PTSD & Energy Healing

AS ALWAYS, THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, THESE ARE JUST PAPERS I HAVE WRITTEN IN MY GRATUATE PROGRAM. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED. WE NEED TO END THE STIGMA THAT GOES ALONG WITH PTSD AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS.

I choose this topic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because it is near and dear to my heart.  I spent over ten years volunteering as a Navy Ombudsman.  The role of Ombudsman is to be the link between the command and the families.  Because of my background, for the purpose of this paper, there is a bit of a focus on PTSD from a military point of view. 

As an Ombudsman, I have had hundreds of sailors and their families under my care. They would come to me before and after deployments (or any time in between).  While they were out on deployments, I would can the family to check on their wellbeing (or again, any time in between).  I was held to a confidentiality agreement, unless there were certain reportables (such as self-harm or abuse or anything else deemed necessary for the CO to know).  These were stressful times for the families as well as the sailors.  Because of this, as Ombudsman, we were told to look out for signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Part of my job was to also to make families and sailors aware of the signs and where to turn to get help.  

            Many were aware of the bigger signs of PTSD, such as angry outbursts, becoming anti-social and things like that.  However, it’s the little ones, that many don’t talk about, that over the years become more noticeable.  PTDS has a horrible stigma attached to it, especially in the military (and first responders).  Family members were scared to report any signs.  Sailors were afraid of losing everything (in their minds) they worked so hard for.   For a selective group of service members that were in positions where there were certain instances that their job was ‘never done’ therefore couldn’t be talked about.  However, that was never really the case, there was always someone with the rank and security clearance that they could go and talk to (they just often didn’t want to).  Again, there is an awful stigma about PTSD an it’s not just in the military.  Because of this false stigma, and lack of information (especially with the ‘little signs’) it can go unnoticed or even unattended to for years.  Holding in all of these and emotions in the body causes significant dis-ease in the body.  Sadly, what doesn’t get talk about doesn’t get healed, and this goes for the loved ones who witness and live with their loved ones suffering.

What is PTSD?

  In medical terms PTSD, is “repeated excessive exposure to cortisol accelerates the aging process of the hippocampus and may in fact damage or shirk brain cells (Seaward B.).  You can see, it not only has an impact on one’s emotions, but has been shown to cause damage in the brain.  In other words, PTSD is mental disorder that occurs when someone has gone through a very traumatic event.  This could entail being in a war zone, to witnessing a perceived threat, or witnessing a sudden death of someone.  The experience doesn’t have to be experienced firsthand in order to have PTSD, it could also be from learning about a traumatic event.  PTSD can also be from repeatedly experiencing traumatic events, such as police officer who routinely goes on calls for child abuse (Mann, S.K.).  This can be a very disabling and dangerous psychiatric disorder.  Anyone at any age can be affected by this disorder. 

Some symptoms for PTSD can range from irritability, to difficulty falling asleep or staying sleeping, to having a lack of sexual drive (or even increase), having more of a startle response, to difficulty maintain relationships and holding down jobs, to enhancing troublesome behavior, such as drinking or gambling.  It is important to note that these symptoms effect not just the person with PTSD, but to their loved ones and those around them.  In order to get diagnosed with this disorder, the DSM-5 requires ongoing symptoms for more than a month.

There are symptoms can be very slight at first to where many people, including the one suffering form PTSD may not consider them a symptom/s of the disease.  Some subtle changes that might be have gone unnoticed in the beginning could be; to sit in a certain chair at a restaurant, or having to change the channel while watching something on TV is a little too real (such as a war movie).  They might even stop eating certain foods.  These ‘little’ things can sneak up on you over time and result in major upheavals in your body and in your life.

What is the standard medical procedure in treating PTSD?

Early detection is so important to the healing process (and not just from a holistic healing approach).  A very detailed medical history is given to the patient.  As I mentioned, they must exhibit symptoms for over one month.  There are different categories in order to meet the criteria.

“The key to working with PTSD patient is to access the power of the unconscious mind by identifying deep seated memories so that they may be acknowledged and released in a healthy manner rather then repressed and pushed deeper into the unconscious mind” (Seaward).

Medication is often given to help with stabilizing the symptoms for the patient.   The types of drugs given are usually anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety.  According to the Veterans Affairs the best medication is paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine (VA.gov. Aug.2018).

