The Complete Guide to Treating PTSD with Holistic Therapies
For those journeying through the aftermath of trauma, the path to healing can often feel convoluted and sometimes volatile – IYKYK. Traditional treatments for PTSD, while effective for many, don’t always mesh well with every survivor's unique experience or personal philosophy. This is where the gentle, yet profound, world of integrative and holistic therapies can step in and help. Let's explore how these therapies offer a compassionate, comprehensive approach to managing PTSD symptoms and giving those who suffer from PTSD a new lease on life.
Holistic PTSD Treatments
Holistic treatments for PTSD encompass a wide range of practices aimed at healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. That’s the whole point of holistic therapy – to heal the mind, body, and soul and repair its connection. This approach recognizes that trauma impacts every facet of an individual's being – not just one area. As a holistic therapist, we seek to not only treat the psychological aspects of PTSD but the physical and spiritual repercussions, as well. Every practitioner is different and will approach holistic PTSD treatments in their own way.
The National Center for PTSD and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) doesn’t have any specific policies or guidelines related to the use of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) practices for PTSD but 8 approved CIH practices are covered under a VA internal policy that requires these practices be made available if a care team deems it appropriate. They include:
Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Clinical Hypnosis
Guided Imagery
Massage Therapy
Meditation
Tai Chi/Qiong
Yoga
Does that mean these are the only integrative health practices that can be used to treat PTSD? No. Truthfully, they missed some very important holistic therapies that can help manage PTSD symptoms and help someone heal from PTSD.
Additional Integrative PTSD Treatment Options
Reiki Energy Healing
If you’ve never heard of Reiki before, it’s a Japanese technique for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It can be done in person at a studio or virtually (aka - distance healing session). Reiki energy healing offers a unique and profound way to manage PTSD symptoms. This practice, rooted in the belief that a practitioner can channel universal energy to the recipient, even at a distance, aims to restore balance and harmony within the body's energy system.
For those living with PTSD, virtual Reiki can serve as a gentle yet powerful tool, helping to alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote a deep sense of peace and relaxation. By fostering a calm and tranquil state of mind, virtual Reiki sessions can assist individuals in better management of flashbacks, nightmares, and the chronic tension often associated with PTSD. This non-invasive approach supports overall well-being, encouraging a pathway to healing that complements traditional therapies. It helps clear blockages that get in the way of healing to facilitate quicker healing – all while providing the comfort and privacy that may be crucial for those navigating the complexities of PTSD.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, thus reducing their lingering power and emotional charge. Through a structured approach that involves guided eye movements, EMDR enables individuals to recall distressing events in a safe and controlled environment, diminishing the symptoms associated with these memories over time. This therapeutic process can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, facilitating a greater sense of control, peace, and emotional stability.
By directly addressing the root cause of trauma-related distress, EMDR therapy not only aids in healing from PTSD but also empowers individuals to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of personal strength.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy offers a unique and transformative approach to healing PTSD by focusing on the connection between the mind and body. This therapeutic practice acknowledges that trauma is not only stored mentally but also physically, manifesting as chronic tension, anxiety, and other somatic symptoms. Through techniques such as deep breathing, movement, and mindfulness, somatic therapy helps individuals become more attuned to their bodily sensations and learn how to release stored trauma gently. This process encourages a reclamation of the body, often felt to be 'taken over' or disconnected due to traumatic experiences.
By fostering a renewed sense of safety and empowerment within one's own body, somatic therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, such as hypervigilance and emotional numbness, paving the way for deeper emotional healing and psychological well-being. Through its holistic focus on the mind-body connection, somatic therapy provides a powerful pathway for those with PTSD to navigate their recovery, embodying healing in the truest sense.
Other Non-Traditional Holistic PTSD Treatments
Exploring non-traditional treatments, such as energy healing (Reiki), herbal medicine, or pet therapy, can also offer complementary support alongside more conventional therapies. Here are a few other options for holistic PTSD treatment:
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): This practice involves mindfulness meditation to help individuals become more aware of the present moment. By focusing on the here and now, those with PTSD can learn to break free from the grip of traumatic memories.
Art and Music Therapy: Expressive therapies offer a non-verbal outlet for emotions that might be too difficult to articulate. They provide a safe space to explore and express feelings, facilitating a process of self-discovery and emotional release.
Aromatherapy: Using essential oils for therapeutic benefits, aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality—all crucial for those healing from trauma.
Integrative Approaches for PTSD
Integrative therapy for PTSD combines traditional treatments (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) with holistic approaches to provide a more comprehensive treatment plan. This dual approach allows for a more personalized treatment strategy, taking into account the individual's unique experiences, preferences, and needs.
How Integrative Therapy Can Help:
Tailored Treatment Plans: By combining various therapies, individuals have the flexibility to find what works best for their unique situation, whether it's a combination of medication and yoga or psychotherapy and acupuncture.
Addressing Root Causes: Integrative therapy looks beyond symptoms to explore underlying causes of PTSD, facilitating a deeper healing process.
Community and Connection: Many holistic practices can be done in group settings, offering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Can You Treat PTSD On Your Own?
While professional guidance is invaluable in treating PTSD, there are holistic practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to support your healing journey:
Practicing Mindfulness: Daily mindfulness meditation can help manage anxiety and stress.
Engaging in Regular Exercise: Physical activity, especially outdoors, can boost mood and improve overall well-being.
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can support mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
PTSD Recovery is a Marathon, Not a Race
For individuals journeying through the complex and often daunting terrain of PTSD recovery, holistic and integrative therapies present an enlightening path forward. These therapeutic strategies are designed with the understanding that true healing encompasses the entire being—encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. This comprehensive approach aims to nurture and restore each aspect of an individual's essence, enabling them to rediscover and reclaim their inner sense of self. As they embark on this transformative journey toward healing, individuals are encouraged to explore various therapeutic modalities, finding the ones that uniquely resonate with their personal experiences and preferences.
This personalized approach to therapy is pivotal, as it cultivates an environment where individuals feel seen and understood, promoting a profound sense of safety, empowerment, and the opportunity for renewal. In navigating the path to recovery, it's essential to remember that the most effective therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a personalized journey that honors the individual's needs, experiences, and aspirations for healing.