Treating PTSD Naturally
Alternative Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that some people develop after they experience one or more traumatic events; an estimated 8% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The traumatic events most often associated with PTSD for men are combat exposure, childhood abuse, rape, physical attack, being threatened with a weapon, and witnessing a violent crime or incident. About 30% of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD.
Although we are most acquainted with the many psychological symptoms associated with PTSD such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks, hypersensitivity to sounds, and agitation, there are also physical symptoms. People with PTSD tend to have abnormal levels of key hormones involved in the body's response to stress. Thyroid function also seems to be enhanced in people with PTSD as well as cortisol levels. Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems, dizziness, chest pain, and discomfort in other parts of the body are common in people with PTSD. Often, medical doctors treat the symptoms without being aware that they stem from PTSD.
Natural Ways to Treat PTSD
Diet is very important. It is suggested that people with PTSD symptoms avoid stimulants, such as caffeine from chocolate, coffee, black tea, colas as well as alcohol. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels helps stabilize moods. For example, eat small, frequent meals with each meal including a small amount of protein. Avoid processed, refined, and simple sugars.
Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins, and Herbs
- GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety.
- B-complex helps reduce anxiety associated with PTSD.
- Kava is an herb that is used widely for nervous anxiety, tension, agitation, and insomnia. Kava works in a similar way to prescription benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium.
- Valerian is an herbal tranquilizer that is best known as a remedy for insomnia. It calms the nervous system, balances mood swings, and is not habit forming.
- Other calming herbs that are frequently recommended for anxiety include chamomile, hops, lemon balm, passion flower, skullcap, and suma.
Homeopathy
- Aconitum is for recurring panic following a traumatic experience.
- Staphysagria is for individuals who feel fearful and feel powerless.
- Stramonium is used for anxiety disorders that occur after a shock or traumatic experience involving violence.
Other Alternative Therapies
- Physical activity such as exercise is perhaps the safest and most effective method of managing stress.
- Aromatherapy—Essential oils that are used for PTSD can include; bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang.
- Bodywork—Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork can relax muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which requires one to make several sets of side-to-side eye movements while recalling a traumatic incident, seems to help reduce PTSD symptoms.
- Stress-Reduction Techniques—Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, guided imagery, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques also used for relieving anxiety.
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