Therapy offers hope for PTSD sufferers
OUR DIGGERS’ TOUGHEST BATTLE A HANDS- ON therapy is offering new hope to veterans suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder.
Rebecca Dore, founder of recently opened wellness business Lighten Up, is trained in craniosacral therapy and is offering the service to military personnel suffering from depression, flashbacks, panic at- tacks, suicidal thoughts.
Craniosacral therapy is a hands- on treatment that works with the body and nervous system to provide relief from PTSD symptoms.
While the treatment is still gaining momentum in Australia, it has shown promise in the United States where, in the initial trial with 22 Vietnam veterans, participants showed significant improvement after just two treatments.
“The physical body stores trauma and craniosacral therapy aims to release this to re-
and
intrusive lieve pain and dysfunction and improve body health,” Ms Dore said.
“We concentrate particularly on the reticular activating system of the brain and spinal cord which is responsible for the secretion of adrenalin and other stress hormones and biochemicals.’’
Ms Dore said she was introduced to craniosacral therapy a few years ago when dealing with some of her own emotional trauma.
“I started receiving the treatment from a physiotherapist. I had a lot of issues with my body and back and normal therapies weren’t working,” she said.
“I’ve been through some emotional issues when I was younger and that tension stayed with me.
“There is a real connection between body and mind and craniosacral therapy was a real life changer for me. That is why I wanted to learn how to do it myself so that I could help others.”
It is estimated about 8 per cent of Australian Defence personnel suffer form PTSD – although that number is thought to be much higher with many refusing to admit to mental health issues.
“Some of my clients that do yoga have made me realise that, particularly here in Townsville, there are a lot of people who have had troublesome experiences,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t want to talk about it so this treatment is a great way to help without forcing them to talk.
“However, I would still encourage clients to seek other support but this is a good starting point for people suffering from PTSD.”