NADA Auricular Acupuncture

While acupuncture as a system of healing is about 3,000 years old, the specific protocol used in the veteran’s clinic was established by Dr Michael Smith at Lincoln Hospital in New York City back in the 1970’s.  It was originally designed to help with the physical and emotional symptoms arising from drug withdrawal and is still widely used for this purpose.  It has also been used around the world for the treatment of trauma due to earthquakes, floods, mass shootings, and refugee crises.  In this protocol five tiny needles are inserted into specific points in the ears.  In combination, these particular points can help quiet the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), aid in relaxation and sleep, as well as to relieve pain.
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Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

​Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on treatment that facilitates the release of restrictions in structures in the body that surround the nervous system. These restrictions are often the result of physical and/or emotional trauma and may impede the optimal function of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.  As these restrictions are released, the nervous system is able to allow trapped physical and emotional energy to escape and be released, thus allowing muscles to soften, the body to relax and self-correct, and return to its optimal level of functioning.  It increases blood flow and circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid, balancing neurotransmitters and hormones critical to resolving many of the symptoms associated with PTSD.

Veterans have reported improvements in sleep, reductions in depression and/or panic attacks, reductions in intrusive memories and hypervigilence, improved mental focus, decreased pain and discomfort, and improvements in relationships while emerging from isolation. Veterans have also reported experiencing more meaningful connections in their lives, and to life itself.  

Essential Oil Therapy

Essential Oil Therapy known as Aromatherapy is the Art and Science of using essential oils to enhance our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. What are essential oils? Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extract from plant materials. Not all plants produce essential oils.
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Science of essential oils: each essential oil contains more than 200 chemical constituents. There are more that the scientists haven’t discovered yet. All these volatile molecules inhaled through our olfactory exert powerful effects on the limbic system of our brain, which regulates our thoughts process and senses, perceptions, emotions and memories, thus eliciting neurological and physiological changes.

Art of essential oils: this is when a practitioner’s knowledge, expertise and experiences, and intuition come into play – how to create a synergistic, safe and pleasant blend, taking into consideration complex factors such as the client's individuality and
spirituality, plants’ chemical constituents, energetics and doctrine of signatures, and the parts of the plant.

Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method involves movement done with awareness which results in neuromuscular re-education to support the treatment of neurological, orthopedic, stress-related and chronic pain conditions. It is applied in hands on work by a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner using the skeletal system to over-ride habits and limitations with tiny, gentle movements to stimulate new nervous system pathways. Also, one can learn to do these same kinds of movements in a class that is guided by a practitioner. A classic case of slow but effective recovery from a stroke is chronicled in Dr. Feldenkrais’ book, The Case of Nora. Such effective nervous system improvement has also been shown with individuals who have PTSD and several Practitioners currently work at Veterans Hospitals with excellent results. 

Clinical Herbalism

Herbal medicine is the science of using herbs for supporting health.  A trained clinical herbalist can evaluate your history, symptoms, and energetics and explore with you what herbs may be right to support your body.  A clinical herbalist understands what herbs may interact with your medications or supplements, what herbs can help support your needs and wellness goals, and how to prepare and use those herbs as a part of your daily routine. Herbalism may include tea blends, extracts, topical infusions, decoctions, supplements, or even spices and foods to incorporate in the diet to support your health and well being.

There are many natural herbs that support the Nervous System. Two categories of herbs in particular, nervines and adaptogens have shown to be particularly useful in helping to relieve the symptoms that often accompany dysregulation of the nervous system.

Herbalists treat people and not diseases. 

Mindfulness

​Mindfulness, the state of being aware through direct experience, has been proven to provide many benefits to a wide range of audiences, to include those who have experienced significant stress. Some of the proven benefits include, decreased perceived stress, increased immune function, lower blood pressure, improved concentration, less reactivity to emotions and stressors, better sleep, and improved general health, to name a few. We lead mindfulness exercises and teach clients a variety of ways to practice mindfulness formally, and in daily life. 
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Reflexology

Reflexology is a good therapy for people with PTSD because the therapy calms the central nervous system, quiets the mind, and enhances circulation to nourish and normalize organ and gland functions (including the brain).

Reflexology is a science based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands relative to each gland, organ and all parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes helps nature normalize body functions leading to health and vitality.

In a reflexology session the feet, a microcosm of the whole body, are given a “tune-up” -- reducing nervous stress, improving nerve and blood supply and thus healing many health problems in a natural way. A session may be 30 minutes or a full hour.
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Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic Experiencing is a proven method for resolving trauma symptoms and relieving chronic stress.  It was developed by Peter Levine, PhD.  Dr. Levine demonstrated that trauma does not rest in the event but in the person’s nervous system. We can support the client in their experience of a more “coherent” and “resilient” nervous system.  In the traumatic experience, the body becomes “stuck” in the mode of fight, flight or freeze.  It no longer has the ability to discharge the “survival energies”.  SE offers the opportunity for the individual to engage, complete, and resolve the body’s instincts to fight, flight or freeze and restore inner balance, resilience and vitality to the nervous system. 
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Wellness Coaching

​Wellness coaching is a holistic approach to coaching that helps clients to assess various aspects of their mental, physical, and spiritual lives, in order to achieve their wellness goals. Some common focuses of wellness programs include nutrition, exercise, stress resilience, spirituality, relationships, lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, yoga, etc. The wellness coach can also connect clients with doctors and specialist of all modalities in order to help them achieve optimum wellness. This type of coaching can be done in person, by phone, email, video chat, or any combination of those. 

Svaroopa® Yoga Poses, Breathing & Meditation

Svaroopa yoga is a deeply restorative, easy and accessible approach that benefits mind and body. The poses meet you right where your body is, first calming the nervous system and gradually replacing anxiety, stress, fear with calm and clarity. It helps the body move through aches, pains and chronic conditions, as it increases flexibility, stamina and strength. In addition to the poses, a breathing practice reduces pain levels and improves many autonomic functions—heart rate, lung capacity, blood pressure—to name a few. Meditation is a third practice that can greatly support mental, emotional and physical well- being.  ​

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Alternative Health Practitioners

Do you practice one of the modalities we offer, or do you provide a service that you think would be a good fit with us? Are you interested in volunteering your time and services with the Veterans Resiliency Holistic Clinic? Contact Karen today.