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Complementary and Alternative Therapies for PTSD

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Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is considered as a part of conventional psychotherapy and can be used for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. With the support from the licensed mental counselors and various techniques, you may easily get control over the symptoms of PTSD.

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Complementary and Alternative Therapies for PTSD
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  • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): It is a combination of recalling the stressful events as well as concentrating on acupuncture points. This treatment has helped the patients in recovering at a faster rate. Evidences have shown that a faster recovery can be expected from the patients who have undergone this type of treatment. This treatment uses a psychological way of treating the disorder that gets rid of the negative emotions surrounding a person’s mind. The therapist will use certain means that will set a person back into a state of emotional stress and target the negative energies. They clear the path of energy outflow, which guarantee complete stress elimination. It does not affect the memory of a person in any way; it just reduces the emotional reaction to particular traumatic events.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis has always been used for treating the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD in soldiers. Recently, it is being used in treating those patients who have undergone sexual assault, holocaust survivors as well as car accidents. Hypnosis often renders a state of relaxation that can be induced deeply in a person’s mind. The PTSD patients may feel less anxious and the technique will help them in decreasing the intrusive thoughts that are triggering the mind. A hypnotherapist often helps in healing the mind through various tactics.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): It is a process that involves movement of eyes in the horizontal direction while a stressful event is being recalled. The session often lasts for duration of 90 minutes and the therapist will assist you in healing through the dramatic situation. The therapist will help you concentrate on his or her hand movements in front of your face. During the event of the session, the therapist will ask you to recall the event that is disturbing your mind. This will also involve the use of various body and mind gestures that will depict the situation perfectly. Many a times, the therapists also use other tactics like toe tapping or collecting the musical note.
  • Biofeedback: It is used for speculating the bodily functions that occur involuntarily. Biofeedback involves the use of a machine with which a person can see the changes in his or her body (ex: temperature, heart beat) when they are in stress, anxiety. Depending on the degree of emotions, you can use various techniques for controlling their occurrence. Studies have shown that this treatment has proven to be effective as well.

Nutrition and Supplements for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

There are no proven evidences that show a relation between nutrition and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, however, the following things may help greatly:

  • Get rid of possible foods that cause allergies which include gluten foods, dairy products, preservatives and soy as well. Ask your dietitian to test them for various produce sensitivities.
  • Avoid alcohol, coffee, tobacco and other stimulating substances.
  • Keep your body active by exercising regularly.

You May Combat The Deficiencies In Your Diet By Consuming These Products:

  • Consume fatty acids like Omega-3 which is present in fish oil to boost your immune system. They also have an effect on the body, which is known as blood thinning. Consult with your doctor when in doubt.
  • Take a multivitamin that contains various vitamins like E, D, C, A and minerals that are essential. This may include selenium, magnesium, calcium and zinc.
  • Consume Coenzyme Q10 in quantities of 100 to 200 mg while going to bed as they help in boosting the immune system in an unusual way. They can be used for lowering the stress levels as well.
  • Taking L-theanine in regular dosages of 200 mg for 1 to 3 times a day regularly may help in improving the nervous system. If you are already under the PTSD medications, it is advisable to consult a physician.
  • For improving sleep, consider including Melatonin in a regular dosage of 1 to 6 mg every single day before going to bed.

Herbs for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

Herbs can be found in various forms like capsules, pills, tablets, tea or concoctions. They are available in the dried form and can be mixed with any liquid for consumption. Herbs should always be consumed under the supervision of a therapist. The doctor whom you are consulting should be aware of the therapies that involve the use of herbs. Some herbal remedies can deteriorate the effect of other medications.

Following Herbal Medications Will Prove To Be Helpful In Relieving The PTSD Symptoms:

  • Green tea (Camellia sinensis) in a dosage of 250 to 500 mg is rich in antioxidants and will help in reducing the stress levels. Prepare a tea or a concoction made with the leaves of this herb. This can also be used as a supplement for caffeine-free products.
  • Hops helps in bringing down the stress levels and nervousness as well. It also has sedative properties and can be used as an effective treatment for PTSD. It can also help in easing the troubles associated with pain and insomnia. All these properties make it an excellent remedy for treating muscle spasms.
  • Holy basil (Occimum sanctum) 400 mg is essential for maintaining the adrenal health and reducing stress. When taken for too long, it may also increase the process of blood thinning in the body.
  • Kava kava (Piper methysticum) in a dosage of 100 to 250 mg can help in bringing down the symptoms of anxiety. There are evidences of it being valuable for liver and can interfere with the metabolism. Even if you are consuming this herb, it is advisable to not take it for more days. When in need, consult the right doctor who will assist you with the treatment. Taking proper guidance is necessary as it can interfere with your regular medications. Moreover, Kava can also worsen the depression symptoms.
  • Bacopa (Bacopamonniera) when taken in 50 to 100 mg can be used for lowering anxiety and stress. It can also lead to ulcers and blockages by increasing the rate of emissions in the liver, bladder and the lungs.

Homeopathy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

Studies have determined that the benefits of homeopathic drugs on the body. Based on the experience and knowledge various renowned homeopaths have suggested necessary healing for PTSD. Prior to designing a treatment plan, the homeopaths speculate intellectual and behavioral habits of an individual. The course of treatment will begin only when the patient is scaled within limits. While being subjected to the medications the symptoms might rise significantly and lower down gradually with time. All these factors will be assessed and understood by the doctor before suggesting any remedies for the same.

  • Chamomilla works wonders when prescribed for children who have suffered from various traumatic events and have become hypersensitive or vigilant. A gentle dose of this medicine can help them in reviving from stressful events and pain as well.
  • Stramoniumis used for the treatment of anxiety disorders which can be a result of any traumatic event or situation. This remedy serves those individual who are fearful and are subjected to nightmares.
  • Aconitum is used for treating nonstop pain that is involved in a traumatic event. This medication is appropriate for those who have trouble in breathing and heart palpitations as well. This is used as a primary remedy when the traumatic event has occurred a long time ago.
  • Arnica can be effective for treating depression and various conditions that are associated with stressful events.
  • Staphysagria can be used to treat people who feel powerless or fearful or lack the ability to speak in self-defense.

Acupuncture for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

Acupuncture may help in relieving the PTSD symptoms that include anxiety, depression and insomnia. The therapists often change their course of treatment from person to person. This is done by assessing the location of Qi in the body meridians. The energy in the body part is regulated by using various means and stimulating the auricular body points. These points are associated with areas in the brain that control the central nervous system. The results that were generated after treating the patients were significant and rapid. This treatment was used for treating the war soldiers who complained of sleepless nights and pain in the body. The energy that is associated with the stress is often channelized through the pressure points, which brings down the level of stress in the body.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:March 14, 2019

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