A Novel Adjunct to PTSD Treatment
In 2007, the U.S. Air Force asked Dr Joseph Helms, the head of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture to develop a treatment for soldiers with PTSD. The result was a protocol using six points on the ear, which can be needled immediately after a traumatic event—or even many years later.
The outcomes of this therapy have been remarkable. Across more than 20,000 documented treatments, it has not only reduced psychological trauma and physical pain in soldiers but has also decreased reliance on medications by approximately 50%.
The Auricular Trauma Protocol (ATP) is a combination of six ear acupuncture points designed to address both the neuroanatomical and psycho-emotional effects of trauma. Each point corresponds to a part of the brain involved in the “trauma complex.” Notably, patients do not need to relive or discuss their traumatic experiences for the treatment to be effective.
Chris has been successfully using the ATP protocol to treat PTSD and anxiety for over 10 years. He first applied it when survivors of Victoria’s Kinglake fires sought acupuncture for PTSD, and nothing else was alleviating their flashbacks or depression.
The psychological and emotional improvements in these patients were profound. Chris continues to see PTSD patients who have lost loved ones or pets, or who work in careers where exposure to traumatic events is unavoidable. Over the course of 4–8 sessions, the majority of his patients experience significant positive changes—fewer flashbacks, reduced anxiety, and an improved overall quality of life.
If you would like to try ATP ear acupuncture—either as a stand-alone treatment or alongside counselling or psychotherapy—we find this combination to be particularly effective.
Chris is available at Center of Health Ivanhoe on Mondays and Fridays.