Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that many individuals face after experiencing a traumatic event. Whether caused by war, abuse, or a life-altering experience, PTSD symptoms can be overwhelming. These include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, constant thoughts of the traumatic event, and heightened sensitivity to certain sounds or triggers.
While medications and therapy are common treatments, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that can support healing from PTSD. Here’s how.
The Power of Acupuncture in Healing
Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, continues to be an effective and complementary treatment option for many conditions today. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny, fine needles into specific points along pathways in the body known as meridians. These pathways are believed to channel the body’s energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). When done by a certified practitioner like the ones at The Acupuncture Clinic, acupuncture can promote healing, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body to release key substances, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that reduce inflammation)
- Immune modulators
- Endorphins (natural pain relievers)
- Endogenous opiates (pain-relieving substances produced by the body)
This process can:
- Modulate the nervous system
- Reduce hyperarousal, a common PTSD symptom
- Promote relaxation
- Alleviate anxiety, fear, and insomnia associated with PTSD
How Acupuncture Helps with PTSD Symptoms
While acupuncture is widely known for treating pain, it is also a powerful tool for managing other conditions, including PTSD. In fact, in 2018, the Veterans Administration recognized the benefits of acupuncture by allowing licensed acupuncturists to be employed in VA medical centers. This is a strong endorsement of acupuncture’s effectiveness when performed by trained professionals.
Acupuncture has a direct effect on the brain, including areas involved in emotional processing, stress response, and pain perception. It helps calm brain centers that deal with trauma, while promoting blood flow to areas of injury. It also supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways in response to learning, experience, or healing after injury.
By helping the brain reorganize, acupuncture may aid in reducing fear responses and trauma-related symptoms, improving recovery outcomes. Research suggests that acupuncture can even enhance the extinction of learned fear, which is a critical element in treating PTSD.
Acupuncture can also address physical pain that often accompanies PTSD, allowing individuals to focus more fully on their emotional recovery. As a complementary therapy, acupuncture works alongside medication and psychotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for PTSD
Several studies support acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating PTSD and its associated symptoms.
- A 2014 study of U.S. military personnel found that acupuncture helped manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduced pain, and improved both mental and physical health. Those who combined acupuncture with other treatments showed significantly better results than those who received standard care.
- Another study from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Military Hospital involved 138 individuals who had PTSD following an earthquake. This research found that acupuncture was more effective than the medication Paroxetine in alleviating symptoms.
- A review of studies that combined psychological exposure with manual acupuncture stimulation found that acupuncture helped reduce fear linked to traumatic memories, leading to permanent improvements in PTSD symptoms.
PTSD often leads to comorbidities, such as anxiety and substance abuse, which can significantly disrupt a person’s ability to form healthy relationships and maintain a fulfilling life. PTSD is also associated with serious long-term health problems and a shorter life expectancy. Acupuncture provides a safe, holistic option for addressing these complex challenges.
Why Acupuncture Is an Important Treatment Option
Early identification and intervention are crucial in treating PTSD. Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses not only on symptom relief but also on addressing the root causes of the condition. According to studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture has shown significant effectiveness compared to other traditional treatments, making it a valuable public health tool, particularly in disaster-stricken areas.
A Healing Path Forward
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, acupuncture could be an effective part of the healing journey.
At The Acupuncture Clinic, we offer acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to support recovery. Contact us at 803-256-1000 today to learn more about how acupuncture can help manage PTSD symptoms and promote emotional healing.
Sources:
How Acupuncture has helped people with PTSD – PTSD UK