Unlock the Potential of Auricular Acupuncture for PTSD – A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction: The Unseen Scourge of PTSD
Millions of people around the world suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sadly, traditional treatments often don’t provide enough relief. That’s where auricular acupuncture comes in. This treatment offers not just symptom relief but also a pathway to better well-being.
What is Auricular Acupuncture?
So, what exactly is auricular acupuncture? It’s a special form of acupuncture that focuses on the ear’s specific points. These points reflect the entire body. By targeting these points, practitioners aim to treat various conditions, including PTSD.
The Science Behind Auricular Acupuncture for PTSD
Clinical Trials and Their Implications
Several studies have looked into how effective auricular acupuncture is for PTSD. One study at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center found that veterans with PTSD-related insomnia slept better after treatment. These findings aren’t isolated; many other studies support this treatment.
Mechanisms of Action
How does it work? Auricular acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate mood and stress. This leads to the release of endorphins, creating a sense of calm.
Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture for PTSD
Better Sleep
One of the first benefits is better sleep. Insomnia is common in PTSD, and better sleep can be a big relief. This aligns well with our PTSD Program.
Less Need for Medication
Many PTSD patients rely on multiple medications. Auricular acupuncture offers a natural alternative, reducing the need for drugs and their side effects. This fits with our Functional Medicine approach.
How is Auricular Acupuncture Administered?
The Procedure
The treatment involves inserting fine needles into the ear’s specific points. These points relate to different body parts and systems.
Duration and Frequency
A typical session lasts about 30 minutes. The number of sessions you’ll need varies.
Integrating Auricular Acupuncture into a Comprehensive PTSD Treatment Plan
Synergy with Other Treatments
You can easily add auricular acupuncture to a treatment plan that may include talk therapy, medication, and other therapies like Naturopathic Medicine.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Before starting any new treatment, consult with healthcare pros who have experience treating PTSD. They can tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Patient Testimonials and Real-world Cases
Many PTSD sufferers report big improvements after adding auricular acupuncture to their treatment plans.
Conclusion: A New Horizon in PTSD Treatment
In summary, auricular acupuncture offers a promising, effective, and natural way to treat PTSD. It can improve sleep, reduce the need for medication, and fit well into a comprehensive treatment plan.
In auricular acupuncture, needles are carefully placed into certain points on the ear. Firstly, these points are thought to link to various parts of the body, offering a well-rounded treatment approach. The ear acts like a small map of the whole body. So, by targeting these points, experts aim to treat a range of health issues, including PTSD. Moreover, this focused form of acupuncture is especially good for easing PTSD symptoms.
For those looking for a deeper understanding of these ear points, the World Health Organization has put out some guidelines. Additionally, a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine talks about the exact ear points that are helpful for treating PTSD.
Yes, acupuncture, especially when combined with other forms of Functional Medicine, can help release stored trauma. The treatment is believed to stimulate the body’s energy pathways, unblocking any “stagnant” energy that may be contributing to emotional or physical trauma.
For more information on how acupuncture can help release stored trauma, the Pacific College of Health and Science offers an in-depth article. A study published in PLOS ONE also discusses the role of acupuncture in treating emotional trauma.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to treating PTSD because it often needs a mix of different approaches. However, blending psychotherapy, meds, and other treatments like auricular acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine can make for a full treatment plan. For instance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often named as one of the top ways to treat PTSD.
For more details on what works best for PTSD, the American Psychological Association has a full guide. Additionally, a deep dive in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry gives more insights into the most effective treatments for PTSD.
Yes, acupuncture, and more specifically auricular acupuncture, shows real promise for treating PTSD. For example, clinical trials like one at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center have shown big improvements in sleep for vets with PTSD. This treatment is thought to spark the vagus nerve, which is key for controlling mood and stress. As a result, this triggers the release of feel-good chemicals, leading to calm and relaxation. For those looking at a full approach to treating PTSD, adding acupuncture can be a key part of a comprehensive PTSD Program.
For more in-depth info, you can check out the study in the journal Medical Acupuncture. Also, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health gives a full look at acupuncture and how it can be used, including for PTSD.
