Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when someone has witnessed a traumatic event – and many people find that the symptoms are incredibly disruptive to their daily lives. Those with PTSD may experience nightmares, flashbacks, paranoia, anxiety, depression and more, and this can lead to people wanting to abuse substances in order to get through the discomfort of their PTSD symptoms. Much tension is held throughout the body in those with PTSD because of being startled easily, overly stressed, easily angered, or due to having issues with insomnia. If this is something you’ve been struggling with, addiction recovery is a great place to begin working through the physical, mental and emotional symptoms that have held you back in making the most of your life.
Holistic practices treat the mind, body and spirit in a way that is restorative – and if your doctor recommends it, massage therapy could be a great form of treatment. Most people in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma at least once in their lives, and with so many different experiences that can be had with PTSD, treatment like massage therapy can bring back a loving, compassionate tone to a person’s recovery journey.
Previous studies have explored just how powerful massage therapy can be – even for people such as firefighters, who are exposed to traumatic incidences regularly. Massage therapy was found to significantly improve the symptoms of PTSD in many of these workers, which can mean a lot in a person’s daily life.
Massage therapy reduces cortisol (a stress response) and increases serotonin (which regulates mood, sleep, appetite, etc.) and dopamine (the “feel good” chemical). With this, people in addiction recovery can feel less anxious and less in danger, as massage therapy can provoke feelings of security. For someone who struggles with both addiction and PTSD, massage therapy could be just one of many areas of treatment that could make a world of difference.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
