Veteran Doctor

  Hello fellow veterans. So, as you may know many Veterans experience episodes of PTSD from their past traumatic experiences. Each of these traumas are unique and individualized based on your individual experiences and how you treat them. But what is the perfect way the treat these traumas. That is a very good question! There is no specific treatment that works for everyone. However, there are many different treatments available to help each Veteran in their own way and individualized needs. Here is one technique that is available, so please read on the see if this will work for you.

Is trauma weighing you down in life? Have painful past experiences made it hard to trust others? Do you think you might have experienced trauma in your life but are not sure your experience counts? 

Do You Ever Feel Defined by Your Past?

If you’re dealing with trauma, you may suffer from PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of hypervigilance. Whenever something reminds you of your traumatic experience, you may feel like you’re reliving it all over again, like the past will repeat itself endlessly. Maybe you ask yourself: Is my life ever going to change? Will things ever be different?  What is wrong with me?

Trauma Takes Away Your Sense of Power!

Trauma isn’t always obvious or easy to recognize. There may be experiences in your past—such as betrayal, rejection, or emotional abuse—that were traumatic without you even realizing it. Over time, these events may have caused you to develop negative beliefs about yourself. Perhaps you feel like you’re not good enough or that you’re unworthy of love. You may suffer from feelings of helplessness and a lack of power as if you’re unsafe in your own body. 

Trauma takes away your sense of power, but counseling is a chance to get it back. It is in your nature as a human to seek safety and stability in your life. Here at True Peace Therapy, our goal is to help you resolve the pain of the past and turn towards living with meaning and purpose in the present. No matter what you have been through, healing and positive change are possible. 

Many People Do Not Think Traumatic Experiences “Count” As Trauma! 

Virtually everyone has suffered from trauma at some point in their life. Most traumatic experiences fall into two categories: Big T-trauma and little t-trauma. Big T-trauma includes events where a person’s life or bodily integrity is threatened. Examples include child abuse and neglect, rape, domestic violence, sexual abuse, war, combat-related trauma, serious car accidents, and natural disasters. 

Little-t traumas, referred to as “subtle trauma,” are generally painful experiences that often cause trauma responses that people may not initially think of as traumatic. These include emotional abuse and neglect, financial insecurity, toxic workplaces, chronic illness, infidelity, divorce, or repeated rejection. Simply being around verbally or emotionally abusive people can be traumatizing. Unfortunately, many people don’t think such experiences “count” as traumatic, as they usually happen over long periods and are more subtle in how they affect the mind and body.

Many Trauma Survivors Lack the Support They Need!

People who suffer from trauma do not get the help they need. They may feel too ashamed of what happened to talk about it with anyone. They may tell themselves that although their experience was terrible, others “have it worse.” Moreover, many people who have experienced trauma frequently scan their environment for potential threats.  These defensive self-protection strategies often have a negative effect on their quality of life and relationships with others. 

Without proper support, trauma survivors often self-medicate or turn to unhealthy habits to cope with their pain. They may isolate themselves, avoiding social activities and any situation that reminds them of the past. Although these behaviors may bring temporary relief, they don’t address trauma at the root. Therapy is a chance to get to the core of your trauma so that you don’t have to rely on unhealthy survival strategies to get by. 

Therapy Can Give You Back the Power That Trauma Took Away!

Dealing with trauma is not just hard—it’s lonely. You may feel like no one understands what you’ve been through or believes your story. If this is the case, we encourage you to take heart. True Peace Therapy provides a warm, nonjudgmental environment to share your struggles and find validation and acceptance. You don’t have to hold anything back, but you don’t have to open up immediately. This is your therapy. The healing process happens on your timeline and at your comfort level.

Trauma and PTSD treatment is an opportunity to restore your sense of safety, improve your self-compassion, and tap into new sources of inner strength. Instead of avoiding your thoughts and feelings, you will learn to pay attention to them and notice how they affect your actions on an unconscious level. Trauma teaches you to run from your emotions—therapy is a chance to sit with them and learn to manage them more effectively with powerful emotional regulation techniques that you can utilize long after therapy. This can help you overcome automatic stress reactions and give you back your sense of power and autonomy.

Tailoring Your Treatment Plan!

Getting to the root of unresolved trauma involves understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect to experiences in the past. Sometimes, however, processing past trauma can feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on developing a toolbox of skills for regulating painful emotions when they arise. These skills may include meditation, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation exercises. You can draw from your self-regulation toolbox to stay grounded and calm when your traumatic stress response is activated.

