Post-traumatic Stress Disorder:
Exploring Allopathic and Ayurvedic approaches to bring healing to those suffering with PTSD
Literature Review by: Brooke Kelly Norvish
Abstract:
This research paper explores treatment protocols for those suffering with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from both an allopathic (western) and Ayurvedic perspective. This paper will examine what PTSD is, its significance in society, and why it needs to be treated, alongside descriptions of PTSD symptoms, causes and diagnosis. In conclusion, it will also discuss how allopathic medicine and Ayurveda can be used as complimentary therapies to give a person a more comprehensive healing process.
Abstract:
This research paper explores treatment protocols for those suffering with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from both an allopathic (western) and Ayurvedic perspective. This paper will examine what PTSD is, its significance in society, and why it needs to be treated, alongside descriptions of PTSD symptoms, causes and diagnosis. In conclusion, it will also discuss how allopathic medicine and Ayurveda can be used as complimentary therapies to give a person a more comprehensive healing process.
Introduction: What it is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a psychiatric
disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing one or multiple traumatic event(s). For some, a rare (one time) event like being in an accident, or witnessing a natural disaster or terrorist attack may result in PTSD. For others, multiple experiences (those often linked by patterns) such as abuse, sexual violence, personal assault or fighting in a war will result in PTSD. Those suffering from PTSD relive the experience over and over again in their daily lives and also often in their sleep through nightmares and flashbacks. Particular words, sounds, or images, can trigger a person at any moment to go back in time. It can leave the person feeling out of control and in a constant state of fight, flight or freeze.
The significance of PTSD on society
PTSD is a worldwide epidemic. According to The National Center for PTSD (2013),in the United States of America 8 percent of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives: an average of 1 person out of every 13 people with women being twice as likely as men (1 woman out of every 10). In total, studies estimate “5–6 million US adults suffer[ing] from PTSD”(Iribarren et al., 2005). Early millennia research by Iribarren et al. (2005)argues that “it is possible and even probable that the incidence of PTSD will sharply increase within the next decade” due to “ongoing turmoil worldwide,” thus making PTSD one of “the most significant public health concerns of this new century” (Iribarren et al., 2005).Therefore, further research on preventative and reactive measures are paramount to preparing and improving PTSD treatment in future cases.
The importance of treating PTSD
“This threat is all the more serious considering the fact that PTSD symptoms seldom disappear completely; recovery from PTSD is a lengthy, ongoing, gradual and costly process, which is often hampered by continuing reaction to memories” Iribarren et al. (2005). PTSD is exhausting and is commonly associated with severe anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. PTSD interferes with daily living. Those who suffer long term tend to struggle with memory and cognition, as well as substance abuse likely due to their “behavior becom[ing] increasingly detached or estranged.” Unfortunately, the longer the PTSD goes untreated, the sooner the “impairment of the ability to function in social or family life, which more often than not results in occupational instability, marital problems and divorces, family discord and difficulties in parenting.” Stressors and mental deterioration from this impairment over time, and “in extreme cases,” can regrettably “lead the patient to suicidal tendencies” Iribarren et al. (2005). Through treatment, professionals help guide and improve the patient’s ability to “manage trauma-related emotions” and thus develop “greater confidence in coping abilities” Iribarren et al. (2005)and is therefore vital to both those suffering from PTSD and the people close to them.
Allopathic Pathology of PTSD
Many forms of trauma ranging from surviving natural catastrophes to interpersonal abuse may result in a form of PTSD, but are not assured to trigger a unique stress response immediately. Certain symptoms of onset (or current) PTSD include increasing anxiety, stress, or states of panic triggered by previously (before trauma) mundane events, alongside flashbacks in forms of nightmares (whether awake or asleep). If signs of PTSD are identified and engaged with early, both symptoms and evolution of PTSD can be mediated. Yet although early intervention would be most beneficial, diagnosis is extraordinarily difficult.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
Diagnosing PTSD can be a difficult process for various reasons. According to PTSD Alliance, LLC(2019), the most common denominator being that people don’t recognize or refuse to recognize they have PTSD. Sometimes, people’s reactions to traumatic events are delayed and symptoms of PTSD appear after a length of time making it difficult for the affected person to draw the connection between the trauma and their response. Many times, people will try to avoid their symptoms and manage their difficulties on their own, which often leads to their PTSD worsening and the person isolating themselves from the world around them. People often avoid seeking help due to embarrassment, guilt or shame surrounding the particular event(s); regardless if they hold a measure of responsibility in the event(s) or not, they often blame themselves and believe their PTSD is a form of deserved punishment. For those that do want help, they often don’t know who to ask or where to go for assistance.
