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PTSD, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, has become quite a buzz term when it comes to talking about mental health. You may mostly associate this term with those who have served in the military in various war conflicts. However, PTSD does not discriminate. There are many scenarios that people encounter, especially in this day and age, that can cause someone to suffer from PTSD.

We are going to cover what PTSD actually is, how to recognize the symptoms, and how acupuncture can help to ease these symptoms.

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can develop after a person experiences a stressful, frightening or distressing event. It can even develop over time when someone experiences a prolonged traumatic experience. Many consider the COVID pandemic and all of the societal challenges that occurred during the crisis as a prolonged traumatic experience – which has caused widespread PTSD. Other events that could lead to PTSD include serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, and threats to public safety such as public shootings or violence.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

If you think you may be suffering from PTSD, there are different symptoms you can look out for.

Below is a list of symptoms, but it is not exhaustive:

• loss of appetite
• hypervigilance
• self-destructive behavior
• nightmares
• avoidance of certain situations that remind you of a traumatic event
• anxiety and depression
• loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• insomnia
• easily agitated or irritable
• emotional detachment

How Can Acupuncture Help?

At Earley Wellness, Deb is specially trained in two specific acupuncture methods that can help ease the symptoms for those who suffer from PTSD or other nervous disorders. These are Scalp Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture.

1. Scalp Acupuncture:

Scalp Acupuncture has been widely used in neurological diseases. The structural, metabolic, hormonal and energetic functions of the brain are accessible at specific areas of the scalp surface by way of the central nervous and endocrine systems. By threading needles along the scalp, this stimulates neuroplasticity which works to reconnect new neuropathways to see a difficult situation in a different way. By stimulating these reflex areas within the scalp, through special manipulation, we can regulate and harmonize the functional activities of the brain and body.

Scalp acupuncture has mild to low sensation/pain and it if it is uncomfortable is feels like some one is pulling on your hair.  Most clients are open to mild sensations because the benefits are so palpable.

2. Auricular Acupuncture:

Auricular Acupuncture is a type of acupuncture in which thin needles are inserted at specific points on the outer ear on the ear cartilage.  The 4th cranial nerve innervates this area and it is a profound approach to calming the nervous system and the mind.

This specific type of acupuncture works to normalize the body's dysfunction through stimulation of points on the ear, which helps to calm the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and the mind.

According to a study from 2016: “a variety of symptoms experienced by veterans with PTSD were improved after receiving auricular acupuncture treatments. Additionally, veterans with PTSD were extremely receptive to auricular acupuncture treatments. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) improved sleep quality, (2) increased relaxation, (3) decreased pain, and (4) veterans liked/loved the auricular acupuncture treatments.”

Ask How Acupuncture Can Help You Today

Deb and her staff at Earley Wellness are committed to your mental health and overall well-being. Contact Earley Wellness to schedule an appointment and relieve some of the emotional and physical symptoms you’ve been dealing with.