An Integral Health Care Approach for Wpmen Suffering from Posttraumatic Stress
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Authors
Parco, Wendy Campbell
Issue Date
2011
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
A three-tiered approach for working with women suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) integrates findings from neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunology, biology, psychology, nutrition, and spirituality with the practice of martial arts that can be tailored to meet individual needs. This paper outlines the rationale for treating the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. It describes how the incorporation of guided imagery techniques, martial arts training, and nutrition can be effectively used to alleviate and heal the common symptoms of PTSD, including emotional numbing, physiological hyperarousal, systemic inflammation, and functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and somatoform pain disorder. Possible risk factors involved in working with this population and how they can be mitigated are addressed.