Nonetheless, in order to diagnose PTSD, a medical professional will work to understand a person’s personal and medical history, while looking for PTSD signs: witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event(s); feelings of hopelessness, fear, or horror; nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts; and/or heightened arousal, insomnia, being easily startled, anger, and hyper-vigilance. Children will show signs through play and behavioral problems. Further signs include the person’s management of these symptoms such as avoidance, blocking out memories, and detaching from relationships. Additionally, of the biggest factors taken into consideration is how long the person has been suffering with the symptoms of PTSD (if identifiable). (PTSD Alliance, LLC, 2019)
What happens when PTSD goes untreated?
When PTSD goes untreated and progresses over time, the person can start to experience alterations to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. These consequential alterations affect the hypothalamic control of the “endocrine response controlled by the pituitary gland” Iribarren et al. (2005). The pituitary gland is responsible for sending hormones into the bloodstream, which then can stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone that tells a person to respond to a danger. “The elevations of hormones, including those produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, play a pivotal role in regulating cell-mediated immune surveillance mechanisms, including the production of cytokines that control inflammatory and healing” Iribarren et al. (2005). When a person is constantly over producing cortisol and is mainly running in the sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze response) and their body is not given enough time in the parasympathetic state, it will begin to interfere with their circadian regulation, sleep, and immune response. A person’s overall health will deteriorate rapidly with such constant interference.
Allopathic Treatment Protocols of PTSD
Allopathic treatment for PTSD primarily involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs and/or therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used include antidepressants, anti-anxiety, adrenergic agents, and mood boosters. Some of the top drugs on the markets are Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, and Fluphenazine. Psychotherapeutic approaches such as psychological debriefing is an intervention approach to PTSD done just after a person has experienced a traumatic event in hopes to minimize the stress response, normalize the event, and prepare for future contingencies. The use of CBT encompasses many techniques to desensitize, minimize stress, and commonly incorporates exposure therapies, most commonly eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR in combination with CBT has been shown to be very effective throughout many studies on PTSD specifically Iribarren et al. (2005).
Ayurveda Pathology of PTSD
PTSD is viewed primarily as a vata imbalance, particularly Prana vayu, since it directly impacts the nervous system and mental functions resulting in imbalances such as anxiety. However, as PTSD progresses in its common symptoms, it can quickly agitate the other doṣas eventually resulting in a tri-doshic imbalance. According to the classical Ayurvedic text, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya (Vol 2 chapter 15, p. 149)“Vayu (vata) gets aggravated (increased) from: over indulgence in things (food, activities, etc.) causing depletion (or loss) of tissues.” PTSD is therefore first and foremost a vata imbalance because it is an over indulgence of the senses, particularly due to the repeat experience of the event(s) through thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks. Additionally, when a person with PTSD is constantly in the sympathetic nervous system state, they are constantly using up high levels of cortisol (along with other vital hormones) faster than the body can replenish them, eventually leading to ojas depletion.
When depletion of tissues and areas of the body become weak or even empty, they are known as khavaigunya. Khavaigunya is the sanskrit word used to describe a weak/empty area that is then more susceptible to imbalance or disease. In PTSD, this is often seen through the vata spreading by airing the flames of pitta. In particular, sadhaka pitta is disturbed, which is responsible for decreased decisiveness, intelligence, memory, emotional grief, and spiritual inclination. Due to this declination of mental fortitude, people with PTSD often struggle recalling the traumatic event with clarity after some time and can become confused as they continuously have flashbacks and/or nightmares about the traumatic event(s). TheAṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam (Vol 1 chapter 5, p. 466) notes “bad dreams occur due to the blockages of the manovahā srotas by aggravated doṣas,” further illustrating the connection between imbalances and nightmares in PTSD.
