For several years, I’ve been a TCM practitioner and during that time, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of trauma on mental health. Research overwhelmingly confirms that traumatic experiences can cause varying levels of emotional pain and psychological distress. In this blog post, I will explain how trauma impacts mental health including how different types of traumas like physical abuse or emotional neglect can affect an individual and what long-term consequences may arise from untreated or poorly managed symptoms related to trauma. Most importantly, however, I’ll also further discuss ways in which we can begin to find healing from these painful experiences so that all individuals affected by trauma can start reclaiming their lives again.
Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health. It can disrupt the way we think, feel, and behave, making it difficult to cope with everyday life. In fact, research suggests that trauma is one of the leading causes of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of trauma can be long-lasting, creating a ripple effect on a person’s relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can help individuals heal from trauma and manage its effects. It is important for those who have experienced trauma to seek support and recognize that they are not alone in their struggle.
The impact of trauma can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the event, but it often leads to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, the effects of trauma can be so profound that it affects their ability to function in everyday life. It’s no secret that emotional trauma can have far-reaching consequences, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Despite the prevalence of these issues, the stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for individuals to seek help. But here’s the truth: anxiety and depression are natural and understandable reactions to trauma, and seeking support is a sign of strength. Whether through therapy, medication, or other forms of self-care, there are ways to manage these symptoms and work towards healing. It may not be easy, but the journey is worth it.
How Can I Manage Stressful Situations
Identify the root cause of your stress
The first step in managing stressful situations is to identify the root cause of your stress. Whether it is work-related, relationship issues, financial worries, or medical problems, understanding the underlying cause is crucial. Once you identify the root cause, you can work on addressing the issue. Acupuncture can be a great way to energetically learn to let go. Stress causes us to hold on to tension and has long-term effects. Acupuncture is very effective in relieving stress. There are many free acupuncture clinics around the country where you can receive free acupuncture to treat stress.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an excellent way to manage stress. It’s a practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps you become more aware of your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, and it can be an effective tool for stress management. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Qigong is a moving meditation and an effective moving mindful practice that supports the management of stress.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is another effective way to manage stress. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good and reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. You can try activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
Exercise has been proven to have numerous physical health benefits, but did you know it’s also a powerful tool for managing stress? It helps you release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help you feel good and ward off feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, exercise can provide you with a healthy outlet to release pent-up frustrations and tensions that can contribute to stress. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a challenging yoga class, or a rigorous weightlifting session, carving out time for exercise can be an effective strategy for managing stress and improving overall mental wellness.
Learn to Say No
Learning to say no can be difficult but is vital in managing stress levels. Sometimes, we tend to over-commit ourselves, and this can lead to stress and overwhelm. It’s important to set boundaries and say no to things that don’t align with your goals or values.
In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with information, tasks, and responsibilities. This can often lead to a feeling of overwhelm and stress. Creating boundaries can be an effective way to combat these feelings and improve our overall wellbeing. By setting limits on our time and energy, we can better prioritize our tasks and avoid burnout. Boundaries also help us to maintain healthy relationships, as we can communicate our needs and expectations to those around us. Additionally, creating boundaries can lead to increased self-esteem and a sense of control over our lives. Setting boundaries can be challenging but it is an important step in establishing healthy relationships with others. Communication is key when it comes to creating boundaries. It’s important to openly and honestly express what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not.
It’s also important to be consistent and stand firm with your boundaries. Remember, you have the right to say no and prioritize your own well-being. Another way to create boundaries is to practice self-care. This can include taking breaks, saying no when you need to, and setting limits on the amount of time and energy you give to others. By setting boundaries, you can empower yourself to take control of your life and maintain healthy relationships.
Seek Help
Finally, seeking help is crucial in managing stress. It’s essential to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional therapist. These people can provide you with the necessary support and tools to help you manage your stress effectively. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather, it’s a sign of strength.
Steps to Recovery After a Traumatic Event
Recovering after a traumatic experience can be a difficult and overwhelming process. It is important to seek help and not delay in doing so. Trauma can make it hard to think clearly which can lead to a lack of focus and logical decision-making. There is no need to suffer on your own. You can reach out to a holistic practitioner who can provide support and guidance. Platforms like Heal.me offer a directory of holistic practitioners that can help you find a practitioner who suits your needs. Additionally, using essential oils and learning about which oils can help with emotional healing provide great ongoing self-care practice. Remember, your emotional wellness is important and seeking help is an important step towards your healing journey.
