Wednesday, May 28, 2014

       Blog#27: War Veterans, PTSD, and Flower Essences

In the last several decades, medication has been used to help returning veterans manage some of the worst PTSD symptoms.  For several years, acupuncture, especially auriculotherapy (needling points on the ear) has been used in clinics in many urban clinics to help with these symptoms. Very recently, companion dogs have been found to be effective in some cases of PTSD.  Flower essence therapy can also be effective. The Bach flower essence formula Rescue Remedy, as well as the individual components all can be helpful in dealing with trauma and stress.  Components are:

Impatiens:  For those who act and think quickly and have no patience for what they perceive as the slowness of others.  They often prefer to work alone.  Impatiens can help the individual learn empathy, understanding, and patience.  When appropriate, it can help quickly alleviate impatient attitudes and diminish stress.
Star of Bethlehem:  For trauma and shock, whether experienced recently or in the past.  It can help the individual recover from trauma and then integrate these experiences into present life.
Cherry Plum:  Can be effective for those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong.  This essence can help the individual trust in their spontaneous wisdom and do what is most suitable for them.
Rock Rose:  This essence can have a comforting, calming influence in situations when a person is overwhelmed by panic or terror.  It can help the individual let go of terror and build courage.
Clematis:  Can help those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds, becoming indifferent to details of everyday life.  This essence can help the individual establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas, and can also help bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.

Rescue Remedy is designed to help with immediate problems.  For deeper, underlying problems other essences may be more appropriate.  Improved nutrition, regular exercise, counseling, and other approaches may also be helpful, and should often used in conjunction with flower essence therapy.

This month's offer:  contact me for more information about other flower essences which can be used to address stress and PTSD.