If the person has prolonged PTSD it can eventually begin to have an effect on Kapha, particularly tarpaka kapha that is responsible for lubrication of the spinal cord. Too much lubrication can lead to problems of the senses, cough, nasal congestion, headache, and eventually lead to depression and the brain becoming numb. As previously stated, anxiety and depression are the two most common symptoms among those struggling with PTSD. When it reaches the tarpaka kapha stage and accumulates long enough for the brain to start becoming numb, the person will start to have dissociation with their emotional state as well as their physical bodies. The person will often feel as if they are numb, unable to feel anything or connect with anything or anyone. It can lead to isolation and eventually suicidal tendencies.
PTSD has the potential to progress or not progress to these stages of isolation depending on various factors, including if they receive help right away or not, their life style, their state of mind prior to the trauma and what their constitution is. In the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Mills et. al. (2018)conducted a study to explore the relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine diagnostics for imbalances (vikruti) and western measures of psychological states. They found that those “with more dominant Vata doṣa are understood to be inherently more vulnerable to anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.” Again, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia are all common symptoms of victims with PTSD.
Ayurveda Treatment Protocols of PTSD
Ayurveda health counseling focuses on diet, spices/plant medicines, and lifestyle as effective ways to guide a person back to balanced health. For a person with PTSD the first action would be to help them regain their circadian rhythm. By getting them back on a sleep schedule, this will help with their energy levels, their body’s ability to cleanse and process, as well as potentially slow down the mind helping to relieve some level of anxiety. Also, by having routines, it helps the person to gain a sense of control of their life when typically the traumatic event was out of their control. As for the types of food they should eat, this would include a seasonally sattvic diet. They would want to try to avoid an over indulgence of rajasic foods that could over stimulate and lead to more anxiety. They would also want to be cautious of not consuming too many tamasic foods, which could increase their depression.
In addition, they would want to support their digestion by making sure their agni is strong and active. Typically, when a person is locked into that constant fight, flight or freeze mode (the sympathetic nervous state) they are unable to digest their food as the body is reserving that energy to use in order to survive. According to the Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam(Vol 2 chapter 12, p. 119) “food, sleep, and abrahmacarya, properly indulged, support the body constantly just like the house is supported by pillars (they are considered the three supports of life).” Certain plant medicines as well as culinary spices blended and selected for the particular individual could support both their digestion and mental state.
As for lifestyle, there are a variety of therapies that can be implemented depending on the trauma and the person experiencing the PTSD. One treatment in particular that has been shown to be effective is shiradhara, the process of pouring herbal infused oils in a steady stream over the forehead to induce a state of meditation and relaxation. According to the Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam(Vol 2 chapter 21, p. 498) “diseases of vāta origin cannot remain in the alimentary canal that is softened by oleation.” On this note, abhyanga may also be a great personal therapy that gives the person control of the treatment while also helping them to reconnect with their physical and emotional body in the cases of those who have become dissociated. Of course there are also other lifestyle therapies that have been proven to be successful in treating those with PTSD such as various forms of meditation, pranayama, and yoga.
Conclusion
PTSD is a complex imbalance that can benefit from both allopathic medicine as well as Ayurveda. Combining the two would give someone looking for balance the tools they need to overcome their symptoms and manage their PTSD so it no longer controls their daily life. In allopathic medicine pharmaceutical drugs are often used, but for someone wanting to refrain from using pharmaceutical drugs, they have the option of first exploring what plant medicines may be of aid to them. For others that are lost and desperate for instant relief, starting with pharmaceutical drugs may be a good option as they begin to embrace other Ayurvedic and allopathic therapies until they can safely come off the drugs. Regardless of the approach a person with PTSD takes, learning to process and work through their trauma is essential to their healing and its important for them to know there is support and options they can choose to implement as part of their healing path.
References
Iribarren, J., Prolo, P., Neagos, N., & Chiappelli, F. (2005). Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder: Evidence-Based Research for the Third Millennium. eCAM, 2(4), 503–512. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh127
Mills, P.J., Peterson, C.T., Wilson, K.L., Pung, M.A., Patel, S., Weiss, L.,
Kshirsagar, S.G., Tanzi, R.E., Chopra D. (2018). Relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine
diagnostics for imbalances (vikruti) and western measures of psychological states: An exploratory study. Journal of
Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.pii: S0975-9476(17)30702-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.02.001
Murthy, K., (2016). Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Press.
