Acupuncture and PTSD
PTSD is a physiological disorder that can result from being
exposed to a traumatic event. The disorder results in several different
symptoms including anxiety, irritability, insomnia and flashbacks. The effects
of post-traumatic stress disorder in someone’s life can be far reaching.
Feelings of hopelessness, shame and despair, problems at work or with
relationships, serious health problems, depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol
abuse are not uncommon. Getting help can be hard at first, but can have a great
impact for helping PTSD.
A recent study into the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive
treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has shown promising results.
Researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture in adjunct to normal
treatment approaches and the results showed significant improvement. Studies in
the past have shown that veterans with PTSD are wary of seeking treatment for
PTSD as many do not believe that mental healthcare can be effective. Researchers
hope that with the increased efficacy of the adjunctive acupuncture treatment,
veterans will be less reticent towards seeking treatment for PTSD.
The acupuncture treatment also saw secondary benefits for those
treated as many reported a decrease in depression and pain as well as a general
improvement in mental and physical well-being. PTSD can be debilitating and
even more so with little or no treatment.
The Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP) is a unique program
that provides free community acupuncture to veterans and active duty soldiers
with PTSD and their family members.
Treatment in a MSRP clinic is unique for several reasons.
Patients are treated in a group setting, sitting in comfortable chairs.
There is an environment of calm and support. The patients are treated
using the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a
series of 5 needles placed in one ear. The program is designed to address all
the needs of people with PTSD.
The MSRP clinics have been very successful. Patients report
stress reduction, improved mental clarity, improved energy, enhanced
performance, better sleep, fewer bad dreams and headaches, less anxiety and
depression, reduced anger and pain, improved general health and better
relationships.
Those suffering from PTSD should consult a doctor about treatment
and discuss the option of acupuncture as well because it has been proven to
help.
Bishara Wilson
New York Sports Acupuncture
888.375.5444
Sources
http://bit.ly/1Os0ndF
http://bit.ly/1rSwjDe
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