Our practice aims to help you overcome negative self-beliefs and love yourself again. Trauma can convince you that you’re broken, unworthy, or not good enough. We want to help you reverse these negative messages and replace them with healthier beliefs. This will help you improve your confidence and trust your intuition.

We believe you can remove the past from the driver’s seat of your life. Our role is simply to help you tap into that power, opening up new avenues for growth in your life.  To heal from the past while living intentionally in the present is a balance possible with the proper support. 

You May Have Some Questions About Trauma Therapy…

Is trauma treatment going to re-traumatize me?

We will only ever do what you feel comfortable with. Your therapist serves as a compassionate guide on your healing journey. There is never any pressure to open up about your experiences immediately—the healing process happens in your timing. If you feel overwhelmed, we can slow down and practice calming strategies to help you return to a feeling of safety and get centered again. The last ten minutes of every session focus on grounding and de-stressing. 

Will anyone else find out about my trauma? 

All of our sessions are 100 percent confidential. What you share in therapy stays in therapy. Unless you give us a signed release of information, your trauma counselor cannot discuss what you talk about with anyone else.

What if I’m not sure that I experienced trauma?

It’s normal to wonder if your trauma really “counts”.  If your experience is affecting your life and causing you distress, wouldn’t it be worthwhile to find relief? After all, trauma isn’t about what happened to you or how an experience affected you. When your brain and body feel too overwhelmed to process an event, the memory of it can still affect you long after it’s over.

The Past Does Not Have To Hold You Back In Life!

If you’re tired of living in the shadow of the past, we would be honored to help you embrace a future with more personal freedom and empowerment.  You can request a counseling session or a free 15-minute consultation through the online scheduler.

Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Stress

Feeling On-Edge

You may startle easily and feel you always have to keep your guard up to protect yourself. 

Isolation 

Do you withdraw from others and self-isolate to attempt to feel safe?

Irritability

Feeling angry, cynical, irritable, judgmental of others, and experiencing mood swings.

Intrusive Thoughts 

Unwelcome, disturbing thoughts and images that may be connected to the traumatic event. 

Anxiety and Fear 

Your threat response may be in overdrive due to traumatic stress leading to increased anxiety symptoms.

Re-experiencing 

Flashbacks, nightmares, and vivid memories can occur. 

Shame and Guilt 

Painful past experiences can cause a person to feel guilt and shame even though the trauma is not their fault.

Numbness 

Trauma can cause feelings of emotional and physical disconnect.

Trauma Treatment 

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) can reduce the distress associated with painful, traumatic experiences by helping you to identify and change distressing thoughts and beliefs you experience around the trauma. The primary focus areas are safety, trust, power, control, esteem, and intimacy. CPT educates about trauma symptoms to inform and empower clients throughout treatment. 

Mind-Body Self-Regulation Toolbox

Learn effective tools to step out of hypervigilance and self-protection mode and into a feeling of safety and stability with simple exercises that quickly relax the muscles of your body and can be utilized anytime and anywhere. Mastering self-regulation will empower you to interrupt your threat response on your own, significantly reduce feelings of distress, and begin to feel safe in your own body. 

Your Personal Mission Roadmap 

You can heal from the past and, at the same time, gently move towards more profound meaning and purpose in your life. How do you want your future to look? What is truly important to you in life? As you travel through the stuck points and recover from trauma, you get to decide what you want to become, what you want to do, and what you want to have as you move forward with a renewed sense of hope and freedom.

Welcome back to the "Veteran Doctor," the podcast that takes a humorous look at life's absurdities. I'm your host, Dr. John Heintzelman, and today, we're diving into the delightfully smooth transition our veterans experience when they shift from camouflage to cubicles. Buckle up, folks, because we're about to explore the hilariously seamless world of veteran reintegration!

First things first, let's talk about the incredible metamorphosis of military lingo. Who needs acronyms like FUBAR and SNAFU when you can bask in the glory of TPS reports and PTO? We're sure our veterans will have no problem swapping out their tactical slang for corporate jargon. After all, clear communication is totally overrated in the civilian world, right?

Next up, we simply must discuss the flawless way our heroes adapt to their new work environments. I mean, what could be more similar than operating in high-stress combat zones and navigating the perilous waters of office politics? Gone are the days of battlefield camaraderie; it's time for passive-aggressive emails and water cooler gossip. Talk about an upgrade!

But wait, there's more! How could we not mention the fabulous world of civilian fashion? Out with the camouflage uniforms, and in with the gray slacks and ties. We're confident that veterans will appreciate the opportunity to express themselves through the ever-so-diverse color palette of office attire - from dark gray to light gray, and everything in between. Who wouldn't want to trade in their comfy uniforms for the joys of neckties and pantyhose?

