Tried and True Strategies for PTSD Recovery Without Medication
The strongest recommendations for treating PTSD without medication are psychology-based, nutrition and botanical-based, and various physical therapeutic options.
Holistic methods of treating PTSD without medications can include:
- CBT (cognitive behavioral therapies)
- EMDR (eye-movement desensitization & reprocessing)
- Orthomolecular-based diet modification
- Botanical and herbal supplementation, including Chinese medicine
- Physical therapies and exercises
- Practicing mindfulness
An expanded description of these approaches follows, below.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
An extensive body of research and hundreds of clinical trials show that trauma-based intervention with CBT is significantly successful. Due to its proven efficacy, many regulatory bodies including the VA and the APA have now published guidelines for treating PTSD with counseling methods that practitioners are trained in, to deliver to their clients. Neither the VA or the APA recommend CBT PLUS medication in treating PTSD.5,6
Interpersonal counseling, stress reduction exercises, and other methods are used to help reduce the impact and symptoms of PTSD sufferers.
And, even more good news is that this approach is also effective for co-occurring disorders, which can reduce or eliminate entirely the risks associated with medication and polypharmacy.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy
EMDR is a relatively new (1989) type of psychological intervention highly applicable to PTSD, and for many other uses. One of its most validated characteristics is the speed of response it gets. Studies have shown significant effectiveness in rapidly reducing unwanted negative symptoms. In fact, many studies have shown that this therapy works much faster than traditional CBT.
This therapy is relatively simple with a trained practitioner, and can involve the use of deep breathing, specific eye exercises, and does not require a detailed subjective review of the traumatic event. Yet the results are unmistakably positive in a very short period or time.7
Orthomolecular Diet Modification
Orthomolecular medicine prescribes specific diet changes including high quality fats including omega-3 fatty acids, EPAs and DHAs, (can be obtained from fish oils), adequate protein, a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and supplementation that can aid in strengthening the overall health and neurochemical function. This nutritional approach to supporting human biochemistry is essential to regaining and bolstering our natural ability to bounce back from stress, and strongly supports emotional health and resilience.8
The gut needs prebiotics and probiotics for the production, protection, regulation, and distribution of essential hormones and neurotransmitters. These can be obtained from food sources, such as kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, fermented foods, etc., as well as in supplemental form. A healthy gut microbiome is an important piece of the treatment picture, as the gut is our neurochemical “factory” — and plays many important roles in both physical and mental health.9
And like the previous methods of successfully treating PTSD without medication, improving the diet has many positive effects on other issues including healing from inflammation, pain reduction, mood, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
Supplementation: Botanical and Herbal Remedies
This exciting branch of research has shown many plant-based candidates that are thought to be helpful in reducing PTSD-related symptoms. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that have been studied carefully for their positive effects on both mental and physical health. There are many supplements that have been shown to have similar properties in clinical trials.10,11
Examples of botanical, plant & food-based supplements that may help PTSD symptoms can include:
- Resveratrol
- Green tea extract
- Curcumin
- Quercetin
- Vitamins such as vitamin D, B12, folate
- Minerals, such as zinc, magnesium
- SAMe
- Amino acids
NOTE: Lab testing is recommended to take the guesswork out of what supplements to add to the diet. Work with a dietician or naturopath who is knowledgeable and familiar with strategies for PTSD recovery without medications.
Physical Therapies & Exercise
Physical exercise, keeping the body fit, and therapies that are physical in nature can have profound effects on not only the health of the body, but in gaining peace of mind and relaxation. The mechanics of how physical exercise affects the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, regulates energy, and many other functions is fascinating. But you can just simply get the body moving and see and feel positive results.
Physical therapies, activities, and exercise while recovering from PTSD without medication can include:
Mindfulness-Based Therapies for PTSD Recovery Without Medication
A comprehensive review of many studies on mindfulness-based therapies and activities showed remarkable, tangible effects helping veterans with PTSD symptoms. Veterans participating in these guided interventions experienced many benefits including increased feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, improved sleep and ability to focus attention, letting go of physical pain, reduced rage and anxiety, less intrusive thoughts, more clear and rational thinking, and many other exceptional benefits over a very brief course of treatment.13,14
The practice of mindfulness can assist in breaking up the repeating thought or ruminating memory patterns that can arouse unwanted reactions.
Some methods used in practicing mindfulness that help PTSD recovery without medications include:
- Walking meditation
- Guided meditation
- Practicing enhanced present-moment awareness
- Slow breathing
- Mindful breathing
- Sound healing therapy
- Body scan meditation (nonjudgemental awareness of physical sensations)
- Practicing intentional non-reactivity, acceptance
As you can see, mindfulness is a power tool that can provide welcome relief, and an increased ability to be in charge of one’s own emotions and thoughts — a successful and triumphant step in recovery from PTSD without medication.
Find Out More About ATMC’s Holistic Approach to PTSD Recovery Without Medication
We have been helping our clients achieve PTSD recovery without medications for many years, and the holistic methods we use are strongly backed by science and clinical studies.
In addition to the methods outlined above, our clients benefit from neurotoxin removal, deep cleansing that rehabilitates neurotransmission, a warm and supportive social setting, in a pristine and beautiful location suitable for outdoor hikes, swimming, group and individual exercise, social activities and sights that Sedona is world-renowned for.
Call us today for more information about the programs here and how they may benefit you or your loved one who may be on the journey of recovery from PTSD without medications.
June is PTSD Awareness month – what a great time to become better informed about the 