Our Experienced Practitioners:
Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧
“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a teacher—empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health. By educating and guiding them, I can help transform their lives far beyond the treatment room, creating lasting wellness that they can carry with them. – Dr. Tammy Lalonde”
Caring for people is my true passion and one of life’s greatest callings. With years of experience as both a Paramedic and Acupuncturist, I’ve supported patients through obvious and invisible injuries alike. I’ve been there during moments of deep crisis—whether delivering babies in cars parked roadside, providing care at 30,000 feet aboard a domestic flight, or flying emergency medevacs over the Arabian desert. Through these experiences, I’ve learned not only how to care for those in urgent need but also how to recognize the long-term impact that lifestyle, diet, and fitness can have on overall health.
As my career has evolved, so has my focus. I now concentrate on helping more people earlier, preventing minor concerns from escalating into more complex and costly illnesses. A key part of this shift is my role in leading our Hormone Health program, which empowers patients to address hormonal imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. This program has far-reaching impacts, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the health of entire communities. By helping people regain balance, we’re preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term wellness. Through a combination of my background in emergency medicine and women’s health, I offer a unique, integrative approach. I draw on the strengths of oriental medicine, along with the expertise of top practitioners, to deliver care that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
My academic journey has allowed me to seamlessly blend oriental medicine with Western healthcare, creating a holistic approach to patient care. My expertise lies in navigating high-stress, complex situations, and I have a deep passion for managing care and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—especially among Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. In addition to my extensive background, I have advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, which enhances my ability to help patients achieve hormonal balance and long-term wellness. With a long-standing career spanning North America and the Middle East, I have been privileged to serve as a respected clinician, clinical educator, and fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure and registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). Additionally, I have served as a Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and am a current member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧
CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only...
Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.
Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.
Education:
- Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
- Honors standings
- Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College
Licensure:
- RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
- ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Massage
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...
Dr.Ac Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵
Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.
Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.
Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.
Education:
- Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan
Licensure:
- RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇯🇵 – Japanese
Dr.Ac Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵
Acupuncture
Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in...
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.
The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.
Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.
Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.
Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.
Education:Â
- Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
- Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
- Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
- Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs
Licensure:Â
- Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where...
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Anjali Nagda has been working as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background in Clinical Psychology, advocating for the powerful potential of utilizing the subconscious mind. Over the past year, Anjali has been navigating the evolving scope of counseling in Alberta, registering herself as a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and as a Counseling Therapist with the Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA). Her affiliation with additional regulatory bodies is underway, especially now that clinical counseling can be directly billed.
Anjali combines her expertise as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Registered Clinical Counselor to offer integrated services as a Clinical Counseling Hypnotherapist. This dual approach empowers her to work with both the conscious and subconscious minds of her clients. She supplements various conscious therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), to name a few, which help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, manage painful emotions, decrease conflict in relationships, and transform irrational beliefs into rational ones. These techniques are particularly effective for treating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, anger, guilt, and unhealthy dependency.
Under hypnotherapy, Anjali employs techniques such as JPMR (Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Guided Visualizations, Regression Therapy, Parts Integration Therapy, Behavioral Hypnotherapy, Analytical Hypnotherapy, and Inner Child Therapy, among others, to support clients with psychological trauma, specific fears, phobias, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.
Anjali’s invaluable experience at a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center has given her the opportunity to work closely with individuals grappling with addiction. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying triggers that contribute to addictive behaviors, helping clients achieve a natural state of mindfulness and emotional regulation. By incorporating techniques such as Age Regression and Parts Therapy, Anjali empowers her clients to replace their dependency on substances with healthier coping mechanisms and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Anjali’s role has been evolving as her stay in Canada lengthens, driven by her dedication to supporting her clients to the best of her abilities. By combining Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, she offers a holistic approach not commonly found in the Edmonton market. This unique service allows her to reach more individuals who previously faced barriers due to billing issues.
Anjali’s dedication to her clients’ well-being, combined with her expertise in both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, makes her a compassionate and effective guide on their journey towards transformation and healing. Her hard work behind the scenes ensures she can now support a broader range of clients through direct billing, welcoming those who were unable to access her services earlier.
Education:Â
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature
Licensure:Â
- Registered Clinical Counselor, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
- Counseling Therapist, Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA)
- Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH), Canada Association Of Counselling Hypnotherapists And Educators (CACHE)
- Certified Hypnotherapist (CH) – National Guild of Hypnotists
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇮🇳 – Hindi, Gujarati (fluent); Bengali, Punjabi (conversational)
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Hypnotherapy
Anjali Nagda has been working as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist...
