Acupuncture for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Case Report

This article describes a case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that presented with anxiety, depression, nightmares and intense physical pain. The patient’s condition was rooted in a childhood of severe neglect and abuse. After five months of acupuncture treatment the patient experienced significant improvements in pain (physical and otherwise), sleep, mood and well-being, which were consistent at one year follow up. The acupuncture approach used, involving sequential phases of treatment of the Heart, the spirit and the constitution, is recommended as a clinical model that can be used by practitioners to guide treatment of this condition.