Mar 14, 2025

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PTSD Patients: Support & Alternative Treatments for Healing

By

Raiqa Nisar

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an arduous journey that affects both the body and mind. The emotional weight of trauma can manifest in various ways: flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, and hypervigilance, to name a few. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication play a crucial role in managing PTSD, many individuals are seeking additional support through alternative therapies to complement their healing journey.

If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD, this blog will explore various alternative treatments that can provide relief, including mindfulness practices, herbal remedies, and more. We’ll also discuss how these therapies can work in tandem with traditional approaches for a holistic approach to managing PTSD symptoms.

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an arduous journey that affects both the body and mind. The emotional weight of trauma can manifest in various ways: flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, and hypervigilance, to name a few. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication play a crucial role in managing PTSD, many individuals are seeking additional support through alternative therapies to complement their healing journey.

If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD, this blog will explore various alternative treatments that can provide relief, including mindfulness practices, herbal remedies, and more. We’ll also discuss how these therapies can work in tandem with traditional approaches for a holistic approach to managing PTSD symptoms.

Understanding PTSD: Beyond the Surface

PTSD is more than just occasional stress or worry—it’s a serious condition that results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could include combat exposure, accidents, natural disasters, or emotional abuse. The trauma can be so profound that it disrupts daily life, often causing symptoms like:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event

  • Hyperarousal, which manifests as irritability, sleep disturbances, and an increased startle response

  • Avoidance behaviour, such as steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind the individual of the trauma

  • Emotional numbness and difficulty connecting with others.

While traditional treatments like therapy (especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or EMDR) and medication (such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines) are effective for many, they don’t work for everyone. This has led to an increased interest in alternative therapies that can support mental health and recovery.

Understanding PTSD: Beyond the Surface

PTSD is more than just occasional stress or worry—it’s a serious condition that results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could include combat exposure, accidents, natural disasters, or emotional abuse. The trauma can be so profound that it disrupts daily life, often causing symptoms like:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event

  • Hyperarousal, which manifests as irritability, sleep disturbances, and an increased startle response

  • Avoidance behaviour, such as steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind the individual of the trauma

  • Emotional numbness and difficulty connecting with others.

While traditional treatments like therapy (especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or EMDR) and medication (such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines) are effective for many, they don’t work for everyone. This has led to an increased interest in alternative therapies that can support mental health and recovery.

1: Mindfulness Meditation — Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness

One of the most accessible and beneficial alternative treatments for PTSD is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. For people with PTSD, mindfulness can help break the cycle of hyperarousal and rumination that often accompanies trauma.

How mindfulness helps with PTSD:

  • Reduces anxiety: Mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

  • Improves sleep: By calming the mind, mindfulness can promote better sleep, which is often a struggle for those with PTSD.

  • Builds emotional regulation: Mindfulness practices can teach individuals how to manage difficult emotions like anger, fear, or sadness that often accompany trauma.

A simple mindfulness practice could include focused breathing or guided meditation (apps like Headspace or Calm are great for beginners). Devoting just ten minutes a day can have a significant impact on emotional well-being.

1: Mindfulness Meditation — Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness

One of the most accessible and beneficial alternative treatments for PTSD is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. For people with PTSD, mindfulness can help break the cycle of hyperarousal and rumination that often accompanies trauma.

How mindfulness helps with PTSD:

  • Reduces anxiety: Mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

  • Improves sleep: By calming the mind, mindfulness can promote better sleep, which is often a struggle for those with PTSD.

  • Builds emotional regulation: Mindfulness practices can teach individuals how to manage difficult emotions like anger, fear, or sadness that often accompany trauma.

A simple mindfulness practice could include focused breathing or guided meditation (apps like Headspace or Calm are great for beginners). Devoting just ten minutes a day can have a significant impact on emotional well-being.

2: Herbal Remedies — Nature’s Calm

Many PTSD patients turn to herbal remedies to support their mental health. While these are not meant to replace conventional treatments, herbs can offer gentle support for managing symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.

