Acupuncture for Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Living through a traumatic event can change our bodies and our brains. It can lead to physical symptoms like insomnia, pain, panic attacks, a heightened sensitivity to sounds, sights, or physical sensations. And then there can be the emotional feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, depression, or a feeling of disconnect.
WHAT IS PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a collection of symptoms one experiences after being exposed to an acute or repeated traumatic event. Things like car accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual violence, or exposure to war can trigger PTSD. There are a lot of ways we experience trauma. Symptoms of PTSD can occur within 3 months of the event or may come on years afterwards.
While the diagnosis of PTSD requires specific conditions to be met and determined by a psychologist or psychiatrist, experiencing any trauma can effect our nervous system and cause a change in our response to our outer and internal world.
ACUPUNCTURE AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Once we have experienced a traumatic event, a change in the way our brain perceives danger can occur. It can change the way our alert system responds to potential threats after the initial event. The brain also sends signals to the body to mobilize a response to the threat which results in physical symptoms.
These physical symptoms can be explained by the body’s nervous system response (fight or flight) to acute or chronic stressors. The brain responds by putting us in a heightened state of alertness, and by shutting down secondary processes that are not critical to survival. The physiological responses can occur at the time of stress or afterwards when we are trying to return to a natural state of balance and calm. Acupuncture has been shown to do the following:
Release neurotransmitters and endorphins to relieve pain
Regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
Reduce anxiety and stress
Lower blood pressure
Promote more restful sleep
Relieve muscle tension
Improve digestion and circulation
In the 1970s in the Bronx, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). developed a 5 point acupuncture formula to treat addiction. They found that a certain combination of points (now known as the NADA protocol) controlled withdrawal symptoms and helped patients become more clear-headed and comfortable. Since then it has been discovered that the NADA protocol can be used to treat other behavioral health issues including trauma and PTSD. It is has been adopted by the US military to treat such symptoms.
OTHER RESOURCES
For a complete list of PTSD organizations and resources visit: https://www.colleaga.org/article/list-ptsd-organizations-and-resources