PTSD declines for some Marines with healing touch

Keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all" for every veteran. Here's some common sense advice on this.

Mind: Medication and therapy. Medication is usually necessary in the beginning of treatment, but not the cure-all. If the medication you are on is not working or you feel worse, talk to your doctor so something else can be used for you. Your buddy may do fine on what you've been given but that does not always mean it is right for you. Do not drink alcohol or take street drugs.

Body:Meditation, Yoga, Martial Arts or walking needs to be added to your treatment. You have to teach your body to calm down again. Have a good diet with proper foods and limit fast foods that give your body empty calories.

Spirit:Faith based or spiritual help to address the basis of what feeds PTSD. Survival guilt and believing you are guilty of something eats away at you. You need help to forgive yourself for whatever you believe you did wrong as much as you need to forgive others. Your family members should also receive this. They are going through a lot too and most of the time they don't understand or how to help you.

Marine PTSD declines with healing touch and guided imagery
Digital Journal
By Nancy Houser
Oct 1, 2012

A study at Camp Pendleton, California's Marine Corps Base Camp, has found that Marines diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD show a significant reduction of symptoms when treated with healing touch and guided imagery --- alternative healing methods.

The randomized controlled trial was run from July 2008 to August 2010, led by San Diego's Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.

The alternative healing methods were combined with each returning marine's traditional healthcare program. Each marine was working with a Scripps practitioner for three-weeks; after six sessions, the random group practicing the alternative healing methods reported a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms.

The report finds that patients receiving these complementary medicine interventions showed significant improvement in quality of life, as well as reduced depression and cynicism, compared to soldiers receiving treatment as usual alone.
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