PTSD is a physiological disorder that can result from being exposed to a traumatic event. The disorder results in several different symptoms including anxiety, irritability, insomnia and flashbacks. The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in someone’s life can be far reaching. Feelings of hopelessness, shame and despair, problems at work or with relationships, serious health problems, depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol abuse are not uncommon. Getting help can be hard at first, but can have a great impact for helping PTSD.

A recent study into the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has shown promising results. Researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture in adjunct to normal treatment approaches and the results showed significant improvement. Studies in the past have shown that veterans with PTSD are wary of seeking treatment for PTSD as many do not believe that mental healthcare can be effective. Researchers hope that with the increased efficacy of the adjunctive acupuncture treatment, veterans will be less reticent towards seeking treatment for PTSD.

The acupuncture treatment also saw secondary benefits for those treated as many reported a decrease in depression and pain as well as a general improvement in mental and physical well-being. PTSD can be debilitating and even more so with little or no treatment.
The Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP) is a unique program that provides free community acupuncture to veterans and active duty soldiers with PTSD and their family members.

Treatment in a MSRP clinic is unique for several reasons. Patients are treated in a group setting, sitting in comfortable chairs. There is an environment of calm and support. The patients are treated using the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a series of 5 needles placed in one ear. The program is designed to address all the needs of people with PTSD.

The MSRP clinics have been very successful. Patients report stress reduction, improved mental clarity, improved energy, enhanced performance, better sleep, fewer bad dreams and headaches, less anxiety and depression, reduced anger and pain, improved general health and better relationships.

Those suffering from PTSD should consult a doctor about treatment and discuss the option of acupuncture as well because it has been proven to help.

Quit the Tobacco, and don’t start if you haven’t already

It should be common sense now that smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to multiple types of cancer. If you are trying to quit, you are not alone. Try joining a support group or making a plan for yourself to set goals for quitting. Facing addiction is hard, but not using tobacco can save years of your life.

Healthy Diet

A healthy, well-rounded diet can do wonders for lowering your risk of cancer and overall well-being. Cut out processed sugar and instead focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help fight cancer. Other fish that can help reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in women include halibut, sardines and tuna.

Exercise

According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, women who are active have about a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who do not exercise as much. Even walking 25 minutes a day can make a difference in preventing cancer. Studies have also shown that walking 4 hours a week can lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by half.

Sun protection

Protection from the sun should be another no brainer. Although sun exposure is necessary to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D, too much sun can be harmful. Make sure to wear sunscreen if you know you will be in direct sunlight for a long period of time. If you have any suspicious moles or have fair skin, make sure to check in with your doctor to ensure early detection if you think you might be at risk of melanoma.

Green Tea

Green tea, in some ways, can be a miracle-working drink. According to the National Cancer Institute, there has been more than 50 studies that have shown a connection between the tea and lowering the risk of cancer. Green tea contains a chemical called EGCG that is packed with antioxidants, making it a strong cancer-fighting compound.

Consider a Glass of Wine

Great news, you don’t have to feel guilty about having a regular glass of wine at night. Studies have found that drinking a moderate amount of red wine can actually help lower the risk of certain cancer. Red wine contains the antioxidant called polyphenols that can help prevent the body from developing cancer cells. Also remember that too much alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the body and only should be consumed in moderation.

A research study published in the BMC (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) compared acupuncture to sham acupuncture, no treatment or normal care to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms. The study found that acupuncture is associated with significant reductions of pain and an increase in mobility and quality of life. The study recommends that acupuncture can be used as an alternative therapy for patients with osteoarthritis. Research has also shown acupuncture to be helpful in protecting the body from stress and aging such as increasing white blood cell count and lowering inflammation. One study found that hip fracture patients who received acupressure reported reduced pain and anxiety compared to those who did not receive the treatment. If you or someone you know is feeling the effcts of aging, consider acupuncture treatment for a better quality of life.

How acupuncture helps

Acupuncture treats the patient by addressing the whole body. When the body is out of balance, pain and illness can arise. Acupuncture works by returning the body back to its natural balance and energy flow to eliminate pain and to improve overall health.

There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body. When these specific points are stimulated through small acupuncture needles, it can help relieve pain by improving the body’s nervous system, which can jumpstart the production of pain-reducing endorphins.

Research studies:

A study in Germany found that 304,674 people with osteoarthritis experienced less pain and stiffness after 15 sessions of acupuncture. The treatments were done during a three-month period and lasting results were seen for another three months after treatment was stopped. The patients who had the acupuncture treatment reported better quality of life and function than those who had no treatment.

A study done at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan Medical School found that of 20 women who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the half that received acupuncture treatment had increased activity of the pain-reducing receptors in the brain.

A trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine studied 570 men and women with osteoarthritis. For the men and women who received 23 acupuncture treatments for about 6 months, results of less pain and better functionality occurred, compared to those with the placebo treatment.

Arthritis can be painful and persistent, resulting in frustration when it isn’t easy to find relief. Acupuncture is a non-invasive, alternative treatment that has been proven in numerous studies to help reduce pain and increase mobility.