7 Ways to Cope With Trauma
Coping with trauma may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that it’s a process that takes time. Knowing and accepting that you need time to process the traumatic event is essential to the healing process. While traditional therapies like counseling and medication can be helpful, there are also holistic and ingenious therapies that can provide additional support. These may include Kambô, sanaga, and hapé, which are all plant-based medicines. Other therapies like acupuncture, moxa, biomagnetic, and auricular therapy can also be beneficial in aiding with trauma recovery. It’s important to explore different options and find what works best for you. Remember, healing is a journey and a continual process.
What is the Manifestation of Trauma in TCM
TCM has a lot to say about emotions in the context of illness and health. Under some circumstances, such as extended exposure to one emotion or emotional repression, emotions are thought to be a cause of illness. Organ system dysfunction may also result in emotional symptoms; for example, if the liver system is out of balance, it might produce excessive rage. Each emotion is associated with a certain organ system and element within a broader environment. Scroll down more for liver problems in TCM.
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of healthcare that has evolved over thousands of years. It incorporates various modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, and mind-body practices like tai chi and qigong. Based on the belief that the body works as a whole and is interconnected, TCM views illness as a disruption in the body’s harmony and balance. Rather than treating symptoms, TCM practitioners focus on identifying the root cause of the problem and restoring balance to the body using natural, non-invasive techniques. The philosophy of TCM is grounded in the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the vital energy that flows through our body’s meridians or pathways. By stimulating or balancing the flow of Qi, TCM aims to help the body heal itself and promote optimal health and well-being.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the impact of emotions on our physical health. In particular, the liver is closely linked to our emotional wellbeing. The liver is responsible for regulating the smooth flow of blood and Qi – or vital energy – throughout the body. However, when we experience long term emotions such as anger, resentment, sadness, and worry, this can cause the blood to become stagnant. This stagnation can lead to pain and discomfort throughout the body. By understanding the close relationship between our emotions and our physical health, we can take steps to support our liver health and foster emotional balance.
What are the Signs Of Liver Problems In TCM
In Chinese medicine, the liver is considered one of the most important organs, responsible for regulating vital energy and maintaining overall health. According to ancient Chinese wisdom, signs of liver problems can manifest in various ways, ranging from physical symptoms like fatigue, dry eyes, and abdominal pain, to emotional imbalances such as irritability, depression, and anxiety. In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners believe that an excess of toxins and stagnation in the liver can lead to imbalances in the body’s energy flow, impacting various organ systems and causing a wide range of health problems. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of liver problems and take steps to keep this vital organ healthy.
- Dry, tired, red, itchy eyes, and blurred vision
- Stiff tendons and tissues
- Brittle and dry nails
- Anger & easily irritable
- Headache at the top of the head
Weak Liver can cause Qi energy to stagnate. This may impede the Qi flow in other organs too!
To prevent this, take things easy and go slow. Take a nice long walk in the park or do other gentle exercises to relax your mind, body, and spirit.
Related Organs That are affected
- Gallbladder
- Tendons and Ligaments
- Eyes
- Nails
Suggested Acupoint
LR 3 Tai Chong
Located on top of your foot, where the big toe meets the second toe (about 2 fingers back from the toe webbing). Master Tung’s Acupuncture
Using your thumb, press, and massage this spot on both feet.
Also, Try brushing starting from the ankles, brush along your legs and the insides of your thighs and calves for about five minutes. This stimulates and allows your Qi to go with the flow.
Here is a list of everyday habits that may help strengthen and maintain a good mentality to assist you put your mental health at the forefront of your mind.
Get the body moving
Our nutrition, like exercise, can influence our physical bodies but also has a significant impact on our mental health. Gut health, which is governed by the foods we eat every day, is linked to mental health. We must eat a well-balanced diet in order to encourage healthy bacteria in our digestive tract and get the benefits of a healthier, happier mind. The first step is to consume a well-balanced diet rich in probiotic or prebiotic substances, which promote microbial health and help restore intestinal equilibrium.
