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 ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses strategies for supporting patients who have endured emotional traumas, including sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Please consider your well-being before listening, as the content may be triggering.

🔗Links mentioned in this episode: 

Free Mental Health Course

Mental Disorder Course

Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy

Ghost Points Video

Psycho-Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels by Yvonne Pharrell

 

Show Notes

Today’s podcast delves into the intricate relationship between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and emotional trauma. I discussed how this ancient practice views and treats such delicate issues, offering invaluable insights for both practitioners and patients alike. I truly hope these insights benefit you as much as they did Hannah, a third-year TCM student who posed these thought-provoking questions.

 

Understanding Emotional Trauma from a TCM Perspective 🫢

In TCM, it’s believed that 70% of all chronic disorders stem from long-standing emotional stress or trauma. Such emotions, when unprocessed, linger within the body and can alter it on a cellular level. Sexual trauma, for example, profoundly affects the reproductive system. For women, this may result in irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, or issues related to fertility and the breast area. For men, trauma often impacts the lower jiao, leading to prostate issues, genital problems, or bowel troubles.

 

Establishing Trust with Trauma Patients 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼

Gaining a patient’s trust is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like trauma. Begin by discussing emotions gently towards the end of the session after addressing other issues. Ask non-intrusive questions about their emotional state, like “Are you a worrier?” or “Do you get irritable easily?” This gradual approach opens the door for deeper conversations. Educate patients about how emotional issues can manifest physically and encourage them to reflect on unprocessed emotions.

 

Honesty and Detailed Information in Diagnosis 📝

Educating patients on the importance of detailed information is key. Explain how every bit of information, even about their bowel movements, can help in effective diagnosis and treatment. Encourage them to think beyond what they perceive as normal and view it as clues their body is giving about potential imbalances.

 

 The Transformative Power of Acupuncture and Herbs 🌿

Acupuncture is particularly effective in releasing blockages caused by emotional trauma. Specific ghost points, like Bladder 62, work wonders for anxiety stemming from childhood sexual trauma. Herbs, on the other hand, can calm the mind and address underlying issues like blood deficiency, making acupuncture treatments more effective.

 

Common Patterns and Tailored Approaches ❤️

Women with sexual trauma often show signs of kidney deficiency due to the shock and fear affecting their reproductive system. There’s also heart and kidney disharmony because the trust was broken, leading to a constant state of fear. This manifests as anxiety, insomnia, and other issues. For effective treatment, you need to understand and address these disharmonies.

 

Advancing Education and Specialization 🏫

For students looking to specialize in reproductive health, it’s essential to focus on continuing education in fertility, gynecology, pregnancy, and trauma. Understanding the reproductive process thoroughly allows you to educate your patients effectively. Familiarize yourself with assisted reproductive therapies like IVF and IUI, and learn how acupuncture can support these treatments.

 

Initial Steps When Treating Trauma 🐾

When a patient with trauma visits for the first time, start by creating a safe, trusting environment. Ask detailed questions about their experiences, support systems, and how the trauma manifests physically. This helps you understand whether it affects their digestive system, heart, liver, etc. Encourage patients to ask questions, making it a reciprocal exchange rather than just a diagnostic interview.

 

The Importance of Empathy and Boundaries 🧱

As practitioners, balancing empathy with emotional boundaries is vital. Being solution-focused rather than problem-focused helps in not getting overwhelmed by the patient’s emotional burdens. Your intention and energy during treatment can significantly impact the patient’s healing process.

 

Utilizing Ghost Points in Trauma Treatment 👻

Ghost points are powerful tools in addressing trauma-related issues. Use them sparingly—one or two in a session. Bladder 62 is essential for anxiety due to childhood trauma. Pericardium 7 is excellent for a “broken heart,” which can result from various forms of emotional betrayal, not just romantic relationships. Stomach 40 is great for clearing phlegm in the mind caused by unresolved trauma, and REN 24 helps bring back joy and smiles in those consumed by dark thoughts.

 

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

 

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