Post-traumatic stress disorder is a medical condition in which the affected person is unable to get over some previously experienced mental trauma or severe traumatic situation. PTSD may seriously affect the day to day functioning of affected individuals and hamper their progress in jobs and other normal situations. People affected with PTSD may relive the traumatic experience repeatedly and may shirk responsibility and positive thinking. They may exhibit symptoms such as tremor, emotional outbursts, and somatic symptoms. PTSD has to be aggressively treated, and the standard management of this condition includes medication, counselling, cognitive and behavioural therapy, and social support. The support of family and friends is of prime importance while successfully handling this situation.
Ayurvedic medicines can be used for the supportive treatment of PTSD in order to improve the confidence of the affected individuals. Ayurvedic medicines help the patient to overcome the traumatic experience, and control all the major symptoms such as tremor emotional outbursts, palpitations, excessive sweating etc. Ayurvedic treatment helps the affected individuals to consciously overcome the past and proceed normally with their day-to-day activities. Feelings of anxiety, weakness, and loss of confidence gradually begin to disappear.
While counselling and social support do help the patient, it is Ayurvedic treatment that actually helps the person to recover completely from PTSD. The duration of treatment depends upon the severity of the problem and may vary from person-to-person. Usually, most people affected with PTSD require Ayurvedic treatment for periods ranging from four to six months. After this treatment, most such people are able to lead their lives independently and without the support of further medication. Ayurvedic treatment is therefore very helpful in the effective management of PTSD.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
