PTSD Recovery Without Medication: A Holistic Approach to Healing Trauma

Last Updated on September 19, 2026 by Chris Weatherall

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team

Given the right tools, you CAN heal.

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PTSD Awareness Month & The Anatomy of a Diagnosis

June is PTSD Awareness month – what a great time to become better informed about the history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and effective holistic treatments that allow PTSD recovery without medication. Our aim is to give new hope to many who have long-suffered this crippling condition.

PTSD is a diagnostic term, like “depression” or “anxiety” or other psychiatric disorders. The acronym stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, a sort of shorthand for clinicians and perhaps the general population that summarizes a highly detailed and very long list of troubling symptoms that can linger after trauma. Some have mischaracterized PTSD as a “disease” – however, that concept is not research-based and does not align with the documented remedies for the condition.

And probably most importantly, we cannot forget that human nature is more nuanced than a four-letter word.

In any case, there are technical details and criteria in any diagnosis or classification. For instance, here are just some of the factors that are required for a diagnosis of PTSD, according to the latest version of the DSM. For the full list, please refer to DSM V.^1-3

What are the required criteria for a PTSD diagnosis?

• Diagnosis requires exposure or threat of exposure to things like death, violence, injury
• The trauma or threatened impact was personally received or was witnessed by the person
• Learning about the death or trauma of a close friend or relative (unless the death is from natural causes)
• Recurring memories of the event, including nightmares or flashbacks
• Reminders of trauma in the present environment trigger emotional or physical stress reactions

Additional required criteria for PTSD diagnosis — at least 1 of these:

• Avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with past trauma-related events
• Avoiding reminders of the past trauma

Additional required criteria for PTSD diagnosis — at least 2 of the following emerge after the event:

• Inability to recall the trauma or parts of it
• Negative thoughts about self or the world
• Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the event
• Poor self-concept
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Feelings of isolation, withdrawal from others
• Difficulty in feeling positive emotions
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Risky or destructive behaviors, hypervigilance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia, difficulties with sleep
• Heightened startle reaction

Please take note that both the FDA and the DSM strongly discourage the prescribing of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, hallucinogens, and most of the antidepressants — new and old — for treating PTSD.

Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor(ER) are the only 3 medications that are cautiously recommended. Side effects and developing dependence are strong reasons to consider NOT using them. Safely tapering from antidepressants may be another step in the right direction if these problems have developed.

Where a co-occurring disorder has also been diagnosed, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use, for example, the FDA neither encourages or discourages specific drugs, leaving the decision making to the prescriber in such cases. This is highly variable, forcing prescribers to make their “best guess.” Important to note, there are no large or long-term studies that show either safety, or efficacy of treating PTSD or co-occurring disorders with medication, polypharmacy, or long-term use of antidepressants.⁴

But thankfully, there many studies showing efficacy and safety in holistic options for treating PTSD without medications, and these will be discussed in more detail below.

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:

• Equine therapy, animal-assisted therapy
• Yoga
• Qigong, Tai Chi
• Therapeutic massage
• Craniosacral therapy
• acupuncture
• Walking, jogging, hiking
• Connecting to nature, “forest bathing” ¹²

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.

for Evidence-Based Holistic Treatment for PTSD

Sources:

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1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 [cited 2025 June 12]

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed, text rev.) https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.97808904257873. [cited 2025 June 12]

3. US Dept of Veterans Affairs PTSD and DSM 5 published online March 25, 2025 [cited 2025 June 12]

4. US Dept of Veterans Affairs  Clinicians Guide to Medications for PTSD published online April 3, 2025 [cited 2025 June 12]

5. Öst LG, Enebrink P, Finnes A, Ghaderi A, Havnen A, Kvale G, Salomonsson S, Wergeland GJ. Cognitive behavior therapy for adult post-traumatic stress disorder in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Behav Res Ther. 2023 Jul;166:104323. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104323. Epub 2023 May 4. PMID: 37257304. [cited 2025 June 12]

6. Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO. Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018 Nov 2;12:258. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258. PMID: 30450043; PMCID: PMC6224348. [cited 2025 June 12]

7. Shapiro F. The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. Perm J. 2014 Winter;18(1):71-7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/13-098. PMID: 24626074; PMCID: PMC3951033. [cited 2025 June 12]

8. Bremner JD, Moazzami K, Wittbrodt MT, Nye JA, Lima BB, Gillespie CF, Rapaport MH, Pearce BD, Shah AJ, Vaccarino V. Diet, Stress and Mental Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 13;12(8):2428. doi: 10.3390/nu12082428. PMID: 32823562; PMCID: PMC7468813. [cited 2025 June 12]

9. Wilson DR, Binford L, Hickson S. The Gut Microbiome and Mental Health. J Holist Nurs. 2024 Mar;42(1):79-87. doi: 10.1177/08980101231170487. Epub 2023 Apr 20. PMID: 37082808. [cited 2025 June 12]

10. Raise-Abdullahi P, Rezvani M, Yousefi F, Rahmani S, Meamar M, Raeis-Abdollahi E, Vafaei AA, Rashidipour H, Rashidy-Pour A. Natural polyphenols as therapeutic candidates for mitigating neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder: Evidence from preclinical studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2025 Jan 10;136:111230. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111230. Epub 2024 Dec 23. PMID: 39722290. [cited 2025 June 12]

11. Firth J, Teasdale SB, Allott K, Siskind D, Marx W, Cotter J, Veronese N, Schuch F, Smith L, Solmi M, Carvalho AF, Vancampfort D, Berk M, Stubbs B, Sarris J. The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;18(3):308-324. doi: 10.1002/wps.20672. PMID: 31496103; PMCID: PMC6732706. [cited 2025 June 12]

12. Antonelli M, Donelli D, Carlone L, Maggini V, Firenzuoli F, Bedeschi E. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on individual well-being: an umbrella review. Int J Environ Health Res. 2022 Aug;32(8):1842-1867. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1919293. Epub 2021 Apr 28. PMID: 33910423. [cited 2025 June 12]

13. Colgan DD, Wahbeh H, Pleet M, Besler K, Christopher M. A Qualitative Study of Mindfulness Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Practices Differentially Affect Symptoms, Aspects of Well-Being, and Potential Mechanisms of Action. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):482-493. doi: 10.1177/2156587216684999. Epub 2017 Jan 2. PMID: 30208735; PMCID: PMC5871168. [cited 2025 June 12]

14. Wahbeh H, Lu M, Oken B. Mindful awareness and non-judging in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Mindfulness (N Y). 2011 Dec 1;2(4):219-227. doi: 10.1007/s12671-011-0064-3. PMID: 22582091; PMCID: PMC3349159. [cited 2025 June 12]

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Originally Published June __, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus