Acupuncture Solutions for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide to Holistic Healing
Introduction: The Rising Need for PTSD Solutions
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Traditional treatments often include medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, many are turning to alternative therapies for a more holistic approach. One such promising treatment is acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At Red Leaf Wellness, we offer a specialized PTSD Program that incorporates acupuncture as a key component.
Understanding PTSD: More Than Just a Mental Health Issue
PTSD is not merely a psychological problem; it’s a complex interplay of emotional, physical, and mental disruptions. Symptoms can range from flashbacks and nightmares to severe anxiety and depression. The condition often also manifests physically, causing muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. For a more in-depth understanding of how PTSD affects the body and mind, our Emotional Health Program provides valuable insights.
Why Acupuncture? The Science Behind the Needles
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi (energy), balancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture can regulate stress hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. It’s a treatment that aligns well with our Holistic Health approach, which combines Functional and Naturopathic Medicine.
Acupuncture and PTSD: The Evidence
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating PTSD. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting acupuncture’s efficacy in treating PTSD comes from a clinical study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study focused on 91 PTSD patients affected by a strong earthquake. The patients were divided into two groups: one treated with cognitive-behavior therapy alone and another treated with both cognitive-behavior therapy and acupoint stimulation. The results were unequivocal. The group that received acupoint stimulation alongside cognitive-behavior therapy showed a more significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, as measured by the Chinese version of the Incident Effect Scale Revised (IES-R) and a self-compiled questionnaire for major post-traumatic psychological conditions.
This study not only validates the role of acupuncture in treating PTSD but also opens the door for further research and integration of acupuncture into mainstream PTSD treatment plans. It aligns well with our own PTSD Program, where we combine Eastern and Western approaches for a more holistic treatment strategy.
How Does Acupuncture Fit into a PTSD Treatment Plan?
At Red Leaf Wellness, acupuncture is often integrated into a comprehensive PTSD treatment plan that may include Nutrition and Clinical Hypnotherapy. The goal is to treat not just the symptoms but the person as a whole. This is in line with our Women’s Health Program and Men’s Health Program, which also adopt a multi-faceted approach to well-being.
Safety and Precautions: What You Need to Know
While acupuncture is generally considered safe, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals for a personalized treatment plan. Our Pain Management Program outlines the safety protocols we follow to ensure the well-being of our patients.
Conclusion: The Future of PTSD Treatment Lies in Integrative Care
The landscape of PTSD treatment is evolving, with acupuncture emerging as a viable, scientifically-backed option. As we continue to explore and validate alternative therapies, the future looks promising for those seeking a more holistic path to healing. Our commitment to patient-centric care is unwavering, and we invite you to explore our diverse array of services, from Facial Acupuncture to 2SLGBTQI Inclusive Health and Wellness.
Yes, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in helping to release stored trauma. The practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to balance the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. By inserting thin needles into specific acupoints, acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and other neurotransmitters, which can help alleviate symptoms of stored trauma.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that acupuncture could reduce symptoms of PTSD, suggesting its potential in releasing stored emotional and physical trauma. For those interested in a more comprehensive approach to trauma, our PTSD Program incorporates acupuncture as a key component, along with other holistic treatments.
Acupuncture needles for PTSD are generally inserted into specific acupoints that are believed to be linked to emotional well-being. These points are often located on the ears, wrists, and feet. The exact placement can vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and the practitioner’s diagnosis. The National Institutes of Health provides more information on the subject.
At Red Leaf Wellness, our Acupuncture services are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that the most effective acupoints are targeted for your specific symptoms.
The most powerful treatment for PTSD often involves a combination of therapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective treatment and is often considered the gold standard. Medication such as SSRIs may also be prescribed. However, alternative therapies like acupuncture are gaining recognition for their efficacy. A study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that acupuncture could be as effective as CBT in certain cases.
Our PTSD Program adopts an integrative approach, combining traditional treatments with alternative therapies like acupuncture and Nutrition.
Natural treatments for PTSD are increasingly being explored as complementary or alternative options to conventional therapies. Among these, acupuncture has shown promise in clinical studies. Herbal treatments, meditation, and yoga are also considered effective natural treatments. The Mayo Clinic offers an overview of various treatment options, including natural remedies.
For those interested in a natural approach to PTSD treatment, our Functional Medicine services provide a holistic perspective that complements our specialized PTSD Program.
Our Experienced Practitioners:
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
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)
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Caring for people is my passion and one of the...
Dr. Michelle 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. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Massage
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...
Dr. Yoko 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. Yoko 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:
- 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 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where...
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
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 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Hypnotherapy
Anjali, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background...
Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧
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
Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧
Massage, Manual Osteopath
Kristie is a dedicated massage therapist and osteopathic manual therapist,...
