Monday, October 24, 2011

Love, the best antidote to PTSD.


The earthquake in Turkey has put me in mind of a very real truth. Bad things happen, yes. But a loving response counters the traumatic reaction. Now, by loving, I don't necessarily mean sentimentality or nice thoughts. I mean, real roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, dig deep into your pockets and get to work love. Turkey, like all areas of disaster is in need of resources to respond to people whose lives are on the line. If the people and governments respond with on the ground compassion: resources, rescues, care and concern, then, we know the chances of lingering PTSD are lessened. When people have bad things happen and do not feel loved or lovable is when major trauma can set in. In a world where people's tragic circumstance and pain was met with an abundance of love and goodwill, PTSD numbers would dwindle down to almost nothing, and the cases that existed would resolve quickly.

What holds us back from love? Embarrassment, fear, laziness, lack of personal responsibility, disconnectedness, and lack of awareness are some reasons. Sometimes we feel we may be diminished if we express our love, give out our money or our resources, tangible or intangible. It's OK to feel this way, in a passing way. But these feelings are not true, they are based in fear. You know that sale slogan, "the more you spend the more you save", well, this is literally true about love - the more you give, the more people are saved by you. We do not know, cannot know who benefits from our kind glance, our soft word, our dollar given or our time donated. What I know for sure is that what patients tell me sustained them through horrible traumas were people who cared.

One last reminder: in healing the other, we heal ourselves. Without triggering yourself, just spend a moment sending your intentions of goodwill to the suffering in Turkey, and then follow it up with some concrete action. It doesn't have to be big. Rain nourishes the ground with many small drops! Just do something. Blessing to you all and to those suffering tonight in Turkey.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Ribes Nigrum - a PTSD elixir?


A few months ago my naturopath suggested I start on the Unda formula of Ribes Nigrum for adrenal support. If you have suffered from chronic anxiety or PTSD, your adrenals are likely depleted. In fact my acupuncture friend, Michael Berletich, said that fully half of his new patients show signs of adrenal fatigue. This formula, made from the black current berry that is found in Northern Europe and Northern Asia, had a wondrous effect on me, and from what I am seeing on the web, on many others. First of all, it tastes delicious and wholesome. But more important, soon after I started taking it I had a clearer head, more even energy and felt, well, nourished by it. Now, whenever I have been through a stressful period and my adrenal function feels sluggish I go back to it. I did not discover this wonderful product until my book had already gone to print, so it won't be in the first edition, but it will definitely be in the second! Like all medicines, it is probably best to use under the care of a physician, but it is available over the counter.

Friday, October 21, 2011


Well, here it is, the cover to my book which will be released in May of 2012. I feel there is so much trauma in the world that it cannot come soon enough! I am very pleased with my publisher's design. It is a thrill to see your name in print, but it will be a bigger thrill to know that Trauma Toolkit is out in the world, helping people! What do you think?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Yoga in Chaos with Bibi McGill



Bibi McGill, musical director for Beyonce, volunteers with the Portland based organization, Street Yoga, a group that brings yogic practice to traumatized and disenfranchised youth. Yoga is one of the best practices for overcoming PTSD and anxiety. Watch and be inspired as Bibi brings beauty, breath, and being into chaos!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Metaphysical Functionality of the Kidneys I

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In Chinese medicine the kidneys are very important in healing from PTSD. Click on the title and the link will take you to an excellent article about kidney power and its relevance to extreme stress, fear and anxiety. Some people I have worked with have had significant kidney imagery or symptoms. It's worth meditating upon. Also, I highly recommend acupuncture for balancing and harmonizing a system filled with traumatic stress.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Mind fitness routines fight combat stress - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Mind fitness routines fight combat stress - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Yes! This is exactly what I do in my psychotherapy practice. The first step to managing and overcoming PTSD is to strengthen the mind. The mind is like a horse, you can master it and have it go in the direction you want it to, or it can run away with you. Mindfulness, relaxation exercises, focusing, and meditation are invaluable skills that anyone can learn. And like any skill, it takes regular practice! 5-10 minutes a day is a good place to start.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Heal Your PTSD!



Michele Rosenthal of Heal My PTSD has a wonderful video here that underlines the principles behind my upcoming book The Trauma Toolkit: Healing PTSD From the Inside Out. PTSD is a multidimensional injury and requires multidimensional healing modalities, or, as she puts it, a combination of traditional and alternative treatments. I think you will enjoy her website: HealMyPTSD.com.