Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a traumatic event is any disturbing experience that causes significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other intense emotional responses strong enough to have lasting negative effects on a person’s behavior, emotions, and outlook.
These events may be emotionally or physically harmful, and the emotional reaction to experiencing or witnessing them is known as trauma.
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Some individuals may experience temporary stress reactions, while others—particularly victims of abuse, violence, or war—may develop long-term symptoms as they work to process what they have endured.
To better understand how the body and mind respond to trauma through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, read The Science of Integrative Healing.
Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria that must be met to receive a diagnosis of PTSD.
1. Exposure to a Traumatic Event
A person must have been exposed to a traumatic event—whether by directly experiencing it, witnessing it, or learning that it occurred to someone close to them.
2. Intrusive Symptoms
At least one intrusive symptom must be present. These may include:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories of the event
- Distressing dreams or nightmares
- Flashbacks or vivid recollections of the event
- Psychological distress or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
3. Avoidance
Individuals may avoid reminders of the trauma, including thoughts, feelings, people, activities, or places that bring back memories of the event.
4. Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood
At least two symptoms related to negative changes in mood or thought must occur, such as:
- Inability to recall aspects of the trauma
- Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
- Feelings of guilt, fear, or shame
- Distorted self-blame for the event
- Withdrawal from activities that once brought joy
5. Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity
These symptoms may include:
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Heightened alertness or hypervigilance
For a diagnosis, these symptoms must persist for at least one month and cannot be explained by another medical or mental health condition. Diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional.
Types and Subtypes of PTSD
PTSD can appear in different forms depending on the type, duration, and intensity of trauma experienced.
- Chronic PTSD: Develops more than one month after the trauma and lasts six months or longer.
- Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms appear six months or more after the traumatic event.
- Dissociative PTSD: Characterized by emotional detachment or feeling disconnected from thoughts and feelings.
- Complex PTSD: Results from prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma over time.
PTSD can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptom intensity and its impact on daily life. It is often comorbid, meaning it can occur alongside other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the United States is estimated at six percent, and approximately four percent of U.S. adults are currently affected by it.
For related reading on how stress affects the body and hormones, explore The Hormone–Stress Loop.
Treatment Options for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
There are several effective treatments for managing and alleviating PTSD symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns. It provides coping strategies to manage emotional triggers, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
Acupuncture for PTSD
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to supporting individuals living with PTSD. By stimulating specific points along the body’s meridians, acupuncture can help:
- Relieve physical tension and pain
- Reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Improve circulation and sleep quality
- Regulate the body’s stress response
Acupuncture supports healing from the inside out. By focusing on restoring balance to the flow of Qi (vital energy), it addresses both the emotional and physical effects of trauma.
Unlike treatments that target only symptoms, acupuncture works to reestablish harmony between body and mind, helping patients move toward recovery with a sense of calm and control.
To learn more about how acupuncture can reduce stress and anxiety, visit Stress and Anxiety Relief or explore Psychological Benefits of Acupuncture.
Healing from Trauma with Holistic Care
Healing from PTSD takes time, patience, and the right support. Alongside therapy and lifestyle changes, acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques can complement mental health care by easing the body’s physical stress responses.
At White Crane Clinic, our practitioners offer compassionate, integrative care through Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Massage Therapy.
These treatments help calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and support the body’s natural healing abilities.
If you or someone you know is coping with trauma or chronic stress, contact us today to learn how holistic therapies can help restore balance and peace of mind.
Board-certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and the owner of White Crane Clinic in Tarpon Springs, Florida. With over a decade of clinical experience, she specializes in integrative care that blends acupuncture, herbal medicine, and regenerative therapies for whole-body wellness.
