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Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after exposure to
any frightening or threatening event involving potential or actual physical harm.It's been estimated that nearly one million Vietnam
veterans developed PTSD. Tens of thousands of veterans with PTSD receive treatment from the VA in the form of medication and/or
talk therapy, but with limited results. Many others continue to live without treatment for their condition.
A program sponsored by the renowned Upledger Foundation in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, may provide a glimpse into the effective
treatment of PTSD. The "Vietnam Veteran Intensive Treatment Program," as it was called, initially involved 24 veterans
recruited for 10-day intensive programs; 22 patients completed the program.
CranioSacral Therapy involved using a soft touch generally no greater than five grams - about the weight of a nickel - to test
and release restrictions in the craniosacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and
spinal cord) to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. SomatoEmotional Release, an expansion on the principles of
CranioSacral Therapy, involved the integration of manual techniques with verbal processing skills and other creative
methods.
Overall, statistically significant improvements were noted in all of the variables, suggesting that results were a direct
consequence of the treatments delivered. One of the most impressive findings demonstrated a shift in subjects' attitudes
from hopelessness to optimism.
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