5 Natural PTSD Treatments
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with soldiers returning from war. However, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur with anyone who experiences a traumatic event. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed PTSD in their lifetime.”
Aside from therapy, many individuals with PTSD are prescribed medications such as anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medicines, mood stabilizers, and others. Unfortunately, while these synthetic medications might be effective in helping sufferers deal with the symptoms of PTSD, they also come with a variety of potential side effects including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- And others
Research has found more natural ways to treat the symptoms of PTSD so individuals can discover homeopathic ways to deal with their symptoms without the increased risk of these side effects.
Natural PTSD Treatments
PTSD has debilitating symptoms. Frequent nightmares, panic attacks, persistent anxiety… all of these things can make someone suffering from PTSD unable to live a healthy, balanced, quality life. Research into alternative and complementary treatments for the disorder have found these alternatives to be effective in treating the symptoms of PTSD.
Acupuncture
This Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method involves using fine needles inserted into the skin at strategic energy points of the body. It has been practiced for thousands of years and been found to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms like pain, anxiety, depression, and overall mental and physical functioning.
Hypnotherapy
Another non-invasive treatment that shows promise with some individuals struggling with PTSD, hypnotherapy has been found to help treat the symptoms as well as the underlying causes.
Visualization
Incorporating healing touch with guided imagery can provide significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to other traditional treatments.
Mindfulness/Meditation
Mindfulness-based treatment for PTSD has been found to be effective in helping deal with intrusive thoughts and memories and to handle emotional distress. Those struggling with PTSD frequently experience maladaptive patterns from a fight-or-flight response. Mindfulness involves recognizing when a PTSD-related event is happening and rather than panicking, observing, describing, acting with awareness, not judging, and non-reacting to it instead.
Herbal Supplements
Experts from Penn State University report there are certain nutritional and supplemental vitamins and herbs that can help ease the effects of PTSD. These include things like:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- A multivitamin daily
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- L-theanine
- Melatonin
- Kava Kava
- Green tea
- Bacopa
- Holy basil
Additionally, there are certain medicinal plants that can be used to effectively treat mental health problems without dangerous side effects. It is critical, however, that you choose a practitioner who is trained in their modality.
When it comes to PTSD – or any type of mental health condition – our bodies can respond to the stress in unhealthy ways so make sure you try to be mindful of what you eat and how you feel.
PTSD can be a debilitating condition that seems to shut down everything and feel like a prison. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s important that you find someone you trust to talk to who knows about the different ways to treat PTSD and can work with you in an honest, authentic way so you feel safe and comfortable.
You are not your story; you are strong, resilient, and powerful. Sometimes all it takes is to have someone knowledgeable, help us to find our balance and reach that place of peace. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD, I invite you to reach out today and connect.