Biome Medic is one of the products I recommend and one of the most popular products in holistic wellness. It provides your body with the exceptional gut health it deserves! The Detox Project gave its own proprietary product, which is made up of all-natural substances, the Gold Seal as a glyphosate detox treatment. Biome Medic aids in the healing of the stomach by draining out harmful toxins and maybe improving your immunity and happiness.
Laugh! Have fun
Laughing, like smiling, causes our muscles to release any tension and our body to relax as endorphins are released. A 1979 study supported the hypothesis that those with a good sense of humor were less likely to become worried or depressed because they laughed frequently, producing endorphins. So, after a long day, don’t feel bad about turning on your favorite sitcom or comedy to relieve stress and give your mind a suitable reward.
Get Some Sun
Let’s face it: many of us have been imprisoned under lockdown for far too long. Our bodies are most likely yearning for some fresh air and the rejuvenating warmth of the sun!
We can go outside now that the weather is warming up and soak up some sunshine, even if it’s just in our own backyard! Soaking in Vitamin D can improve our mood and cause the production of molecules such as serotonin, the key hormone that regulates our mood and emotions of contentment.
Don’t forget to protect your skin from UV radiation while you’re out in the sun treating your mind! Read our blog “Purium Suncare Tips & Tricks,” which covers Purium products that improve the health and responsiveness of your skin to the sun by moisturizing, healing, and protecting it.
‘Liquid sunlight,’ I call it. Is my daily power shake rich in Organic Rice Bran Extract, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Spirulina, Organic Millet, Organic Carrot Juice Powder, Organic Wheatgrass Juice Powder, Organic Amaranth, Organic Alfalfa Leaf Juice Powder, Organic Oat Grass Juice Powder, Organic Buckwheat, Organic Quinoa, Organic Raspberry Flavor, Organic Apple Flavor, Luo Han Guo Berry Extract, Organic Chia Seed? This energizing green drink can boost your energy and induce feelings of contentment while nourishing your cells with healthy fats and organic greens.
Be Kind to Yourself
Most people are aware of the nice feeling we get after giving someone genuine praise or assisting those in need. Not only do acts of service help to build a strong society, but making others happy boosts our self-esteem and mental wellness!
Today’s act of kindness can be as small as complementing your grocery store cashier or as large as volunteering at a homeless shelter.
Are you looking for methods to help others? Purium was created on the idea of giving back to the community, which includes yours! Learn more about our non-profit organizations and how to get involved by visiting this page.
Remember to be kind to yourself! To show yourself gratitude, take some time to rest, read your favorite book, or prepare a great dinner.
Cool off with Mint
Consider inhaling in a whiff of vapors from a waterfall or a gentle wind moistened by morning dew. That fresh air is Bo He or mint as you know it. Mint, a common plant with unusual health advantages, is a crucial component in Xiao Yao San or Xiao Yao Wan, Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine formulations for emotional stability, stress reduction, and a feeling of serenity. Mint not only offers a plethora of nutritious qualities, but it also comes in over 500 different kinds and types from all over the globe.
Bo He is an important figure in Traditional Chinese Medicine thought. It is a perennial plant found in many areas globally, and many civilizations use it in cooking and healing. Because of its therapeutic and anti-bacterial properties, it has a great capacity to regulate your Qi (energy). The rich green leaves are often dried and used to create medicinal powders, drinks, and oils.
Mint is well-known for its cooling effects in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It can fend against excessive heat and damaging Qi-blocking wind thanks to its refreshing but spicy fragrance and robust, delicious taste. It has also been shown to act as a cooler for the liver, thus enhancing its function and health. Mint is renowned for expelling wind-heat energy and recharging tense, anxious, or overworked nerves. It acts as a quick refresher due to its cooling qualities, medicinal fragrance, robust taste, and phytonutrients.
Mint has been proven in recent research to improve cognitive skills, memory, and problem-solving. The herb has been linked with restoring mental and emotional balance in Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, which is why it is a critical component in the “Free & Easy Wanderer” mix, Emotional Balance.
