Most people have heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but many still don't understand what it is.  PTSD is a psychiatric condition or injury that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The event is often life-threatening. Some examples of traumatic events that cause PTSD include combat, serious accidents, violence, natural disasters, abuse, or medical trauma. PTSD can affect daily life and make it hard to sleep, concentrate, or feel calm.  

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can change over time, but common signs include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic event
• Feeling anxious, on edge, or easily startled
• Trouble sleeping or waking up often
• Avoiding people, places, or thoughts linked to the trauma
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
• Mood swings like anger or sadness
• Trouble focusing on everyday tasks

These symptoms can make it hard to enjoy life or feel safe. PTSD is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems.  It's important to know that PTSD  increases the risk of suicide.  PTSD also increases the risk of developing other health conditions like cardiovascular disease.  

Standard Treatments for PTSD

Most people with PTSD find help through psychotherapy and medication, but many are also turning to acupuncture to support emotional and physical healing.  And, there is research to support the use of acupuncture as an effective complement to the standard treatments.  

How Acupuncture Can Help

• Calming the nervous system
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Helping the body relax, which can improve sleep
• Supporting emotional balance
• Improve medication adherence

Overall, acupuncture helps to regulate the body's response to stress via the hypothalamus-pituitary axis (HPA) and autonomic nervous system (ANS).

What Research Says

Here are links to real research studies so you and your readers can explore the evidence:

• Randomized Clinical Trial of Acupuncture for Combat-Related PTSD:
  This study found that real acupuncture helped reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans more than sham (fake) acupuncture. Acupuncture for Combat-Related PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial
• Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease Study (2007):
  A clinical study showed that acupuncture reduced PTSD symptoms about as much as group cognitive behavioral therapy. PTSD Acupuncture Study in Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
• Systematic Review on Acupuncture for PTSD:
  This review compiled results from randomized and clinical trials and found promising results for acupuncture in reducing PTSD symptoms. Systematic Review of Acupuncture for PTSD (PubMed)
• Overall Evidence Review (Animal & Clinical Studies):
  A recent review found that acupuncture may help improve symptom scores and change how the brain and nervous system respond to stress. Efficacy and Mechanism of Acupuncture for PTSD
• VA Evidence on PTSD and Health Outcomes:
  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a research article showing that people with PTSD often struggle with medications and related emotional symptoms like anxiety or depression — which can make treatment adherence harder. This report provides insight into how PTSD affects overall functioning and why supportive therapies may be helpful.
   Read Large posttraumatic stress disorder improvement and medication adherence challenges (VA)