  • Lavender Is Known for its calming properties, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Using lavender essential oils in a diffuser, or applying a few drops to your pillow, can be a soothing nighttime ritual.

  • Chamomile: Chamomile is another herb used to calm the nervous system. Whether in tea form or as an essential oil, chamomile can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

  • Valerian root: Often used for its sedative qualities, valerian root can support deep, restful sleep and reduce nighttime anxiety.

These herbs can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, or essential oils. However, it’s necessary to check with a healthcare professional before trying herbal supplements, especially if you are already taking medications.

2: Herbal Remedies — Nature’s Calm

Many PTSD patients turn to herbal remedies to support their mental health. While these are not meant to replace conventional treatments, herbs can offer gentle support for managing symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.

  • Lavender Is Known for its calming properties, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Using lavender essential oils in a diffuser, or applying a few drops to your pillow, can be a soothing nighttime ritual.

  • Chamomile: Chamomile is another herb used to calm the nervous system. Whether in tea form or as an essential oil, chamomile can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

  • Valerian root: Often used for its sedative qualities, valerian root can support deep, restful sleep and reduce nighttime anxiety.

These herbs can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, or essential oils. However, it’s necessary to check with a healthcare professional before trying herbal supplements, especially if you are already taking medications.

3: Yoga and Physical Movement — Releasing Stored Tension

For many people with PTSD, the trauma isn’t just emotional—it’s stored in the body. Yoga and other forms of movement therapy can be powerful tools for releasing tension and reconnecting with the body. Studies have shown that yoga can improve mood, reduce stress, and decrease symptoms of PTSD.

  • Trauma-sensitive yoga focuses on helping individuals reclaim their sense of safety and control over their bodies, which is often lost during traumatic events.

  • Breathwork exercises in yoga can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to relax and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety or panic.

Even simple movements, such as stretching, walking, or swimming, can help release pent-up tension and restore balance to the body. Find what feels good for you, and make it part of your routine.

3: Yoga and Physical Movement — Releasing Stored Tension

For many people with PTSD, the trauma isn’t just emotional—it’s stored in the body. Yoga and other forms of movement therapy can be powerful tools for releasing tension and reconnecting with the body. Studies have shown that yoga can improve mood, reduce stress, and decrease symptoms of PTSD.

  • Trauma-sensitive yoga focuses on helping individuals reclaim their sense of safety and control over their bodies, which is often lost during traumatic events.

  • Breathwork exercises in yoga can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to relax and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety or panic.

Even simple movements, such as stretching, walking, or swimming, can help release pent-up tension and restore balance to the body. Find what feels good for you, and make it part of your routine.

4: Alternative Therapies — The Role of the Endocannabinoid System

In recent years, alternative therapies have emerged as potential options for PTSD patients looking for relief. One of the most widely discussed therapies involves the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors in the body that regulates mood, sleep, pain, and inflammation.

Though the ECS is a natural system in the body, it can become out of balance in people with PTSD. Many individuals have turned to alternative therapies to help regulate the ECS and promote emotional and physical well-being. These treatments can include a variety of natural methods such as herbal remedies, terpenes, and plant-based therapies.

  • Alternative therapies for PTSD symptoms: While research is still ongoing, many PTSD patients report that using alternative therapies has helped reduce their anxiety and improve sleep without the intoxicating effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

  • Terpenes and the ECS: Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in plants such as lavender, citrus, and rosemary, are believed to work in conjunction with other alternative treatments to enhance their calming and healing effects. For instance, linalool (found in lavender) has soothing properties that can promote relaxation, which is especially beneficial for managing anxiety and sleep difficulties associated with PTSD.

  • It’s important to note that these alternative therapies are not a substitute for conventional treatment, but they may provide an added layer of support in managing PTSD symptoms.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any alternative therapies into your routine. These treatments may interact with medications or existing health conditions, so it’s essential to get professional guidance to ensure their safety.