Emotional Balance, inspired by the calming, popular, and powerful herbal blend Free & Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San), offers amazing stress release in a matter of moments. But the formula offers so much more to those who embrace the power of this herbal classic – it brings calmness and emotional clarity, offering stillness to frazzled nerves with a modest energy bump that won’t leave you crashing later.
Emotional Balance is great for:
- Combatting overwhelming stress
- Easing mental tension
- Addressing PMS emotions
- Adding a subtle boost of energy
- Calming irritability
- Making you a bit happier
Habits That Improve Mental Health
Mental health, like physical health, is an essential part of life. Mental health means experiencing healthy levels of anxiety, moods, and mental clarity. Having a clear sense of inner peace and increase self-esteem. It doesn’t stop there, a healthy mental state of mind reduced the risk of depression Improvements in relationships.
TCM doctors and holistic lifestyle professionals assist people in reaching their full physical, emotional, and financial potential!
Our green economy, transforming superfoods, and caring community provides mental health every day of the year.
We should know how to improve our mental clarity so we can improve our mental health.
We are all in this together with prioritizing our mental health in order to develop and prosper in all parts of life.
Here is a list of everyday routines that may help develop and maintain a friendly attitude to assist you in keeping your mental health at the forefront of your thoughts.
During the 2020 pandemic, almost 4 in 10 persons in the United States exhibited symptoms of an anxiety or depression condition as of February 2021. These figures might have risen during this time period when gyms closed and regular exercise became a secondary consideration.
Physical exercise stimulates our brains, causing our heart rates to rise and endorphins to be produced. Endorphins increase enjoyment while decreasing tension and anxiety. They may also help with depression and maybe enhance self-esteem!
Move your body for at least 30 minutes a day to keep your mental health robust. A little goes a long way, whether it’s a fast aerobic round in your living room, a jog outside, or a nature stroll!
A holistic medicine doctor and TCM professional recommend nutrition, like exercise, to influence our physical bodies. There’s also a significant possitive effect on our mental health. Gut health, which is governed by the foods we consume every day, is linked to mental health. We must eat a well-balanced diet in order to encourage healthy bacteria in our digestive system and get the benefits of a healthier, happier mind.
The first step is to consume a well-balanced diet rich in probiotic or prebiotic substances, which promote microbial health and help restore intestinal equilibrium.
Read on to learn more about the gut-brain link and what foods might help improve it. Biome Medic, one of our most popular Purium products, provides your body with the exceptional gut health it deserves! The Detox Project gave its own and patented product, which comprises all-natural substances, the Gold Seal as a glyphosate detox treatment. Biome Medic aids in the stomach’s healing by draining out harmful toxins and maybe improving your immunity and happiness.
The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation Experience
With all of the uncertainty in the world today it may feel as though we don’t have control over much. One thing that we do have control over is what we choose to eat and in turn that will affect how we feel and function.
However, with so many options, it’s hard to know if what we are eating is actually beneficial or harmful to our bodies.
Did you know that many of the conventional foods that we eat today are filled with artificial ingredients and sprayed with toxic pesticides that cause harm to our bodies?
Our gut microbiome, also known as the second brain, is responsible for our nutrient absorption, hormone production and immune response. When our gut is not functioning optimally, it can impact every aspect of our lives, leaving us feeling tired, depleted, and unwell.
Choose to put yourself first and transform your habits and your health, with this deeply nourishing, organic superfood lifestyle!
Is a board certified Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. She has more than a decade of experience worldwide.
USCG Veteran, Author, speaker, and consultant, Antonika is committed to the influencing and establishing Integrative Medicine practices in every home. She is recognized as a Top Tier Acupuncturist among luxury cruise lines. Her wealth of knowledge stems from years of mentorship with over 25 leaders in the field of Integrative Medicine.
East Asian Medicine is extremely powerful yet simple health practice that aims to “balance you and restore your health’. Antonika says, ‘The fastest growing industry in healthcare today is East Asian Holistic Practices”.
My mission is to bring a greater awareness about the power of the ancient wisdom, art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to teach people that there is a better and more sustainable way to reach the best version of themselves.
I inspire and lead others using accountability practices that allow others to take greater responsibility for their health and wellness. I want everyone to be a willing participant in the lifestyle changes that is necessary to reach optimal health.
Great content! Keep up the good work!