Talk therapies lends a different approach.  There are multiple types of talk therapies that seem to offer help.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches link the cognitive processes, emotions and behaviors together. (Corey, R. pg.99).  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed specifically for PTSD. It is “a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories” (APA).  These are just two types of talk therapies that are in use for PTSD.

Possibly lesser known ways to help heal the affect of PTSD are alternative holistic approaches.  Art therapy, energy healing, journaling, mediation, Neuro-Emotional Therapy, vitamins and minerals, music therapy, yoga, essential oils, acupuncture, massage therapy, fascial stretch therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique all take a different more gentle approach to healing.  Some of these would fall under energetic vibrational healing which we will go into more detail about for this paper.

We know that stress/stressors cause illness, pain, and disease, so finding ways to reduce the stress in our bodies will help heal or eliminate the possibility of diseases.  This can be physical, mental or spiritual stressors.

Chakras

Before I go into details about theses therapies, first let’s take a quick look at the 7 main chakras and the 7 auric fields.  This is important to understand how energetic vibrational healing can help ease the symptoms of PTSD.  Each chakra is linked to an auric field as well as certain endocrine glands. 

These chakras or vortices are a power source and exchanges energy with the universal energy field.  When there is a blockage or some sort of damage to these chakras, that’s when eventually we usually see illness or disease.  Not only can they become blocked, they can be distorted in shape.  When the chakras are effect, so is the auric field and vice versa.  When they are open and energy can flow freely, there is a healthy balance (Brennan, B. pg.45).

Each of these chakras are associated with a certain color.  The first chakra, the root chakra is connected to the color red.  This is connected to the etheric body layer of the auric field.  This chakra is connected to the adrenals which govern the spinal cord and the kidneys.

The second chakra is the sacral and is connected to the color orange and connected to the emotional body.  This deals with the gonads and the reproductive system.  The third chakra, the solar plexus is yellow and is the mental body.  Linked to this is the pancreas, and deals with the stomach, liver, nervous system and the gall bladder.  These three are considered the physical plane and are known as the lower chakras. 

The fourth is the heart chakra and is linked with green.  This is connected to the thymus gland.  The heart, circulatory system, blood and the vagus nerve.  This one is the astral body and is considered the astral plane. 

The fifth is the throat chakra and is blue and is the etheric template (physical aspect).  This chakra is associated with the thyroid glands and affects the lungs, bronchial and vocal apparatus and the alimentary canal (this would include the esophagus, stomach and intestines).

The third eye chakra is next with the color indigo or violet and is the celestial body (emotional aspect).  This is connected to the pituitary gland and controls the lower brain, ears, nose, nervous system and the left eye.  The final major chakra is the crown chakra and is a beautiful (sometimes violet, or a mixture of the two colors).  This is the ketheric body (mental aspect).  This is the pineal gland and is linked to the right eye and the upper brain.  These three are considered the spiritual plane (Brennan, B. pg. 47, 48).

            In order to have our chi flow, our organs properly functioning and maintain a healthy body, our chakras and our energy fields need to be free of obstructions.  Keeping this energy moving is vital to our health.

How I would go about treating PTSD with energy medicine.

            PTSD symptoms are induvial, just like people and not everyone has the same indications or severity.   Since energy medicine is unique to what each person may need, I would want to keep numerous treatment options open.  What someone needs in the beginning of the treatment, may not be what they need throughout.  Also, it depends on how open they are to treatments and how understanding that these are not a quick fix and may require months of treatments.  These healing techniques that will be discussed are not in any particular order, other than laying on of hands would be my first treatments and may be used with a combination of treatments (such as crystals).

            Before meeting with any client and doing work, it’s important that I center myself with a meditation.  During this meditation, I ask for clarity and ask my guides, along with the client’s guides to please come forward during our sessions. I may see/hear about blockages during this time.  I write things down as they come to me that will be later discussed with the client.  Before the session begins, it is very important that I put up an energy protection around my whole self (including auras).

Once I am with my client, my first goal would be talking and creating a safe space for them to feel comfortable.  I believe it is crucial for them to feel relaxed and open.  Once we ae comfortable, I would start with some breathing techniques.  This would help with any uneasy feelings they may have lingering, from there go into a ‘light’ meditation.

