PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
A profound or threatening event can affect how a person feels and reacts for a long time. During the period after trauma, tension, poor sleep, anxiety and recurring memories are not uncommon. In many people these reactions gradually decline. If trauma complaints persist and daily functioning continue to strongly influence, there may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD can occur after one event, but also after repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences. Complaints may consist of re-experiences, nightmares, avoidance, emotional flattening and constantly being on guard. Physical stress and sleep problems are also common.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used in addition to complaints associated with PTSD. Trauma-oriented psychological treatments are the appropriate treatment for processing traumatic memories themselves.
Common symptoms
PTSD can express itself mentally, emotionally and physically. The complaints vary per person and may change in intensity.
Common symptoms include:
- re-experiences, flashbacks or intrusive memories;
- recurring nightmares;
- avoiding situations, places, people or conversations reminiscent of trauma;
- be constantly alert to possible danger;
- strong shock reactions;
- irritability, anger or inner restlessness;
- difficulty in sleeping or sleeping;
- concentration problems;
- emotional flattening or difficulty experiencing positive emotions;
- fear, gloomyness, guilt or shame;
- physical stress, palpitations, sweating or breathlessness.
Dissociative symptoms can also occur, for example, where someone experiences a feeling of distance from himself or the environment. PTSD can also be associated with depression, anxiety problems, chronic pain and problems in relationships or daily functioning.
Possible causes
PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a very threatening, frightening or dramatic event. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
Examples are:
- a serious accident;
- physical or sexual violence;
- abuse or abuse;
- war, violence or other life-threatening situations;
- a traumatic delivery or serious medical event;
- sudden loss under traumatic conditions;
- repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events.
Complaints may occur shortly after the trauma, but sometimes they only become apparent later. In case of prolonged or repeated trauma, the picture of complaints can be more complex.
How can acupuncture help with PTSD?
In PTSD it is important to distinguish between processing trauma and treating trauma-related complaints. Acupuncture does not replace traumatic psychological treatment, but can be used in addition when for example physical stress, hyperalertity, inner restlessness or sleep problems are at the forefront.
Depending on the picture of complaints, treatment may be directed at:
- calming the Shen in the face of fear, fear and inner restlessness;
- reducing physical stress and supporting relaxation;
- supporting sleep during difficulty sleeping, often waking up or nightmares;
- improve Qi flow when stress and emotions are difficult to unwind;
- Reduce heat in severe restlessness and irritability;
- Supporting Qi and Blood when prolonged symptoms lead to exhaustion;
- Support Yin at night heat, night sweats and prolonged restlessness;
- support Qi and Blood circulation when chronic pain or stagnation is present.
The treatment is tailored to the complaints at that time in the foreground and to what someone can handle. It is usually not necessary for acupuncture treatment to tell traumatic events extensively again.
How can Chinese herbal medicine help with PTSD?
Chinese herbs are also selected on the basis of the individual complaint image and the underlying TCM pattern, not only based on the diagnosis PTSD.
Depending on the pattern, herbal treatment may focus on:
- calm the Shen and support rest and sleep;
- Qi control in the event of stress and emotional stagnation;
- Reduce heat in case of strong irritability and inner restlessness;
- To supplement Qi and Blood in the event of prolonged exhaustion;
- Feed Yin when restlessness goes with heat, dryness and night sweats;
- promote Qi and Blood circulation in the event of prolonged stagnation.
Chinese herbs can offer daily between treatments by support. When taking antidepressants, sleep medication or other medicines, possible interactions are taken into account. Prescription medication is not adjusted or reduced without consultation with the treating doctor.
How does Chinese medicine view PTSD?
The modern diagnosis PTSD has no direct classical counterpart within traditional Chinese medicine. However, the TCM literature describes in detail how shock, intense anxiety and other strong emotional events can disrupt body and mind.
A sudden shock, according to TCM, can abruptly disrupt the normal movement of Qi and disrupt the Shen. The Shen is connected to the Heart and includes consciousness, mental and emotional rest and sleep. This provides a framework for symptoms such as strong anxiety, anxiety, palpitations, hyperalertity and insomnia within TCM.
The Kidneys are also traditionally strongly linked to fear and fear. A heavy or long-lasting load can therefore affect both the Heart and the Kidneys. The Liver is important for the free movement of Qi and may become involved when tension, frustration and emotions, as it were, remain stuck.
Within TCM, the Gallbladder is connected with courage and decision-making skills. Some people have a vulnerable image after trauma with uncertainty and quick frightening. In addition, prolonged complaints can weaken the Spleen , Qi and Blood, which makes anxiety and restlessness more and more compatible with fatigue and mental exhaustion.
Thus, the way post-traumatic complaints develop can change. An initial disruption due to shock, for example, may later coincide with Qi-stagnation, Blood stasis or deficiencies of Qi, Blood or Yin.
A recognizable combination of complaints and physical characteristics is called a TCM pattern. The treatment is based on the overall picture of complaints and not just on the diagnosis PTSD.
What is a TCM organ system?
A TCM organ system describes a group of connected physical and functional processes and is wider than just the anatomical organ with the same name. Read more at TCM basics .
What is a TCM pattern?
A TCM pattern is a recognizable combination of complaints and physical characteristics that indicates which imbalance according to TCM is in the foreground. Read more at TCM basics .
Below are some patterns and mechanisms that may occur with posttraumatic symptoms. Other patterns are possible and multiple patterns can be present at the same time. Also, the pattern can change during recovery. This allows you to recognize yourself in different descriptions. Not everyone with the same pattern has all the mentioned symptoms; the pattern is determined based on the overall picture.
