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Ear Acupuncture for PTSD
Discover the benefits of ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Discover The Benefits of Ear Acupuncture
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and hypervigilance. While traditional therapies such as psychotherapy and medication remain central to PTSD treatment, complementary approaches like ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) have gained attention for their potential benefits.
Why Choose Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is a non-invasive, quick, and cost-effective therapy that complements conventional PTSD treatments like psychotherapy and medication. Moreover, its calming effects can help patients engage more fully in therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
For individuals with PTSD, ear acupuncture:
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Offers a promising complementary therapy to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life
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Is backed by research and the clinical insights of pioneers like Dr. Joseph Helms
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Bridges the gap between Eastern and Western medicine, to provide comprehensive care
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Is a reliable method for TCM Practitioner Chris Eddy, who has been using ear acupuncture for anxiety, stress and post traumatic stress for over 10 years, on hundreds of patients.
How Does Ear Acupuncture Work?
Auriculotherapy is based on the principle that the ear contains a microsystem reflecting the entire body, with specific points corresponding to different organs and systems. Stimulating these points—whether through needles, pressure, or electrical impulses—can influence the nervous system and promote balance.
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Dr. Joseph M. Helms, founder of the Helms Medical Institute (HMI), has been a pioneer in integrating acupuncture into Western medical practices. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and application of auriculotherapy for conditions like PTSD. Helms emphasizes that ear acupuncture can modulate the autonomic nervous system, helping patients shift from a hyperarousal state (commonly seen in PTSD) to a calmer, parasympathetic-dominant state.
How Many Sessions Of Ear Acupuncture Do I Need?
If you are interested in a course of ear acupuncture for PTSD, TCM Practitioner Chris Eddy usually recommends beginning with 8 sessions in sequence, about 1 week apart.
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Research-Backed Evidence on Ear Acupuncture for PTSD
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Europe PMC: Efficacy and Safety of Ear Acupuncture for Trauma-Related Disorders: This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of ear acupuncture in treating trauma-related mental disorders following large-scale disasters. The findings suggest that ear acupuncture can improve PTSD-related symptoms in affected individuals.
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JAMA Network: Acupuncture for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy of acupuncture in veterans with combat-related PTSD. Results indicated that acupuncture led to a significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity compared to a control group.
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Frontiers: Efficacy and Underlying Mechanisms of Acupuncture Therapy for PTSD: This review examined both the therapeutic effects and biological mechanisms of acupuncture in PTSD treatment. The study concluded that acupuncture has promising potential for treating PTSD by regulating brain structures and neuroendocrine systems.
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ACUS Foundation: Dr. Joseph M. Helms and the Auricular Trauma Protocol: Dr. Joseph M. Helms, founder of the Helms Medical Institute (HMI), has been instrumental in integrating acupuncture into Western medical practice. In 2007, Dr. Helms developed the Auricular Trauma Protocol (ATP) at the request of the U.S. Air Force to address acute pain and post-traumatic stress. This protocol has been utilized by military physicians and medics in various settings, including battlefield aid stations and rehabilitation centers. Service members treated with ATP have reported relief from pain, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and insomnia—symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.