And now, the pièce de résistance: translating military skills into civilian job qualifications. Our veterans will have an absolute blast trying to explain how their years of leadership, decision-making, and teamwork translate to the real world. Surely, potential employers will instantly recognize the value of their experiences. I mean, what better icebreaker during a job interview than a good war story?

Let's not forget the exciting challenge of reintegrating into the social scene. Nothing says "Welcome back!" like awkward family reunions and making new friends who have no idea what it's like to serve in the military. But hey, at least there's always social media to bridge that gap, am I right?

As if we haven't covered enough, there's another gem we need to explore: the wild world of civilian hobbies and pastimes. Our veterans can finally indulge in thrilling activities like book clubs, yoga classes, and paint nights. We're sure that these adrenaline-fueled pursuits will easily fill the void left by high-intensity military training. Oh, the excitement of discovering the perfect avocado at the grocery store!

And let's not forget about the pure joy that comes with navigating the maze of civilian bureaucracy. From DMV lines to deciphering insurance policies, our veterans will surely cherish these new adventures. After all, who wouldn't prefer filling out endless forms over executing mission-critical tasks?

But wait, there's still more! How about the delightful task of finding suitable housing? Our veterans will love the thrilling roller coaster ride of searching for the perfect place to call home, complete with skyrocketing rent prices and the ever-elusive search for a reliable landlord. What could be more fun than trying to secure a living space in a bustling city?

Of course, we must also mention the fantastic opportunity to learn new skills. Veterans can now trade in their expertise in combat tactics and strategic planning for the essential arts of PowerPoint presentations and mastering the office coffee machine. Just imagine the endless hours of entertainment that come with wrangling the office printer!

Finally, we have to acknowledge the amazing support system our veterans have waiting for them. With the VA, job placement programs, and mental health resources working flawlessly (wink, wink), we're sure these former warriors will have no problem adjusting to their new lives.

There you have it, folks – the roller coaster of hilarity that is the veteran transition from camo to cubicles. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice. We know the transition from camo to cubicles is anything but easy, but we hope our light-hearted take on the challenges veterans face brings a smile to your face.Remember, it's important to keep a sense of humor as we recognize and support our veterans as they navigate the challenges of civilian life. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the "Veteran Doctor." Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review! Until next time, keep smiling through life's absurdities!

Welcome to the Veteran Doctor Podcast, where we explore alternative therapies for veterans experiencing PTSD. In today's episode, we'll discuss ten different therapies that show promise for helping those who have served our country cope with their symptoms. I'm your host, Doctor John Heintzelman, and let's get started.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Many veterans who have served in combat zones, disaster areas, or other high-stress situations may develop PTSD. While conventional treatments like medication and talk therapy can be effective, not all veterans respond well to these methods. That's why exploring alternative therapies is crucial to help our heroes find the healing they need.

The first alternative therapy we'll discuss is EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This form of psychotherapy helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of their emotional reactions. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the veteran to recall the traumatic event while focusing on a moving object or light. The bilateral stimulation helps to reprocess the memory, allowing the individual to develop new associations and coping mechanisms.

Our second alternative therapy is Equine-Assisted Therapy. This approach involves working with horses to help veterans build trust, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. Horses are sensitive to human emotions and respond accordingly, providing veterans with real-time feedback on their feelings and behaviors. By forming a bond with the horse, veterans can work through their trauma and learn new ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

The third therapy is Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins. Research has shown that acupuncture can reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. By targeting these symptoms, veterans can experience relief and a better quality of life.

The fourth therapy we'll discuss is Art Therapy. This form of therapy encourages veterans to express their feelings and experiences through various art forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. By engaging in creative activities, veterans can process and externalize their emotions, leading to a greater understanding of their trauma and a sense of empowerment.

Our fifth alternative therapy is Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing one's attention on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. These practices can help veterans reduce symptoms of PTSD, including hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbing.

Our sixth therapy is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, or VRET. This method uses virtual reality technology to recreate the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment. Veterans are gradually exposed to the source of their trauma, allowing them to confront their fears and process their emotions with the guidance of a therapist. Over time, this can help reduce the intensity of their PTSD symptoms and improve their overall mental health.

The seventh therapy is Neurofeedback. Also known as EEG biofeedback, this approach involves monitoring brainwave activity and providing real-time feedback to the individual. Veterans learn to regulate their brainwave patterns, which can help improve symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. By gaining better control over their brain's activity, they can experience a greater sense of well-being. 

