Acupuncture PTSD Points: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Trials

By Published On: February 27, 2015Categories: Acupuncture, Blog, PTSD

Introduction: Addressing the Urgent Need for PTSD Treatment

Millions suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grappling with symptoms like flashbacks and severe anxiety. In this landscape, acupuncture emerges as a promising treatment. This article dives into tested acupuncture PTSD points, offering hope for effective therapy.

Solid Studies We Reviewed

We didn’t conduct our own comprehensive review. However, we did examine key studies such as those from Young-Dae Kim et al. and M. Hollifield et al. Both of these studies focus on the use of acupuncture PTSD points in treating PTSD. Our analysis included both controlled and uncontrolled trials to ensure a thorough review Young-Dae Kim et al., 2013; M. Hollifield et al., 2007.

Key Insights from Important Studies

How Acupuncture Outperforms Waitlist Control

The study from Young-Dae Kim et al. shows that certain acupuncture PTSD points work better than just waiting for improvement. Additionally, these points are as effective as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Young-Dae Kim et al., 2013.

Acupuncture’s Strong Impact on PTSD

Another study by M. Hollifield et al. in 2007 compared acupuncture with group therapy. The results? Acupuncture had a strong positive impact, similar to that of group therapy M. Hollifield et al., 2007.

Top Acupuncture Points for PTSD

Certain acupuncture PTSD points are well-known for their effectiveness:

  • GV20: Calms the mind.
  • PC6: Reduces anxiety.
  • ST36: Enhances well-being.

Note: Diverse Acupuncture Methods

While GV20, PC6, and ST36 are commonly used, other treatments and studies may use different acupuncture points. For example, the NADA protocol focuses on ear acupuncture and has shown promise in stress and trauma recovery.

A Deep Dive into the NADA Protocol

Originally developed at New York’s Lincoln Medical Center, the NADA protocol first aimed to combat addiction. Over time, professionals have also used it to treat stress and trauma, including PTSD. This approach places up to five needles in specific points on each ear. The treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t require talking, making it ideal for those who may not be comfortable with more traditional therapy methods. Moreover, clinicians can administer the NADA protocol in group settings, which fosters community support.

What This Means for the Future

The results so far are encouraging, suggesting that acupuncture holds value in treating PTSD. Nonetheless, we need more research for definitive answers. If you’re already considering acupuncture, you might want to explore our Pain Management Program, which includes acupuncture as a key element.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for PTSD Treatment

By examining a variety of studies and the promising NADA protocol, we aim to spotlight the potential of acupuncture PTSD points in treating PTSD. While we still need more research, the early signs point to effective, side-effect-free alternatives to mainstream treatments.

Our Experienced Practitioners:

Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

Position: CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Administration, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Guillain-Barre, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, HIV and AIDS, Hormone Health, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Myasthenia Gravis, Neurological Health, Oncology, Pain Management, Post-Covid Syndrome, Pregnancy, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, PTSD, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Service, Sexual Dysfunction, Soft Tissue Injury, Specialization, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Vasculitis, Whiplash, Women's Health

Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer.  I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses.  In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.

My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher.  I hold active licensure/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).  I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present 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)
Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism

Caring for people is my passion and one of the...

Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Massage
Categories: Acupuncture, Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cupping, Cupping, Depression, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Gender Reassignment, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Massage Therapy, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pain Management, Pregnancy, PTSD, Relaxation Massage, Respiratory Health, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Therapeutic Massage, Whiplash

Massage Therapy Pressure Scale 5-8Helping 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. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Massage

Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Position: Acupuncture
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Gender Reassignment, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric Acupuncture, Post-Covid Syndrome, PTSD, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thermie (Tiger), Whiplash

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

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Acupuncture

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in...

DR.CIARA BUCHAN

Dr. Ciara Moynihan 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Reiki
Categories: Acupuncture, Anxiety, Back Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Digestive Health, Emotional Health, Facial Rejuvenation, Gender Reassignment, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Hot Flashes, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Pain Management, Pediatric Acupuncture, PTSD, Reiki, Respiratory Health, Sinuses, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Whiplash

Dr. Ciara Moynihan, a distinguished graduate from the Acupuncture Program at Reeves College. With nearly two decades of experience as a Personal Fitness Trainer, she possesses a profound understanding of the human body and its intricate workings. Dr. Moynihan’s career in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture is anchored by her unwavering commitment to holistic healing—addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and mental dimensions of her patients’ well-being.

In today’s fast-paced society, Dr. Moynihan is a strong proponent of adopting a gentle, compassionate approach to self-care. She firmly believes that this foundation of self-compassion is essential for achieving optimal health and vitality. Specializing in acupuncture, she employs this ancient technique as a primary tool for delving into and resolving her patients’ deeper health challenges, empowering them to lead flourishing lives.

Certified in Reiki and Crystal Healing, and holding a Doctorate in Acupuncture, Dr. Moynihan synthesizes her diverse expertise to cultivate a nurturing and empathetic therapeutic environment. She is highly regarded for her skillful touch, compassionate demeanour, and her knack for demystifying complex medical jargon, thereby instilling confidence in her patients as they navigate their unique paths to healing.

Dr. Moynihan’s clinical acumen spans a broad spectrum of health issues, ranging from stress and emotional disorders to digestive problems and headaches. She has a particular zeal for addressing fertility issues and women’s health, and her proficiency in pediatric acupuncture, Reiki, Fire Cupping, and other TCM modalities has solidified her standing in the holistic health community.

Trained by some of the foremost experts in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Moynihan is also a recognized authority in Cosmetic and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Additionally, she holds a certification in Subconscious Imprinting, a technique she employs to identify and eradicate subconscious patterns that could adversely affect her patients’ overall health and life quality.