National Center. (2013, August 15). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved
February, 2019, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
PTSD Alliance, LLC (2019). Diagnosing PTSD or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Diagnosis. Retrieved February, 2019, from http://www.ptsdalliance.org/diagnosis/
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a psychiatric
disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing one or multiple traumatic event(s). For some, a rare (one time) event like being in an accident, or witnessing a natural disaster or terrorist attack may result in PTSD. For others, multiple experiences (those often linked by patterns) such as abuse, sexual violence, personal assault or fighting in a war will result in PTSD. Those suffering from PTSD relive the experience over and over again in their daily lives and also often in their sleep through nightmares and flashbacks. Particular words, sounds, or images, can trigger a person at any moment to go back in time. It can leave the person feeling out of control and in a constant state of fight, flight or freeze.
The significance of PTSD on society
PTSD is a worldwide epidemic. According to The National Center for PTSD (2013),in the United States of America 8 percent of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives: an average of 1 person out of every 13 people with women being twice as likely as men (1 woman out of every 10). In total, studies estimate “5–6 million US adults suffer[ing] from PTSD”(Iribarren et al., 2005). Early millennia research by Iribarren et al. (2005)argues that “it is possible and even probable that the incidence of PTSD will sharply increase within the next decade” due to “ongoing turmoil worldwide,” thus making PTSD one of “the most significant public health concerns of this new century” (Iribarren et al., 2005).Therefore, further research on preventative and reactive measures are paramount to preparing and improving PTSD treatment in future cases.
The importance of treating PTSD
“This threat is all the more serious considering the fact that PTSD symptoms seldom disappear completely; recovery from PTSD is a lengthy, ongoing, gradual and costly process, which is often hampered by continuing reaction to memories” Iribarren et al. (2005). PTSD is exhausting and is commonly associated with severe anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. PTSD interferes with daily living. Those who suffer long term tend to struggle with memory and cognition, as well as substance abuse likely due to their “behavior becom[ing] increasingly detached or estranged.” Unfortunately, the longer the PTSD goes untreated, the sooner the “impairment of the ability to function in social or family life, which more often than not results in occupational instability, marital problems and divorces, family discord and difficulties in parenting.” Stressors and mental deterioration from this impairment over time, and “in extreme cases,” can regrettably “lead the patient to suicidal tendencies” Iribarren et al. (2005). Through treatment, professionals help guide and improve the patient’s ability to “manage trauma-related emotions” and thus develop “greater confidence in coping abilities” Iribarren et al. (2005)and is therefore vital to both those suffering from PTSD and the people close to them.
Allopathic Pathology of PTSD
Many forms of trauma ranging from surviving natural catastrophes to interpersonal abuse may result in a form of PTSD, but are not assured to trigger a unique stress response immediately. Certain symptoms of onset (or current) PTSD include increasing anxiety, stress, or states of panic triggered by previously (before trauma) mundane events, alongside flashbacks in forms of nightmares (whether awake or asleep). If signs of PTSD are identified and engaged with early, both symptoms and evolution of PTSD can be mediated. Yet although early intervention would be most beneficial, diagnosis is extraordinarily difficult.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
Diagnosing PTSD can be a difficult process for various reasons. According to PTSD Alliance, LLC(2019), the most common denominator being that people don’t recognize or refuse to recognize they have PTSD. Sometimes, people’s reactions to traumatic events are delayed and symptoms of PTSD appear after a length of time making it difficult for the affected person to draw the connection between the trauma and their response. Many times, people will try to avoid their symptoms and manage their difficulties on their own, which often leads to their PTSD worsening and the person isolating themselves from the world around them. People often avoid seeking help due to embarrassment, guilt or shame surrounding the particular event(s); regardless if they hold a measure of responsibility in the event(s) or not, they often blame themselves and believe their PTSD is a form of deserved punishment. For those that do want help, they often don’t know who to ask or where to go for assistance.