Our eighth therapy is Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT. This method, also known as "tapping," combines elements of cognitive therapy with acupressure. Veterans tap on specific points on their body while focusing on their traumatic memories and expressing their emotions. EFT can help release negative emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing from trauma.

The ninth therapy is Music Therapy. In this approach, veterans use music to express their emotions, explore their memories, and connect with others in a therapeutic setting. Music therapy can involve listening to music, creating music, or engaging in group activities like drumming circles. By engaging with music, veterans can experience emotional release, improved mood, and a greater sense of connection with others.

Our tenth and final therapy is Outdoor Adventure Therapy. This approach involves engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking, to promote physical and mental well-being. Veterans can challenge themselves physically while also working on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Outdoor Adventure Therapy can provide a sense of accomplishment and empowerment while helping veterans cope with PTSD symptoms.

It's important to remember that not every therapy will work for every individual. Veterans should consult with their healthcare providers and explore different options to find the therapies that best suit their needs. It's also crucial to acknowledge that healing from PTSD can be a long and challenging process, but with the right support and resources, it is possible.

Thank you for joining us on the Veteran Doctor Podcast. We hope you found today's discussion on alternative therapies for veterans experiencing PTSD informative and inspiring. To learn more about these therapies and other resources available to veterans, visit our website at theveterandoctor.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from it. Until next time, take care, and remember: healing is a journey, not a destination.

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As an educated veteran, I continue to search for alternatives for treating PTSD and TBI other than your traditional pharmaceuticals that seem only to mask the symptoms or cause additional health issues.

Evidence-based practice is the standard for treating PTSD. However, there is growing recognition that complementary and alternative therapies may be helpful adjuncts to meet the needs of some veterans who have experienced trauma.

According to the National Center for PTSD, there are three types of primary treatments for PTSD in veterans: trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and pharmacological treatment. 

But there is growing acknowledgment among veterans and healthcare providers that these are not the only options for clinicians and therapists working with afflicted veterans. There is increasing recognition that these first-line treatments alone may not meet every need of all veterans who have experienced trauma. Even when they are successful, nontraditional therapies may be helpful adjuncts that boost overall wellness. 

Not all people with PTSD present with the exact needs or the same symptoms, and no one prescriptive approach works for everyone.

The VA is increasingly embracing various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, tai chi, biofeedback, massage, hypnosis, guided imagery, and relaxation therapy, to treat veterans with PTSD.

These techniques help relieve and reduce medication dependency while motivating reluctant veterans towards traditional approaches that produce more engagement and compliance. Knowledge of using CAM techniques to treat PTSD can help bring peace to minds disquieted by the traumas of war and heal bodies battered by combat and emotional distress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves using very thin needles through the skin at strategic points of the body. As a critical component of this traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture was mainly used to treat pain. Over time it has been used to improve overall wellness, including stress management.

Acupuncture is a technique to balance the flow of energy or life force through pathways, or meridians, in your body. Practitioners believe your energy will re-balance by inserting needles into precise points in these meridians.

Western specialists view acupuncture points as stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to boost the body's natural painkillers.

Research leads to increased knowledge about brain plasticity, while medical technology opens a window on the brain and has shown how acupuncture influences hemodynamics. You can see the rerouting of blood to the frontal cortex away from the limbic system. Changes in blood flow promote cellular healing. The benefits produce reduced pain, stress, anxiety, and depression and improved sleep. These benefits allow veterans to reduce their use of medications, becoming an addiction treatment to reduce drug dependence and help the brain heal.

Acupuncture is most successful as a primary prevention mechanism when used immediately after trauma by changing the brain's blood flow, and the chemical cascade in the body, so morphological changes don't occur. It is typically used as an additional treatment for veterans with more long-term trauma patterns.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise beginning in China, where it started as a martial art. These days, it's practiced worldwide as an effective exercise for health.

It is impossible to describe this complex art in a short description. Tai Chi can become many things for different people, but regular practice will improve well-being.

Tai Chi is a moving meditation with exercises that produce harmony between the mind and body. The ultimate purpose is cultivating our inner life energy to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. This is as much of a spiritual experience as it is a physical one.

Movements are fluid, graceful, circular, and slow. Breathing is deep, aiding visual and mental concentration. This relaxes the body and allows the life force to flow freely. 

Tai Chi is straightforward to learn. Many people embark on life-long journeys to increase their experience, as there are always levels of understanding to reveal. This is where there is an appeal.

