PTSD is a Real Thing. And There's Help.

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - can originate from various causes. Any situation that causes emotional or physical trauma such as violence, aggression, a car accident, or sexual assault can result in PTSD.  Symptoms of PTSD can include anxiety, insomnia, depression, flashbacks, as well as physical pain; such symptoms may not show up immediately after the triggering event. In fact, it’s not unusual for PTSD symptoms to appear several weeks or month after the trauma.

“War veterans brought PTSD to light; however anyone who has experienced trauma can suffer from PTSD.”

For service members, PTSD can be a consequence of experiencing combat or repeated exposure to dangerous situations. The VA estimates that up to 20% of veterans who served in recent combat operations (including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) have PTSD. The number is even higher for veterans who served in the Vietnam War.  War veterans brought PTSD to light; however anyone who has experienced trauma can suffer from PTSD.

Although PTSD can disrupt daily life, the (very) good news is that acupuncture has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Recently, the Pentagon has been investigating the beneficial effects of acupuncture for PTSD on soldiers affected with this condition. As per findings from recent trials, it has been found that combat veterans were relieved of their PTSD symptoms and experienced reduced depression, as well as physical pain. The improvements due to acupuncture were also found to be very rapid, significant, and long-lasting; the healing effects of acupuncture last over three months post-treatment.

Soldiers who have experienced PTSD after violent wars are being treated with acupuncture with successful results.

If you are worried that seeking treatment for PTSD will make you re-live the trauma, acupuncture doesn’t require this.  Unlike other conventional PTSD treatments that are exposure-oriented (in that they require patients to reconstruct traumatic incidents), acupuncture for PTSD does not expose the patient to such elements and hence is safer and non-intrusive. Studies conducted by the Pentagon have revealed that most soldiers affected by PTSD would be more inclined to accept non-exposure treatments such as acupuncture for PTSD. 

If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, help is available. Acupuncture provides rapid relief from PTSD without the use of drugs or side-effects. Seek the help of a licensed acupuncturist and please know that you don’t need to suffer in silence. 

Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture is veteran-owned and operated.