Our deepest sympathies go out to the people of Boston and to the families who lost loved ones during the bombings last week. The immediate crisis of the incident is over, and while trials are still going to take place, the process of healing and looking for closure can begin.
There is no one expected reaction to an event like what just happened, and taking care of your emotional health after a tragedy is important. Some will be able to brush it off easily. Others – typically those who are closer to the events of the week – may experience some residual post-traumatic stress. If so, this is okay, but you should be aware of what can happen so that you know if you need to seek help. The most common symptoms of PTSD include depression or malaise, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, confusion, fatigue, and lethargy. In more severe cases people can feel like they’re having a nervous breakdown, or that they’re dealing with psychosis, or that small events or sounds or reminders set off a wave of anxiety and fear.
Acupuncture can offer help for those suffering from the symptoms listed above. Common point protocols are used – specifically, points in the ear – that directly connect with the area of the brain (the amygdala) responsible for processing emotion and trauma at a deep level. Treatment with acupuncture is very straightforward, does not require talking over of the event, and can allow you to regain a sense of peace, calm, and rest when it seems to be lacking. In this way acupuncture can be the best treatment for those with minor post-traumatic issues, or as a bridge between a time of crisis and entering therapy for those who need additional support. Treatment for a few weeks can help you reset yourself and come back to life as it was before.
Those looking for help should know that acupuncture treatment for PTSD is best when it is done early and regularly. Community acupuncture is a good approach for patients with milder symptoms, and offers an easy way to get back on your feet.
If you are working through issues from the marathon, seek support right away.