Tai Chi is performed almost everywhere with a relatively low learning cost. It is suitable for anyone because exertion levels can be adjusted to suit your physical condition.

Physically, Tai Chi improves strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning, and balance. Research has shown that it improves cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, prevents falls, and helps people who have arthritis.

There are also enormous emotional and mental benefits. The deliberate movements help people to feel more relaxed, grounded, and present in their bodies. This lowers anxiety, stress, and depression; while improving memory, focus, and sleep.

Tai Chi is perhaps the most effective exercise that benefits your entire body and well-being. It is so enjoyable that millions worldwide practice it, regardless of age or physical condition. It is all about improving your quality of life and feeling empowered.

Numerous medical studies show the overwhelming benefits of Tai Chi, significantly when modified programs address specific health conditions. Research shows that a routine can prevent many health problems and help people better manage their needs.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga and meditation are widely embraced in the active military and VA medical centers because they offer numerous benefits. Practicing yoga helps relieve pain, stretches the body, and brings comfort to people's bodies. Sleep is a challenge for many people with PTSD, especially chronic pain. Their nervous systems are hypervigilant; it is as if they are still on guard duty even though their home from the war for months or even years.

Among the main benefits of yoga and meditation is their ability to downregulate and soothe an overstimulated nervous system, to shift into the parasympathetic response and the relaxation response, as well as to help the nervous system reclaim resiliency and be able to change between the fight/flight/freeze response and the parasympathetic response. 

To be effective, yoga and meditation practices must be personalized to the needs of the individual with PTSD. For example, creating a safe space is crucial for people who have had trauma. And what might feel good to some might not work for someone with trauma. People with PTSD may not want their backs to a door and may need to know where everyone is before they can relax. 

Certain practices and approaches work better than others for individuals with trauma. Most people with PTSD have an overactivated sympathetic nervous system. It is as if the fight/flight/freeze response is often turned on, even when the external conditions are not an immediate threat.

Massage (for treatment)

Massage therapy has become very popular in reducing the stress of everyday life, injuries, and chronic/acute conditions while helping maintain health and wellness. According to Chinese records, massage days back 300 years and is one of the oldest healing arts.

Massage helps reduce stress and fatigue while improving overall circulation.  Massage also reduces pain and anxiety for people with chronic illnesses. It can help treat medical conditions, including stress-related tension, cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, and depression.

Licensed massage therapists are trained to treat patients with complicated medical conditions and to enhance general health. Different massage styles include stroking, tapping, kneading, rocking, or holding steady pressure. The kinds of massage are deep tissue, Swedish, acupressure techniques, healing, and therapeutic touch.

Research shows that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and increase blood circulation. It also relaxes muscles, improves the range of motion, and enhances medical treatments.

Therapeutic massage is not a technique to increase muscle strength. However, it can stimulate weak and inactive muscles, which helps compensate for inactivity or a lack of exercise caused by illness or injury.

Massage can help treat stress-related physical conditions, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, migraines, back, shoulder, and neck pain, muscle tension, and repetitive stress injuries.

Guided imagery

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique focusing on a positive mental image. Psychotherapists use it as a tool, but people can also teach it to themselves and use it anytime. 

This technique is called visualization or guided meditation. Many benefits can be found by this technique, like reducing stress or improving one's sense of well-being.

People intentionally visualize peaceful scenarios. While some might choose to visualize a pleasant scene, others may picture white blood cells fighting illness and imagining desired outcomes.

Guided imagery is also a relaxation technique. People try to picture events and scenes that will cause feelings of relaxation and calm. Relaxation techniques are safe for healthy people to use to stimulate the body's natural relaxation response.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback teaches how to control the body's functions, such as your heart rate. During biofeedback, you connect to sensors that help read information about your body. This feedback helps you make subtle modifications within your body, like relaxing specific muscles, to achieve desired results, like reducing pain. Biofeedback allows you to practice new ways to control your body, often to improve a health condition or physical performance.

Depending on your health issues and goals, your therapist might use various biofeedback methods. Biofeedback types include:

• Brain waves.An electroencephalograph (EEG) uses scalp sensors to monitor your brain waves.

Clinical Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy is an approach licensed and trained clinicians use to treat a physical and psychological issue involving skills that facilitate an altered state of consciousness called a trance. During trance, the conscious, critical mind is usually relaxed and relatively inactive. In contrast, the subconscious mind can access resources, skills, and abilities that are unavailable to the conscious mind.  During trance, suggestibility is enhanced, senses are heightened, mental absorption is increased, and the imagination is activated in a controlled manner to promote insight, ego strengthening, and activation of solution-focused skills.

