactivity: This cluster involves heightened arousal, which can manifest as difficulty sleeping, irritability, angry outbursts, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and difficulty concentrating.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to health and well-being, including the treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD. In TCM, there isn’t a word or condition that directly translates to PTSD. Instead, emotional states are related to the function, or dysfunction, of specific organs. Certain symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, trouble breathing, and loss of appetite, will direct us to the organs that are out of balance and how to best treat the individual.
This is one of the reasons that TCM can be a very effective treatment for PTSD. For many survivors, it can be difficult to talk about the original trauma. Instead of focusing on the details of the trauma, a TCM practitioner will focus on the mental and physical symptoms being experienced and can treat the person without knowing what happened in the first place. It also works really well in conjunction with other therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Here are some common Chinese medicine practices that may be beneficial for individuals with PTSD:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture helps restore the flow of Qi in the body, promoting balance and healing. It may be used to address symptoms associated with PTSD, such as anxiety, insomnia, and emotional distress.
Herbal Medicine: Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of various herbs and formulations to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes. Herbal formulas can be customized to the needs of the patient and may help alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
Mind-Body Practices: Chinese medicine emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. Practices such as tai chi, qigong, and meditation are often recommended to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. These practices can be helpful for managing symptoms of PTSD and improving overall well-being.
Dietary Recommendations: Chinese medicine emphasizes a balanced diet to support overall health. Practitioners may provide dietary recommendations based on your individual constitution and symptoms. Foods such as calming herbal teas, nourishing soups, and warm, cooked meals are often recommended to support the body’s healing process.
Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to specific treatments, Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of overall lifestyle modifications. This may include regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and fostering a supportive social network.
PTSD can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. I know this first hand and it is a big part of why I feel so passionately about treating trauma survivors. If you are struggling with PTSD, call, text, or email to set up your free consult to see how acupuncture can help you!