Recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has long been observed in soldiers returning from war. In World War I it was called shell shock and then battle fatigue in World War II. PTSD is a mental health problem associated with people who have witnessed or participated in terrifying events. It is the ongoing effects of the trauma the person experienced because of the event.
PTSD is a problem for millions of people. In face, about 3.6% of adult Americans, about 5.2 million people, suffer from PTSD during the course of a year an estimated 8 million Americans will experience it at some point in their lives.
In this month’s Sunshine Sharing we will explore understanding and recognizing PTSD as some natural remedies that can help to support sleep, promote balance and support the adrenals glands. You may also want to consider Bach Flowers. Remember if you have any product questions, please feel free to contact me.
More Support for PTSD
Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping (EFT)
EFT is a very well known form of therapy that is widely used to manage many issues including stress and PTSD. It is basically using your fingertips to tap on meridian points to help you talk through your traumatic memories. Studies have been done and you can view a PubMed study on the Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD Using Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). There is also a website dedicated to Tapping for War Veterans. If you don’t feel you can try this yourself, there are also clinicians that you can visit to help you learn to do this.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
This therapy is widely used to help individuals process traumatic events. I have a friend who is a psychologist who uses this type of therapy with PTSD Patients and has found it to be very helpful and somewhat amazing in its results. You can learn more about it through this website. If you are wanting to try EMDR therapy or learn more about it, check your local areas for someone who has receiving training in it.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
It is amazing for helping your body release trauma as well as emotions. It has been used successfully for PTSD and helping the body process all types of traumas. As a CST Therapist myself, I have witnessed amazing things as the body releases those stored emotions. For those of you unfamiliar with CST, it is a very gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the membranes and
fluid that surround and protect the spinal cord as well as the brain. Dr. Upledger has done work helping individuals with PTSD. If you haven’t tried this form of therapy, I highly recommend trying it, if you are ready.
Focus on Eating Healthier
Stress tends to interfere with proper self care causing us to neglect ourselves. I too have been there overwhelmed with chronic pain and fear and definitely was not paying any attention to what I was eating or how much I was eating. Eating processed foods, sugar, coffee and energy drinks only puts more demand and stimulation on an already overstimulated nervous system. It is best to focus on eating regular meals and include nutrient dense foods and lean proteins at each meal. You can learn more about creating healthy habits through our online programs.
Get up and Get Moving
Exercise helps with stress because it increases the feel good hormones which helps improve your mood. Now I understand that not everyone is able to exercise, however, do what you can and if you can’t get up and get moving, consider asking your doctor or physical therapist what form of exercise would be safest for you to do. You may also want to consider using a Chi Machine.
Gut Health
Recent research is showing a link between poor gut health and one’s ability to deal and process traumas including PTSD. Your gut loves to eat a diet high in plant foods, fiber, and rich in fermented foods. Fruits and veggies offer a high fiber content so try to eat at least 1-2 servings of fruit per day and 6 servings of greens and / or veggies. Also up your intake of fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. You may also want to add a high quality probiotic.
The Chi Machine
The Original Chi Machine is an amazing product that focuses on promoting balance throughout the body and mind. It promotes circulation and lymphatic movement and offers many benefits similar to massage. Many individuals with PTSD have found massage to be beneficial. Massage promotes overall relaxation as well as loosening tight muscles. The Chi Machine is something you can use daily in your home to promote similar benefits.