Hypnosis elicits and uses a highly relaxed state of inner absorption, concentration, and focused attention. Using hypnosis can allow people to have increased control over their behaviors, thoughts, and emotional responses. Learning self-hypnosis is an ultimate act of self-control, allowing people to achieve more of their potential Research supports that hypnotic suggestions effectively change aspects of the person's physiological and neurological functioning.

Healing Touch

Healing touch is a nurturing, relaxing energy therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch to assist in balancing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This is a collection of standardized, noninvasive techniques that clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields. Healing Touch assists in creating a coherent and balanced energy field, supporting one's inherent healing ability. It is safe for all ages and may be combined with standard medical care.

Healing Touch is beneficial in calming anxiety and reducing symptoms of depression, reducing pain, reinforcing the immune system, improving recovery from surgery, complementing care for neck and spine problems, intensifying spiritual connection, supporting cancer care, improving well-being, easing both acute and chronic conditions, and supporting resiliency.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine exercise that involves treating blocked energy by applying manual pressure to specific points on the body. It is like acupuncture; fingertip pressure is used instead of needles.

Acupressure is said to help with various conditions, from motion sickness to headache to muscle pain, by improving energy flow. Here are the uses, effectiveness, safety, and technique of acupressure:

• The exact working of acupressure is unknown. Many believe the pressure causes a release of endorphins, a natural pain-relieving chemical in the body.

Alexander technique

This technique is a skill for self-development that teaches you to change long-standing habits that cause needless tension in all aspects of your life.

Whatever your age or ability, this technique can help boost your performance and relieve the pain and stress caused by bad postural habits like slouching or rounded shoulders.

Everyday things like tense like phone rings, picking up the children from school, or worrying about work deadlines can lead to physical and mental stress. Over the years, this accumulates, causing illness, injury, or common aches and pains.

Working with your instructor, you will learn to recognize your usual responses to the stresses of life. You will find out how you have been contributing to your problems and how to prevent them and regain control.

Reflexology

This therapy uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet, hands, or ears to help you feel better. The theory is that this eases and that helps your body work better. It's also known as zone therapy.

Reflexology, like acupuncture and acupressure, connects spots outside your body to the inside. However, those therapies use points all over your body, not just your feet, hands, and ears.

Reflexology is complementary to traditional care, but it's not an alternative, and reflexologists don't diagnose or treat illnesses. Reflexology may help you feel less pain and discomfort and less stress.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese stress reduction and relaxation technique that promotes healing. It is based on the awareness that an unseen energy flows through every one of us and makes us alive. If your "life force energy" is low, you are prone to get ill or feel stressed, and if the energy is high, you are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Reiki is broken into two Japanese words - Rei means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power," and Ki means "life force energy." Essentially, Reiki means "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a magnificent glowing radiance that flows inside and around you. Reiki treats the whole person, including body, mind, emotions, and spirit, creating many beneficial effects, including relaxation, peace, security, and well-being. Miraculous results have been seen.

Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe technique of spiritual and self-improvement healing that anyone can use. It is effective in helping virtually every illness and creates a beneficial effect. It also works with other medical techniques to help relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Therapeutic Touch

This technique is based on the concept that humans are energy in the form of a field. When you are healthy, that energy will freely flow and is balanced. In contrast, the disease is a condition of energy imbalance or disorder. The human energy field extends beyond skin level, and the practitioner connects with that energy using the hands as sensors.  A session is a process that is always individualized and usually does not exceed 20 minutes. Practitioners generally pass their hands 2 to 6 inches over your body from head to toe while lying down. They may use a rhythmical, sweeping motion with their hands as if they are re-balancing the body's energy. Practitioners are conduits of energy.

Emotional Freedom Technique

This technique is an innovative treatment method that offers healing from physical and emotional pain. This treatment uses the fingertips to stimulate energy points in the body. This easily mastered technique can be performed almost anywhere. This treatment was developed based on the idea that all negative emotions in the body disrupt the body's energy systems.

This technique works by tapping on acupressure meridians to release blockages. When these blockages are released, the problem is released from the body. The process begins with an initial statement of what the problem feeling is and includes a complete acceptance of that problem. To start the process of this technique, the patient would say something like, "Even though I have this (fear), I completely accept myself anyway." The client says this statement three times while tapping on trigger points. In the second part of this treatment, the client will focus on the feeling (fear) in the body and rate its intensity on a scale from 1 to 10. Then the client begins to tap on different points around the face while saying "this fear" concurrently. Several rounds are done until the fear is rated at zero. Once this fear is gone, the therapist will guide the client to other concerns.

