PTSD affects so many people. As many as 13 million Americans at some point in their lives. Living with PTSD is difficult. The intrusive thoughts. Feeling numb. Disconnected. Avoiding situations or people connected to traumatic events. Feeling isolated. Always on high alert.
Healing from trauma can be hard. But it’s worth it. And it can be done naturally. Here, we’ll take a look at the best holistic treatments for PTSD.
The Best Holistic Treatments for PTSD
Living with PTSD can feel like you’re stuck in survival mode. Traditional treatments can help. Which typically involve prescription drugs — usually SSRIs — along with talk therapy. Yes, it can help manage symptoms. Holistic treatments for PTSD go deeper. At Twin Waves Wellness Center, our approach is simple. Holistic. We focus on whole-body healing. We believe everything is connected. Body. Mind. Spirit. And know that by regulating the nervous system, PTSD can be healed.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD isn’t just traumatic memories. It’s how we hold onto the experience. Long after it’s over. To fully heal, it’s important to understand trauma and its effects.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen after experiencing a traumatic event. It’s the body staying on high alert. Long after the event. It can cause anxiety. Flashbacks. Sleep problems. Nightmares. Feeling disconnected. From others and themselves. PTSD isn’t just in the mind. It lives in the body. And a sign that the nervous system is still trying to protect you.
C-PTSD
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a little different. It develops from long-term or repeated trauma. It often stems from childhood trauma. C-PTSD can cause chronic shame. Mistrust of others. Emotional numbness. Extreme emotional dysregulation. Healing requires gentle approaches that rebuild a sense of safety. Connection. Trust.
Holistic Trauma Recovery: 5 Natural Treatments for PTSD
When first experiencing trauma, professional care might be needed. It might include staying in a hospital. Taking medication to get through the initial shock. Maybe you’ve been on PTSD meds for years. And they’re not working, so you’re looking for alternatives. This is where holistic healing for PTSD comes in. It doesn’t mask symptoms with drugs. It’s natural. Safe. Effective.
1) Holistic Chiropractic Care
Dr. Suzanna and I both experienced early trauma. It’s what led to our passion for helping others. This is part of why we’re specially trained in holistic PTSD treatments. We specialize in gentle techniques that reset the nervous system. Enable the body to relax. Feel safe. We practice holistic chiropractic care. It’s known as network spinal analysis. It uses gentle touches along the spine. Not cracking or popping like traditional chiropractic adjustments.
Network spinal works for PTSD by moving emotional energy stored in the body. This helps release trauma that’s held in the nervous system. Having huge emotional releases is common. We have clients cry. Laugh. Move their body in strange ways. We provide a safe space to heal. You’re not your past. And you’re not alone.
2) Talk Therapy
Talking to a professional who specializes in PTSD is powerful. Especially with someone you trust. Talking is natural. We’re wired for connection. And it’s important to feel heard. Especially when healing from trauma. Talking doesn’t require prescription meds. Talk therapy doesn’t even require you to leave your house. There are countless telehealth options. Meaning it can happen in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Evidence-based treatments recommended by the APA for PTSD include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Narrative exposure therapy (NET)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Talking about your trauma can be so freeing. Feel like a weight’s been lifted. Help you start to move on. Understand your feelings. Seeing a therapist can be life-changing.
3) Nourish Your Body and Mind
Reaching for sugar and carbs is tempting. Especially during emotional lows. Sugary treats trigger feel-good chemicals. This makes you feel better. But it’s temporary. Because then you crash. Which leads to more cravings. But here’s the thing. When you eat clean, it boosts your mood. Eating well for mental health isn’t anything new. And it’s not about restriction. It’s about giving your body and brain the nutrients they need. To think clearly. Feel stronger.
Choose to give your body nourishing foods. Lean meats. Fish. Fruits. Veggies. Whole grains. All help reduce brain fog. Help increase energy levels. Drink plenty of water. Limit your caffeine intake. Too much just makes anxiety and stress worse. Try herbal teas with compounds that help with PTSD symptoms.
- Chamomile calms the mind and helps with sleep
- Valerian Root is a natural sedative and eases anxiety
- Peppermint soothes stress and cools body heat during panic attacks
4) Gentle Movement and Exercise
As your body starts to release tension through things like holistic chiropractic, your body will respond. You might feel like getting out of bed. Off the couch. Inspired to move. Embody this energy! It’s your body responding positively to dealing with PTSD. Gentle exercise helps nervous system regulation. Promotes energy and calm. Take nature walks. They help ground you. Try gentle yoga. It releases tension. Connects you with your body. Start slow. Meet yourself where you’re at. Honor this space. If it’s a short walk around the block, perfect. Maybe you’re called to take a kickboxing class. Awesome. Whatever you do, just make sure you move.
5) Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep can be hard when you struggle with PTSD. Insomnia is super common. So are flashbacks. Night sweats. Incessant thoughts. But a consistent sleep routine is one of the best holistic treatments for PTSD. Seven to nine hours a night is ideal. It’s not impossible. But it could involve a few changes.
Make your bedroom inviting. Keep it tidy. Welcoming. Stop screentime a couple of hours before bed. Blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm. Making it harder to fall asleep. Read a book instead. Listen to a calming podcast. Or guided sleep meditation. Soak in a warm bath. Drink herbal tea. Incorporate somatic exercises to release trauma.
Good sleep supports the nervous system. It reduces brain fog. Allows the body to integrate other holistic stress relief techniques. Sleep without the use of drugs is vital for healing. It’s one of the best things for holistic trauma recovery.
Incorporating Natural Ways to Treat PTSD
Ready to release PTSD? Use any or all of the above tips. These holistic treatments for PTSD complement one another. Support both body and mind. Offer you the best chances to heal PTSD naturally. Holistic healing isn’t a quick fix. You’re not covering anything up. You’re facing your pain. Moving through it. It’s a journey. Towards feeling safe. Grounded. Thriving instead of surviving.