At the core of Dr. Moynihan’s practice is her holistic philosophy that every individual is entitled to a vibrant, fulfilling life. She is passionately devoted to turning this philosophy into a lived reality for all her patients.


Education:

  • Diploma of Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac) Reeves College

Licensure:

  • RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
DR.CIARA BUCHAN

Dr. Ciara Moynihan 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Reiki

Dr. Ciara Moynihan, a distinguished graduate from the Acupuncture Program...

Manuela Hofer, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Movement Therapist & Qigong Instructor

Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪

Position: Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong
Categories: Anxiety, Back Pain, Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Concusssion, Depression, Digestive Health, Emotional Health, Headaches & Migraines, Hormonal Health, Hormone Health, Massage Therapy, Movement and Energy, Musculoskeletal, Neurological Health, Pregnancy, PTSD, Qigong Somatic Movement, Relaxation Massage, Respiratory Health, Seniors Health, Somatic Movement Education, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Therapeutic Massage, Whiplash, Women's Health

Massage Therapy Pressure Scale 3-5

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: 

  • 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: 

  • RBCST, Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT)
  • Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German

Manuela Hofer, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Movement Therapist & Qigong Instructor

Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪

Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong

Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where...

Anjali Nagda, Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist

Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳

Position: Hypnotherapy
Categories: Addictions, Anxiety, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Concentration, Confidence Building, Creativity and Self-Development, Emotional Health, Enhancing Self-Esteem, Fertility, Gender Reassignment, Habit Disorders and Addictions, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Pain Management, Phobias, PTSD, Sexual Dysfunction and Relationship Problems, Sports Injury, Stress

Anjali, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background in Clinical Psychology, advocates for the powerful potential of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. Anjali has a deep understanding of the power of the subconscious mind and is determined to restore the integrity of hypnotherapy, which has often been overshadowed by stage shows and pop-culture portrayals.

Her invaluable experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist at a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center has afforded Anjali the opportunity to work closely with individuals grappling with addiction. Through her dedicated efforts, she focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying triggers that contribute to addictive behaviours.

Anjali abides by the mantra, “A tense mind can never exist in a relaxed body,” highlighting the importance of relaxation for holistic well-being.

She employs techniques such as Breathing Awareness and Mind-Body Relaxation and guides her clients to delve into target areas of the mind at profound levels. This approach facilitates sustainable improvements, empowering clients to overcome challenges and make lasting positive changes in their lives.

To enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic process, Anjali encourages her clients to practice with session recordings as advised. By committing to this practice, individuals can reinforce the progress achieved during their sessions and further deepen their personal growth.

Anjali’s dedication to her clients’ well-being, combined with her expertise in Clinical Hypnotherapy and understanding of Clinical Psychology, make her a compassionate and effective guide on their journey towards transformation and healing.

Education: 

  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
  • Masters in Clinical Psychology
  • B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature

Licensure: 

  • 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, Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist

Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳

Hypnotherapy

Anjali, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background...

Professional headshot of a RMT and Manual Osteopath with short blonde hair, right nostril piercing, in a black V-neck top, displaying a calm and neutral expression, set against a light grey backdrop.

Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧

Position: Massage, Manual Osteopath
Categories: Anxiety, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Concusssion, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cupping, Depression, Digestive Health, Headaches & Migraines, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Massage Therapy, Musculoskeletal, Osteopathic Massage, Pain Management, PTSD, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Therapeutic Massage, Trigger Point Release, Whiplash, Women's Health

Kristie is a dedicated massage therapist and osteopathic manual therapist, committed to enhancing the well-being of her clients. Graduating from Advanced Massage Therapy at CDI College in 2012 laid the foundation for her career, but her journey took a significant step forward when she recently completed her studies at the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada in October 2022. With this additional qualification, Kristie now practices as an Osteopathic Manual Therapist, expanding her repertoire of healing techniques.

Her treatments are versatile, ranging from soft relaxation to moderately deeper therapeutic massage. Kristie’s expertise extends beyond traditional massage therapy; she is certified in dynamic cupping, hot stone therapy, and target muscle release techniques. This diverse skill set allows her to tailor treatments to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring effective and personalized care.

Kristie’s experience spans various areas, including motor vehicle accidents, post-operative recovery, sports injuries, stress management, facial restrictions, postural issues, and mental health concerns such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She is also proficient in prenatal and postpartum massage, as well as pediatric massage for children over the age of six.

Her dedication to giving back to the community is evident through her involvement in various charitable initiatives. Kristie has volunteered her services at events like Bust a Move for Cancer and Road Hockey to Cure Cancer, demonstrating her commitment to supporting those in need.

In addition to her massage therapy qualifications, Kristie holds a diploma in Addictions and Community Service Work, reflecting her holistic approach to health and well-being. She enjoys delving into the root causes of pain and discomfort, working tirelessly to provide long-lasting relief for her clients.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kristie finds joy in spending time with her child, embarking on road trips, and visiting her family dogs. Her passion for healing, coupled with her compassionate nature and diverse skill set, make her a trusted ally in the journey to optimal health and wellness.

Education

  • Manual Osteopath, Manual Osteopathic College of Canada
  • Advanced Massage Therapy, CDI College
  • Diploma – Addictions and Community Service Worker, CDI College

Certifications/Licensure

  • Manual Osteopath, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
  • RMT, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
Professional headshot of a RMT and Manual Osteopath with short blonde hair, right nostril piercing, in a black V-neck top, displaying a calm and neutral expression, set against a light grey backdrop.

Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧

Massage, Manual Osteopath

Kristie is a dedicated massage therapist and osteopathic manual therapist,...

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