Nonetheless, in order to diagnose PTSD, a medical professional will work to understand a person’s personal and medical history, while looking for PTSD signs: witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event(s); feelings of hopelessness, fear, or horror; nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts; and/or heightened arousal, insomnia, being easily startled, anger, and hyper-vigilance. Children will show signs through play and behavioral problems. Further signs include the person’s management of these symptoms such as avoidance, blocking out memories, and detaching from relationships. Additionally, of the biggest factors taken into consideration is how long the person has been suffering with the symptoms of PTSD (if identifiable). (PTSD Alliance, LLC, 2019)
What happens when PTSD goes untreated?
When PTSD goes untreated and progresses over time, the person can start to experience alterations to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. These consequential alterations affect the hypothalamic control of the “endocrine response controlled by the pituitary gland” Iribarren et al. (2005). The pituitary gland is responsible for sending hormones into the bloodstream, which then can stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone that tells a person to respond to a danger. “The elevations of hormones, including those produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, play a pivotal role in regulating cell-mediated immune surveillance mechanisms, including the production of cytokines that control inflammatory and healing” Iribarren et al. (2005). When a person is constantly over producing cortisol and is mainly running in the sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze response) and their body is not given enough time in the parasympathetic state, it will begin to interfere with their circadian regulation, sleep, and immune response. A person’s overall health will deteriorate rapidly with such constant interference.
Allopathic Treatment Protocols of PTSD
Allopathic treatment for PTSD primarily involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs and/or therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used include antidepressants, anti-anxiety, adrenergic agents, and mood boosters. Some of the top drugs on the markets are Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, and Fluphenazine. Psychotherapeutic approaches such as psychological debriefing is an intervention approach to PTSD done just after a person has experienced a traumatic event in hopes to minimize the stress response, normalize the event, and prepare for future contingencies. The use of CBT encompasses many techniques to desensitize, minimize stress, and commonly incorporates exposure therapies, most commonly eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR in combination with CBT has been shown to be very effective throughout many studies on PTSD specifically Iribarren et al. (2005).
Ayurveda Pathology of PTSD
PTSD is viewed primarily as a vata imbalance, particularly Prana vayu, since it directly impacts the nervous system and mental functions resulting in imbalances such as anxiety. However, as PTSD progresses in its common symptoms, it can quickly agitate the other doṣas eventually resulting in a tri-doshic imbalance. According to the classical Ayurvedic text, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya (Vol 2 chapter 15, p. 149)“Vayu (vata) gets aggravated (increased) from: over indulgence in things (food, activities, etc.) causing depletion (or loss) of tissues.” PTSD is therefore first and foremost a vata imbalance because it is an over indulgence of the senses, particularly due to the repeat experience of the event(s) through thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks. Additionally, when a person with PTSD is constantly in the sympathetic nervous system state, they are constantly using up high levels of cortisol (along with other vital hormones) faster than the body can replenish them, eventually leading to ojas depletion.
When depletion of tissues and areas of the body become weak or even empty, they are known as khavaigunya. Khavaigunya is the sanskrit word used to describe a weak/empty area that is then more susceptible to imbalance or disease. In PTSD, this is often seen through the vata spreading by airing the flames of pitta. In particular, sadhaka pitta is disturbed, which is responsible for decreased decisiveness, intelligence, memory, emotional grief, and spiritual inclination. Due to this declination of mental fortitude, people with PTSD often struggle recalling the traumatic event with clarity after some time and can become confused as they continuously have flashbacks and/or nightmares about the traumatic event(s). TheAṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam (Vol 1 chapter 5, p. 466) notes “bad dreams occur due to the blockages of the manovahā srotas by aggravated doṣas,” further illustrating the connection between imbalances and nightmares in PTSD.
If the person has prolonged PTSD it can eventually begin to have an effect on Kapha, particularly tarpaka kapha that is responsible for lubrication of the spinal cord. Too much lubrication can lead to problems of the senses, cough, nasal congestion, headache, and eventually lead to depression and the brain becoming numb. As previously stated, anxiety and depression are the two most common symptoms among those struggling with PTSD. When it reaches the tarpaka kapha stage and accumulates long enough for the brain to start becoming numb, the person will start to have dissociation with their emotional state as well as their physical bodies. The person will often feel as if they are numb, unable to feel anything or connect with anything or anyone. It can lead to isolation and eventually suicidal tendencies.