Laying on of Hands

Laying on of hands (energy healing) for me is the most important.  It’s where I can see and feel the areas that are causing dis-ease in the body.  This is when I can tap in and feel for any subtle changes in their body.  I would also consider using a pendulum at this time.  I start with placing my hands above their head by the crown and work through each chakra area.  After working with the chakras, I move to the rest of the body.  Usually, I would work my way from the head down, unless an area is calling out to me and needs to be worked on first.

I haven’t worked with multiple layers of the auric field and can not yet see them all.  I do work with what I can see and try to smooth out or repair as I can.  This is something I am excited to working with on a deeper level.

I would also incorporate opening and working with the Akashic Records for healing.  This allows me to cut cords that need to be cut.  To see what patterns in the past are repeating themselves and help to see what they need to work on to release them.  I could do some soul contract clearing.  Akashic records are a blue-print to me.  I am able to see past, present and future lives (although I do not work with future lives).

As a Shaman apprentice, I would also be using those Native techniques as needed.  That may mean I would call on certain animal spirits, or travel to the upper or lower realms.  I may call upon the Four Directions or goddesses.  I may use my drum or rattle as needed and call in the elements to help.  This also then includes a bit of music/sound healing.  I would encourage to get out and connect with nature as much as possible.   Nature is so healing.  The energy you receive from touching a tree or walking barefoot is beautiful.

Grounding

            Speaking of being out in nature, I would encourage the client to ground themselves as much as possible.  “Earthing ‘energizes’ major acupuncture channels” (Ober, C. et.al.).   Grounding oneself brings down your stress levels, improves your sleep, helps blood flow better, reduces physical pain and reduces inflammation.  There are so many benefits to grounding.  Plus, if you’re out in nature, you’re moving and movement is medicine.  If the client is unable to get out and connect due to weather or other circumstances, I would talk to them about grounding mats, which also provide the same results as being outside.

Crystals and Gem

            Typically, during energy healing, I will incorporate the use of crystals.  I sometimes place a large crystal on the floor, under the table they are laying on.  It may be quartz however, most often and in this case, I would use (green) fluorite.  This is helpful in cleansing and stabilizing the aura as well as emotions (Hall, J. pg.129).  Since I am using a green one, it also helps with the heart chakra.  I have also started to place selenite, one on each side around my table, to essentially wrap the client in a ‘box’ of selenite.  This would however depend on the client, as that can be too much energy for some.

            I may use crystals that align with each chakra or what is called to me.  If you don’t have an array of crystals, clear quartz can take the place of any other crystal. 

            I have done crystal elixirs for myself, but haven’t suggested that to clients, however, this is something I will in the future.  I do suggest taking a bath with certain crystals.  I would suggest rose quartz in the case of PTSD as they often have trouble loving themselves and or forgiving themselves (for what they may have seen or done or wasn’t able to do).

Acupuncture

            I would want to work closely with an acupuncturist in order to help remove those blockages in the meridians and get the energy flowing better.  I would want a certain type of practitioner, one that uses laserpuncture.  Acupuncture depending on how blocked the area is, can cause a lot of pain (it will often lesson after a minute or two), however using the laser there is no added pain.  “Laserpuncture has been found to be even more effective than classical needling or electrical stimulation of acupoints” (Gerber, R. pg. 199).  Acupuncture will not only help with opening and clearing of blockages throughout the body, but also help with physical pain they may have.  When receiving acupuncture, you are also releasing endorphins which will reduce the stress level.

Neuro Emotional Technique

            This one may not fall completely under energy healing, but it is a holistic healing method that heals the mind, body and soul.  Your practitioner will do a muscle test on you to see any involuntary response your body has.  This could range in a role you are in (mother, father, boss, etc.) or something that happened as a child.  They test again and see where you are at.  They are helping to remove the stuck, stagnant negative energies in your body.  You take tincture sprays that are to me similar to the flower essence, but I believe are mineral based.  I have been told that what talk therapy alone can do in years, with NET, you can do in weeks. 

Floral Elixirs

            Dr. Edward Bach found that using the essence from flowers, along with charged water created a unique healing ability.  They are considered to have pure vibrational remedies.  “Subtle vibrational energies of the flower essences could assist in realigning the patterns of disfunction” (Gerber, R. pg.245).  It works by increasing the resistance and creating harmony to the body.

