A new study shows that acupuncture is as effective as cognitive-behavioural therapy in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is usually seen in survivors of accidents, violence, or natural disasters and reflects the person's attempt to cope with a sudden, traumatic event or experience. Recently it has received coverage in the news as returning veterans from Iraq are experiencing the sometimes devastating effects of this disorder. (Source)
The study using acupuncture found that acupuncture provided significant relief, and kept symptoms at bay for 3 months even after treatment was stopped.
Of course, this isn't news to those of us in the field. Acupuncturists Without Borders, a great organization, has been using squads of acupuncturists to treat survivors of natural disasters as well as veterans for several years. And I see in the clinic everyday the immediate effect of acupuncture on anxiety, depression and plain old stressed-out Angelenos!
There is no health problem that is not exacerbated by stress. Pain, digestive troubles, hormonal imbalances... all are made worse by the constant toll of major and minor worries. Our bodies were not designed for the constant, unrelenting strain we now subject them to. Chronic stress depresses the immune system, increases risk of cancer and heart disease, and even shrinks the part of the brain responsible for memory. (Source) Add to that the fact that so few of us make time for the activities that still the mind, that allow the adrenal and other stress-hormone producing glands to rest, and you have a recipe for disaster. Stressed out yet?!
I jokingly call my acupuncture treatments "meditation for cheaters." A few needles can push you into deep relaxation, no lotus position required! Western medicine is still undecided as to the mechanism by which acupuncture so effectively calms the body and mind, but of course, we don't have to wait for them to find out. Make time in your day for calm and quiet, and time in your life for the healing benefits of acupuncture.
Read an earlier article about self-care for stress
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