Acupuncture Treatment for PTSD

Although researchers and doctors are continuously trying to develop new and innovative treatment options for people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, it may be that one of the most effective therapies is a healing art that is centuries old.  A new study, reported by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, shows that acupuncture has great, beneficial effects on the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder.  The study, led by researchers from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, found that acupuncture provided benefits to the disorder that were similar to those found in cognitive behavioral therapy.  What is more is that the military also seems to readily accept this non-traditional medical intervention method.

Veteran’s Hospitals are recommending the use of acupuncture for physical pain stemming from various injuries, and it is also commonly used in war zones where many of these serious injuries occur.  In fact, Andrews Air force Base in Maryland, which houses the only military acupuncture clinic, trains doctors to practice the healing medicine in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.  The current training program is educating forty-four Army, Air Force, and Navy doctors to use acupuncture practices when engaged in emergency care in combat and war zone medical clinics and hospitals.  Its use in the military is not new to recent conflicts, however.  In 1967, an Army surgeon, observing the practice of acupuncture on the Vietnamese by local physicians during the Vietnam War, wrote an article about its effectiveness.  Now, it appears from this study, the military community may use acupuncture to heal not only the effects of an outward injury, but the internal, mental ones as well.

It is important to discuss any treatment option with your doctor, even one that is non-traditional, like acupuncture.  He/she needs to be aware of any treatment and must keep a record of its effects.  Additionally, it is important to seek a licensed acupuncture specialist and discuss what results you would like to see from the treatment.  Post traumatic stress disorder is such a serious, debilitating condition, that some practitioners may not have the experience to handle the condition.  If you are a military veteran, you may want to see if any of the acupuncture services are offered by military doctors or other health care personnel.  They probably have a good background in mental disorder treatment and will be able to personalize a plan just for your needs.