This technique is a very effective way of clearing feelings, and once gone, the limiting beliefs that the client holds are released. More positive beliefs about themselves can emerge. Learning this technique can empower clients to manage their emotional state by tapping into their feelings whenever they want to move out of a painful issue.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into the treatment plan. The client, therapist, and animal work in conjunction in therapeutic activities, summarized by a treatment plan, with clear goals for change, measurable objectives, and the expectation of identifiable progress toward the treatment goals. The therapy can take many forms based on the patient, the animal, and the goals for treatment. Animal-assisted therapy is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy.

Animal-assisted therapy is rooted in the bond that can develop between people and animals. Animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, or safety to divert attention away from stressful situations. Animals can help battle loneliness and boost social support through interactions with the animal and interactions involving other people. Animals can guide people to get more physical activity.

Advocates say that developing a connection with an animal can help people improve a better sense of self-worth and trust, emotional stabilization, communication, self-regulation, and socialization skills. Animal-assisted therapy often combines traditional treatments conducted by a licensed psychotherapist, social worker, or mental health care provider.

So, I recently went on a Veteran’s Outdoor Adventure Retreat with Waypoint Vets, and it was both transformational and inspirational! But before I get into the trip’s details, let me set the tone and backstory for this trip! Waypoint Vets was founded by Sarah Lee and it is a 501(c)(3) organization to unite and empower Veterans through activities and adventure.  They facilitate unique opportunities of Camaraderie and Healing for Military Veterans across America at no cost to them. Their experiences combine mental and physical intensity with the beauty of nature. Their participants engage in various activities and challenges during the day, and evenings are spent reflecting and enjoying the camaraderie. Their goal is to deliver meaningful and lasting experiences that their Veterans can look forward to and reflect upon. Waypoint’s mantra is to “Honor our Fallen by Living” and take back our health and happiness together. On each of their Adventures, Veterans carry customized dog tags engraved with names of those they have lost in combat. A Waypoint is where troops come together to reset, refuel, and recharge, enabling them to continue and complete their mission successfully.  That is precisely what they want their outings to deliver by providing camaraderie, adventure, physical challenges, mental empowerment, and lasting clarity.

So, when Sarah invited me to Waypoint Vets, I was so excited; however, I did not know exactly what to expect. The trip was set to a backdrop of Zion National Park. I have been to Zion before and know how beautiful the terrain is; however, its beauty can never be understood until you meet and experience the guides who assisted Waypoint Vets from Jonathan, and his staff, at Zion Guru (more on this later in the article). So, as I arrived at the Las Vegas Airport, I was greeted with smiles from the Waypoint staff, who were busily gathering the 15 other Veterans from all over the United States. Once we accounted for all participants, we began our 2.5-hour journey to Zion National Park. This journey was enlightening as all 16 Veterans and staff started to engage in conversation and establish a bond through camaraderie, stories, and commonalities. Before we knew it, we were at Zion to begin processing, briefings, and our adventure. The evening quickly faded away and ended with an unforgettable view of the beautiful star-filled sky in Zion Canyon.

The next day started early with a Yoga session to stretch and relax our bodies and minds. This occurred in a beautiful Yoga Studio where we stayed at Nama Stay. Nama Stay is run by Jonathon and Atonka Zambella, who has lived and guided in this region for over 26 years. Nama-Stay is a journey and a destination. It is a place of LOVE with rich, wide-open views. It is thoughtfully designed to be in harmony with nature and surrounded by the beauty of Zion National Park. This beautiful property provides you with the comfort of actual sanctuary space. From the beginning, it was clear that this property could not be limited to only a “vacation and retreats.” Instead, it needed to reflect the energy of Nama, our origins, and our purpose. In meditation, Nama was defined as the original force that gave birth to Mother Earth. They have had many visitors from various countries enjoy the creativity of Nama-Stay and contribute to the different meanings of Nama from other cultures and languages. They are so grateful for all who feel guided to contribute to the Spirit of Nama. These contributions continue to expand their views far beyond where they initially imagined.