PTSD has the potential to progress or not progress to these stages of isolation depending on various factors, including if they receive help right away or not, their life style, their state of mind prior to the trauma and what their constitution is. In the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Mills et. al. (2018)conducted a study to explore the relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine diagnostics for imbalances (vikruti) and western measures of psychological states. They found that those “with more dominant Vata doṣa are understood to be inherently more vulnerable to anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.” Again, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia are all common symptoms of victims with PTSD.
Ayurveda Treatment Protocols of PTSD
Ayurveda health counseling focuses on diet, spices/plant medicines, and lifestyle as effective ways to guide a person back to balanced health. For a person with PTSD the first action would be to help them regain their circadian rhythm. By getting them back on a sleep schedule, this will help with their energy levels, their body’s ability to cleanse and process, as well as potentially slow down the mind helping to relieve some level of anxiety. Also, by having routines, it helps the person to gain a sense of control of their life when typically the traumatic event was out of their control. As for the types of food they should eat, this would include a seasonally sattvic diet. They would want to try to avoid an over indulgence of rajasic foods that could over stimulate and lead to more anxiety. They would also want to be cautious of not consuming too many tamasic foods, which could increase their depression.
In addition, they would want to support their digestion by making sure their agni is strong and active. Typically, when a person is locked into that constant fight, flight or freeze mode (the sympathetic nervous state) they are unable to digest their food as the body is reserving that energy to use in order to survive. According to the Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam(Vol 2 chapter 12, p. 119) “food, sleep, and abrahmacarya, properly indulged, support the body constantly just like the house is supported by pillars (they are considered the three supports of life).” Certain plant medicines as well as culinary spices blended and selected for the particular individual could support both their digestion and mental state.
As for lifestyle, there are a variety of therapies that can be implemented depending on the trauma and the person experiencing the PTSD. One treatment in particular that has been shown to be effective is shiradhara, the process of pouring herbal infused oils in a steady stream over the forehead to induce a state of meditation and relaxation. According to the Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam(Vol 2 chapter 21, p. 498) “diseases of vāta origin cannot remain in the alimentary canal that is softened by oleation.” On this note, abhyanga may also be a great personal therapy that gives the person control of the treatment while also helping them to reconnect with their physical and emotional body in the cases of those who have become dissociated. Of course there are also other lifestyle therapies that have been proven to be successful in treating those with PTSD such as various forms of meditation, pranayama, and yoga.
Conclusion
PTSD is a complex imbalance that can benefit from both allopathic medicine as well as Ayurveda. Combining the two would give someone looking for balance the tools they need to overcome their symptoms and manage their PTSD so it no longer controls their daily life. In allopathic medicine pharmaceutical drugs are often used, but for someone wanting to refrain from using pharmaceutical drugs, they have the option of first exploring what plant medicines may be of aid to them. For others that are lost and desperate for instant relief, starting with pharmaceutical drugs may be a good option as they begin to embrace other Ayurvedic and allopathic therapies until they can safely come off the drugs. Regardless of the approach a person with PTSD takes, learning to process and work through their trauma is essential to their healing and its important for them to know there is support and options they can choose to implement as part of their healing path.
References
Iribarren, J., Prolo, P., Neagos, N., & Chiappelli, F. (2005). Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder: Evidence-Based Research for the Third Millennium. eCAM, 2(4), 503–512. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh127
Mills, P.J., Peterson, C.T., Wilson, K.L., Pung, M.A., Patel, S., Weiss, L.,
Kshirsagar, S.G., Tanzi, R.E., Chopra D. (2018). Relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine
diagnostics for imbalances (vikruti) and western measures of psychological states: An exploratory study. Journal of
Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.pii: S0975-9476(17)30702-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.02.001
Murthy, K., (2016). Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Press.
National Center. (2013, August 15). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved
February, 2019, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
PTSD Alliance, LLC (2019). Diagnosing PTSD or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Diagnosis. Retrieved February, 2019, from http://www.ptsdalliance.org/diagnosis/
