Traditionally, therapies for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) focus on facing and processing one’s trauma.
However, new research has found that transcendental meditation (TM) may help people heal more effectively. The restful approach required of practicing TM can help reduce—or even reverse—symptoms, making this a desirable PTSD treatment option, especially when used in conjunction with more traditional PTSD treatments, such as talk therapy, medications, and ketamine infusions.
In recent years, researchers have expressed growing interest in the potential for meditation to help patients better cope with various mental health conditions. Studies have shown that meditation practices can have a significant positive effect on mental health and how well our bodies respond to stress.
Transcendental meditation was first introduced in the 1950s by the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is one of the most widely practiced and widely researched meditation techniques in the world. The practice itself involves the use of a silent mantra while sitting with eyes closed for approximately 15-20 minutes, twice per day. Unlike some forms of meditation, TM technique requires a seven-step course of instruction from a certified instructor. While learning TM is not difficult—nor does it require any strenuous effort—it is a lengthy process.
A new study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress supports prior research that TM is a promising PTSD treatment option. Veterans with PTSD who practiced TM showed significant reduction in the severity of their PTSD symptoms. According to the study, 50 percent of the veterans using this meditation technique no longer met the criteria for having PTSD after only three months. They also showed a reduction in the overall symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
If the commitment to learning TM is prohibitive, traditional meditation can be just as valuable as a PTSD treatment option. When used along with proven therapies—such as prolonged exposure, cognitive processing, medications, and ketamine therapy—meditation can be a very helpful holistic treatment for PTSD. Taking just five minutes per day to practice meditation can make a huge impact, and, in general, it’s a great wellness practice for people with or without PTSD.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
At Vitalitas Denver, we encourage our patients to explore a wide variety of holistic treatment options to better support ketamine therapy. Ketamine infusions are effective for about 70% of patients, and works quickly to alleviate symptoms. To find out if you are a candidate, contact us using the brief form below, or call either of our Colorado ketamine clinics today.