4: Alternative Therapies — The Role of the Endocannabinoid System

In recent years, alternative therapies have emerged as potential options for PTSD patients looking for relief. One of the most widely discussed therapies involves the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors in the body that regulates mood, sleep, pain, and inflammation.

Though the ECS is a natural system in the body, it can become out of balance in people with PTSD. Many individuals have turned to alternative therapies to help regulate the ECS and promote emotional and physical well-being. These treatments can include a variety of natural methods such as herbal remedies, terpenes, and plant-based therapies.

  • Alternative therapies for PTSD symptoms: While research is still ongoing, many PTSD patients report that using alternative therapies has helped reduce their anxiety and improve sleep without the intoxicating effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

  • Terpenes and the ECS: Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in plants such as lavender, citrus, and rosemary, are believed to work in conjunction with other alternative treatments to enhance their calming and healing effects. For instance, linalool (found in lavender) has soothing properties that can promote relaxation, which is especially beneficial for managing anxiety and sleep difficulties associated with PTSD.

  • It’s important to note that these alternative therapies are not a substitute for conventional treatment, but they may provide an added layer of support in managing PTSD symptoms.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any alternative therapies into your routine. These treatments may interact with medications or existing health conditions, so it’s essential to get professional guidance to ensure their safety.

5: Acupuncture and Massage — Relieving Physical Tension

For individuals with PTSD, the emotional toll can manifest physically as well. Acupuncture and massage therapy are two alternative treatments that can relieve the physical symptoms of trauma, like muscle tension, headaches, and chronic pain.

  • Acupuncture: Traditional acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help balance the body’s energy (or “Qi”). It has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, making it an excellent complementary treatment for PTSD.

  • Massage therapy: Regular massage can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and foster a sense of overall well-being. Deep tissue massage and myofascial release may be beneficial for PTSD patients dealing with chronic physical tension.

5: Acupuncture and Massage — Relieving Physical Tension

For individuals with PTSD, the emotional toll can manifest physically as well. Acupuncture and massage therapy are two alternative treatments that can relieve the physical symptoms of trauma, like muscle tension, headaches, and chronic pain.

  • Acupuncture: Traditional acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help balance the body’s energy (or “Qi”). It has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, making it an excellent complementary treatment for PTSD.

  • Massage therapy: Regular massage can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and foster a sense of overall well-being. Deep tissue massage and myofascial release may be beneficial for PTSD patients dealing with chronic physical tension.

  1. Social Support — Community Healing

Healing from PTSD isn’t a solitary journey. Social support—whether through family, friends, or support groups—is crucial for emotional recovery. Talking to others who have gone through similar experiences can help individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to cope with their emotions.

Group therapy and peer support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for those dealing with trauma.

  1. Social Support — Community Healing

Healing from PTSD isn’t a solitary journey. Social support—whether through family, friends, or support groups—is crucial for emotional recovery. Talking to others who have gone through similar experiences can help individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to cope with their emotions.

Group therapy and peer support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for those dealing with trauma.

Finding What Works for You

Living with PTSD is a long-term challenge, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and many alternative treatments can provide relief. From mindfulness meditation and herbal remedies to movement therapy and endocannabinoid support, these complementary therapies can help you manage symptoms and regain control of your life.

As always, before adding any new treatments to your routine—especially alternative therapies like herbal remedies or plant-based treatments—consult with a healthcare professional. Your healthcare provider can help ensure that these treatments are safe and suitable for your specific needs.

Finding What Works for You

Living with PTSD is a long-term challenge, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and many alternative treatments can provide relief. From mindfulness meditation and herbal remedies to movement therapy and endocannabinoid support, these complementary therapies can help you manage symptoms and regain control of your life.

As always, before adding any new treatments to your routine—especially alternative therapies like herbal remedies or plant-based treatments—consult with a healthcare professional. Your healthcare provider can help ensure that these treatments are safe and suitable for your specific needs.

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