Sound Healing

            I mentioned the use or drums and rattles earlier in this paper, but I would also add the use of crystal bowls.  These are great for relaxation and meditation.  Characteristically, there are seven crystal bowls used, each one resonates with the frequency of each chakra.  These crystal bowls are made from quartz crystals. These frequencies are able to heal the auric fields.

            There are other bowls to use, such as Tibetan sound bowls or glass bowls.  Each body part will resonate with a certain pitch.  Brennan has found that different parts of the body require different tones to enhance their healing (pg.241).

            Music in general evokes feelings and emotions and can be very powerful.  Music also releases endorphins.

Creativity and Colors

While I have never worked with this (other than choosing color crystals for what the client needs), it has been shown to help those suffering from PTSD, so I would absolutely work with it.  Let’s now look into art and color therapy.  These two are in my opinion together (although color and crystals go together as well).  Over the years I have read about service members making and painting masks to help them heal.  They feel like out with others, they were a mask and pretend everything is ok.  There is a famous actor who found acting as a way to help him cope with his PTSD.  Creativity, along with emotions (and sensuality) is found in the lower chakra called the sacral chakra.  Already, we can see how important healing this chakra will be, just for the fact it holds our emotions.  Art, when creating physical art like with the making of the masks, you are using different colors.  Acting is a creative art form.  They can in a way, hide behind a mask, or in any art form, it can be seen as being able to relax and release, to be fun and playful.

“The use of color in healing is unique in that pure energies of light are used therapeutically in a variety of forms” (Gerber, R. pg.274).  Certain colors have been known to help bring on a calming feeling, such as the color blue or can bring energy to what you create.  One could even consider your wardrobe as a blank slate to create your look and your style with colors and textures.  Brennan remarks about when you look into a closet of colors and yet has nothing to wear, but perhaps it’s from not having the right color you need (Brennan, B. pg.267).

Using color orally to heal would be to use color tinctures.  What this involves, is using charged water that is in either colored glass or by using a colored plastic wrapped around the glass bottles.  This concept is not new, it has been used since the ancient times.  These higher vibrational energies help to heal the auric fields (Gerber, R.).

I have also seen places that offer color light therapy.  These colored lamps are hung above you that coordinate with the colors or the chakras.  The client lays on the table and receives the light.  I have not done any research (yet) on this, but it seems promising from what we have learned about colors and frequencies. 

Conclusion

            In treating someone with PTSD, it can be a delicate matter.  Going slow to not overwhelm the client as well as their system is vital (especially depending on how severe they are experiencing it).  I would go with what I know to heal them and in areas that I can’t help, I would want to work closely with the practitioner that does.  I would encourage them to try many different options, such as massage and fascial stretch therapy.  The fascia in our bodies hold onto every thought, every emotion, every memory in our body.  Massage and or fascial stretch therapy can help release tensions in the body, which can restrict blood flow and our chi energy.   I would suggest certain vitamins and minerals to help reduce anxiety, stress and sleep.  In the lines of floral essence, I would suggest using essential oils for a whole host of benefits.

Their loved ones may also need treatments, as they will have their own repercussions from going through it on their end.

            PTSD absolutely effects the mind, body and soul of each person.  The hardest part is getting the client to acknowledge they have it and that it is causing problems in their life and in their overall health.

            They need to most of all, find forgiveness for themselves and love for themselves.  Healing through love is remarkable.  Their past doesn’t define who they are, it is just what they experienced.  They need grace and the courage to change for the growth and health for themselves.

Works Cited

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

Brennan, B. A. (1988). Hands of light. Bantam Books.

Gerber, R. (2001). Vibrational medicine: The #1 handbook of subtle-energy therapies. Bear & Co.

Hall, J. (2018). The Crystal Bible a definitive guide to crystals. MTM.

Mann, S. K. (2024, February 25). Posttraumatic stress disorder. National Center for Biotechnology Information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559129/?report=printable

Ober, C., Sinatra, S. T., & Zucker, M. (2014). Earthing: The most important health discovery ever! Basic Health Publications.

Seaward, B. L. (n.d.). Managing Stress: Skills for Self-Care, Personal Resiliency, and Work-Life Balance in a Rapidly Changing World (Tenth). Jones & Barlett Learning.

Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. When a Child’s Parent has PTSD. (2007, January 1). http://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_parent_ptsd.asp