After Yoga, we were treated to a wonderful breakfast and the plan for the day. The plan was a guided tour down a beautiful trail called “The NARROWs.” Everyone was elated with joy with this plan and could not wait to get started. This historical beauty of the NARROWs is legendary and known around the world. However, today was different as it was January and the temperatures were very cold, especially in the canyon and water. Zion Guru was our next stop, where we were outfitted with specialty equipment to brave the cold water of the NARROWS. This equipment included a dry suit, neoprene socks, ice spikes, boots, and a large stick. Once outfitted, our guides led us to the entrance of the NARROWs trailhead. The beauty on this trail is almost indescribable, and it takes away your breath as all of your senses become overloaded. As guides took everyone down the path, it became apparent that distinct groups formed based on experience, ability, and fitness levels. Upon entering the water for the first time, a quick lesson on the use and trust of your equipment became quickly apparent with how it kept you warm and dry. It was a fantastic lesson and experience.

So as a quick disclaimer, I have been down the NARROWs in the summertime. It was a fantastic experience too, but it was so crowded, and my trip was limited due to a lack of equipment, causing the cold water to affect my abilities on the trail. In the wintertime (off-season, as they say), it becomes a different experience with the proper equipment, fewer people to distract you from your sensory overload, and the unique perspective and knowledge from professional guides. A simply AMAZING day of hiking with beautiful scenes of waterfalls, ice, rock formations, and sights/sounds that will be forever etched into our minds!!

So as we progressed down the trailhead, we encountered numerous water crossings and obstacles in the water. The stick we were giving was used to assist us through these obstacles and provide balance when our footing became uncertain under the water. This stick was later discussed in feedback/debrief with comfort, support, and security symbolisms. The question of the day was then presented to us, “Who is your stick!” Is it a family member, pet, or friend? Many different individualized answers transpired upon discussion. My answer was my amazing girlfriend, Becky. She has always been my support system, both emotionally and physically. This is amazing to think about when such a simple item as a “stick” could bring so much meaning simply from a hike down a river. Many of us take these simple items for granted. However, their use and what they symbolize can genuinely bring meaning to everything we do.

Another question that transpired from this discussion is, “What brings you joy?” The answer could be anything from a person, place, hobby, activity, object, etc. Of course, everyone gave different individualized responses that brought them true joy. However, based on their perspectives from their lives, the array of answers was very enlightening and educational. My answer was again my amazing girlfriend, Becky, and some of the adventures (places) that we have encountered together. Joy is taken for granted as well. Sometimes we get overly caught up with work or family as we forget what brings us joy. Never hesitate to participate in anything that you are passionate about. A favorite pastime can relieve you from daily stress and add a layer of fulfillment to your life. Hobbies provide you with opportunities to capitalize on your interests and get started exploring what makes you happy. Permit yourself to do something you are passionate about. If you love sports, spend time on a sports-related activity. Prioritize yourself and put everyone else’s interests behind your own. Choose an activity that you will not grow tired of and brings you excitement. An exercise you are passionate about will allow you to meet like-minded individuals and create a community. The process will make you a more exciting and multidimensional person. We should find our joys to help treat addiction and any concurrent mental health disorders that make us suffer. We know having a happy diversion can help you cope in ways other than engaging in substance abuse or trudging through depression and anxiety.

The rest of the weekend was jam-packed with fantastic camaraderie, yoga sound bath experiences (I will discuss this experience in a later article and podcast), beautiful Zion scenery, and canyoneering adventures that transformed my perspective on life, reenergized me, and gave me a renewed focus on what is truly important in my life. It gave me direction and purpose! It also allowed me to realize that disconnecting from our lives and experiencing the true beauty of nature is vital to our mental health. I will always treasure this experience and deeply value its transformational qualities. I plan to revisit Zion and the staff at Zion Guru regularly to maintain balance and focus on my life, along with a newfound interest in Yoga, its benefits, and how it truly influences the mind/body. Yoga offers fantastic physical and mental health benefits for all ages of people. If you are experiencing an illness, recovering from surgery, or living with a chronic condition, Yoga can be utilized as an integral part of your treatment and recovery. Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility. By using slow movements and deep breathing, blood flow increases, and muscles are warmed up while holding a pose to build resilience. Yoga has many valuable qualities like improving health and sleep, bringing more energy and brighter moods, manage stress. According to the National Institutes of Health, research shows that Yoga supports mental health, stress management, healthy eating, mindfulness, weight loss, and quality sleep, promoting better self-care.

This newfound respect for nature and Yoga will become a regular part of my life to help improve my physical self and my mental health maintenance. I ask you to do the same and consider the renewing qualities and appreciation of nature, camaraderie, adventure, and Yoga. We must make time to maintain and improve our bodies and minds. Experience and appreciate life every chance you can. You owe it to yourself, and you will genuinely be thankful in the end!