Most common TCM patterns
Shock disturbs Heart, Shen and Kidneys
Brief explanation
This is strictly more a TCM mechanism after a severe shock or traumatic event than one classic pattern name. According to TCM, Shock can suddenly disrupt the normal movement of Qi and disrupt the Shen. At the same time, the Kidneys, which within TCM are strongly linked with fear and fear, can be affected. This image fits especially when the nervous system seems to remain in constant alert position.
Common symptoms
Strong scare reactions, constant alertness, anxiety or panic, inner and physical restlessness, palpitations, tense breathing, difficulty relaxing, poor sleep, often waking up and nightmares.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Post-traumatic symptoms following a sudden threatening or life-threatening event in which hyperalertity, anxiety and sleep disturbance remain strong.
Heart- and Gallbladder-Qi-deficiency
Brief explanation
According to TCM, this pattern lacks sufficient stability to unwind easily and makes a person feel more uncertain or threatened. The pattern is characterized by a strong response to unexpected stimuli and easily startled.
Common symptoms
Quick and intense scare, anxiety, uncertainty, constant alertness, palpitations, inner restlessness, light or restless sleep, lots of dreams and difficulty making decisions.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Post-traumatic complaints in which anxiety, hyperalertity, fear and uncertainty are at the forefront.
Liver-Qi-stagnation
Brief explanation
After prolonged emotional stress, tension and emotions can get stuck according to TCM as it were. Qi's free movement will be less smooth. The picture of complaints is more characterized by tension and frustration than by pure fear.
Common symptoms
Irritability, frustration, emotional changes, a tense or tightness, a lot of sighs, chest pressure, tension in the abdomen or diaphragm, tight neck and shoulders, teeth grinding and effort to relax physically and mentally.
During prolonged stagnation Heat can develop, which can increase irritability, restlessness and sleep problems.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Post-traumatic complaints in which chronic physical stress, frustration and the feeling of not being able to rest well are at the forefront.
Heart- and Spleen-Qi- and Blood deficiency
Brief explanation
If post-traumatic complaints persist and sleep and recovery remain continuously disturbed, TCM Qi and Blood may gradually weaken. Fear and restlessness are then increasingly associated with exhaustion.
Common symptoms
Fatigue and low energy, high peaks, palpitations, light or restless sleep, many dreams, concentration and memory problems, dizziness, low appetite, pale radiant pain and difficulty recovering after physical or mental exercise.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Long-term post-traumatic complaints in which exhaustion, sleep problems and mental fatigue have become increasingly prominent.
Heart- and Kidney-Yin-deficiency
Brief explanation
Long-term restlessness and poor sleep can ultimately weaken the nourishing and cooling Yin component. This results in a combination of exhaustion and a body and mind that still unwind. The connection between Heart and Kidneys is not sufficiently stable to anchor the Shen well at night.
Common symptoms
Inner restlessness and anxiety despite fatigue, difficulty sleeping or often waking up, palpitations, night sweats, warmth in the evening or night, dry mouth or throat, restlessness and sometimes dizziness or ringing in the ears.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Long-term post-traumatic symptoms where hyperalertity and insomnia have gradually become associated with exhaustion, nocturnal heat and signs of Yin deficiency.
Blood stasis
Brief explanation
Trauma can contribute both physically and emotionally to stagnation within TCM. In addition, long-term Qi-stagnation can ultimately affect the circulation of Blood. Blood stasis becomes especially relevant in chronic, persistent complaints and when the original trauma has also caused physical injury.
Common symptoms
Long-term symptoms that change little, a feeling of being physically or emotionally stuck, restless sleep, symptoms that may be stronger at night and firm, sharp or stabbing pain. In case of physical trauma pain may remain present from the original injury.
Examples where this pattern may occur
Long-term post-traumatic symptoms, especially when chronic pain or personal injury is part of the grievance picture.
Regular treatment and supplementary care
PTSD is a condition for which targeted psychological treatment is available. Trauma-oriented treatments, including traumatic cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, are specifically focused on traumatic memories, avoidance and other processes that can sustain PTSD.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are therefore added to PTSD. For example, the treatment accent may be on sleep, hyperalertity, physical stress, anxiety, fatigue or other accompanying symptoms.
If someone is already undergoing traumatic therapy, both treatments can be used side by side when appropriate.
Outlook
The course of PTSD varies widely. In some people, post-traumatic symptoms are gradually decreasing while others remain present for a long time. The nature and duration of the trauma, the severity of the complaints, additional mental or physical problems and the treatment chosen can all influence the recovery.
When acupuncture is used in addition, once a week in the initial phase a standard guideline is appropriate. For strong complaints can be treated temporarily more frequently, but PTSD also has to take into account the person's capacity for activity. If more stability arises, the treatment frequency can be reduced.
There is no meaningful fixed treatment time for PTSD with acupuncture or Chinese herbs. It is better to determine in advance concrete accompanying complaints such as sleep, physical stress or hyperalertity .
Trauma-oriented treatment remains important when PTSD is present. Specialised psychiatric or psychiatric assistance is necessary in case of severe disorder, strong disssociation, psychosis, suicidality or danger to yourself or others.
Contact
Do you have PTSD or post-traumatic complaints and want to know if acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can fit in with your treatment?
During a first consultation we will discuss your current complaints, such as sleep, tension, restlessness, energy and any physical complaints. You do not need to tell us about traumatic events when this is not necessary for acupuncture treatment.
Based on the overall picture of complaints, it is considered whether additional treatment is appropriate and which TCM pattern is at the forefront.
You can make an appointment directly online or contact us for more information.