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. 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. 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. 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. Ciara Moynihan 🇬🇧
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)
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
- RBCST, Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT)
- Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German
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:Â
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature
Licensure:Â
- 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)
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