PTSD and Functional Medicine

Last week, we wrote about trauma and the many ways in which it can physiologically affect the body. This week, we focus on solutions to address trauma using Functional Medicine.

SOLUTIONS TO TRAUMA

Is there a Functional Medicine approach?

What does Functional Medicine do in cases of trauma or PTSD?

In Functional Medicine, we will assess the general state of health in the person suffering from trauma or PTSD. This includes looking very deeply at gut health, the HPA axis, sources of potential inflammation, chronic hidden infections and many other aspects of health.

IMPROVE GUT HEALTH: As we have written about in our Gut Series, we work extensively on improving gut health. We seek to identify any GI infections or overgrowths, dysbiosis or other gut issues, resolve them and rebalance the gut to an optimal state. You can read up on our approach in the Gut Series. Or for a quicker and more individual approach, call us for a free discovery call.
ADDRESS HPA AXIS DYSREGULATION: In our approach, we also look into the status of the HPA axis in our patients. We can do specific testing using the DUTCH test to identify hormonal imbalances and address them through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes. It is important, in the case of trauma, PTSD, anxiety and other stressful states, to help the central nervous system to move out of sympathetic mode (typically called ‘fight or flight’ mode) and into parasympathetic mode (typically called ‘rest and digest’ mode). It is also important to reset any disruptions to the circadian rhythm of the body as this will strongly impact the rhythm of cortisol and other stress hormones. We can help you to do this.
BALANCE BLOOD SUGAR: It seems a simple thing but imbalanced blood sugar can have quite a strong impact on mood and anxiety, as well as deeper implications for insulin resistance ad possible diabetes. We can help you to adopt a diet that balances out blood sugar issues.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION: Inflammation can be a consequence as trauma negatively impacts the microbiome, the HPA axis and the limbic system function. We can help to identify what may be causing inflammation and to reduce and calm the inflammation with our FM approach.

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Want To Work With Our Clinic?

Do you have a chronic or mystery illness that no one has been able to help you with? Are you simply wanting to re-connect with a healthier version of yourself? It’s Time To Finally Feel Better!

SUPPLEMENTS: There are a number of supplements that have proved in research to be helpful with cases of trauma:

Cannabidiol or CBD
Blueberries
Curcumin
Omega-3 fatty acids
Silymarin or Milk Thistle

OTHER THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS: In addition to the above suggestions, there is a wealth of therapy options and activities that have shown to help in coping with trauma. Research shows that each of these modalities can be very effective in addressing trauma and in reducing the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety or depression often associated with exposure to trauma. Different modalities work better or less well on different people, as we are all individual. It is worth trying a few different techniques to find the one or the combination that best helps a particular individual struggling with trauma or PTSD.

In our clinic, we can help you with meditation, brain photobiomodulation, acupuncture and self-care techniques. Please ask us if you want more info on any of these:

Meditation & mindfulness: We practice and teach Sheng Zhen Meditation – https://shengzhen.org
Neurofeedback
Vielight or brain photobiomodulation
Yoga
Tai Chi
Acupuncture
Aerobic exercise
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR
Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT
Self-care across the board, including anything calming to the individual
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Hypnotherapy
Group therapy

Are You Suffering From A Chronic Illness?

Does your current health situation look like this…

Do you feel that you have tried many things and either nothing works, or the treatment does not hold?
Have you been told that there is nothing that can be done to reverse your illness and you just need to manage symptoms?
Does your illness impact your work, your family, your happiness and your social life?

We specialize in finding answers and solutions for complicated chronic illness when people feel like they have tried everything. If this sounds like you, book a free call with us to see if we are the right fit for your health goals.