PTSD & trauma — Wokingham, Berkshire

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Post-traumatic stress disorder, complex PTSD and trauma-related anxiety respond well to acupuncture as part of an integrated treatment plan. Acupuncture — particularly the standardised ear-acupuncture protocols (NADA) and Shen-calming body acupuncture — supports nervous-system regulation, reduces hyperarousal and improves sleep without the side effects of psychotropic medication. Best used alongside trauma-focused psychotherapy. Over 25 years of clinical experience.

On this page

1. What is PTSD?
2. Symptoms of PTSD
3. PTSD in traditional Chinese medicine
4. Acupuncture for PTSD
5. NADA ear protocol
6. Chinese herbal medicine
7. Integration with psychotherapy
8. Self-care & nervous system regulation
9. Commonly asked questions

1. What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that develops in some people after exposure to a traumatic event — combat, assault, accident, childbirth, medical trauma, refugee experience or sustained childhood adversity (complex PTSD). The defining feature is that the trauma response persists or emerges long after the immediate event, with intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal. PTSD affects around 4% of UK adults at any time; complex PTSD (cPTSD) from sustained childhood or relational trauma is increasingly recognised as a related but distinct condition.

First-line treatment is trauma-focused psychotherapy — EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and trauma-focused CBT are NICE-recommended. Acupuncture is a valuable adjunct: it lowers nervous-system arousal, improves sleep and reduces co-existing anxiety and depression so that psychotherapy work is more tolerable and effective.

2. Symptoms of PTSD

1. Intrusive re-experiencing — flashbacks, nightmares, intense distress at reminders of the trauma
2. Avoidance — of thoughts, feelings, people or places associated with the trauma
3. Hyperarousal — startle response, hypervigilance, irritability, difficulty concentrating
4. Negative mood and cognition — persistent fear, guilt, shame, emotional numbing, distorted self-blame
5. Sleep disturbance — difficulty falling or staying asleep; trauma-themed nightmares
6. Dissociation — feeling detached from oneself or surroundings; common in complex PTSD
7. Somatic symptoms — chronic pain, IBS, fatigue, headaches; the body holds the imprint of trauma

3. PTSD in traditional Chinese medicine

Classical TCM did not use the modern PTSD label but extensively described what we would now recognise as trauma response — under categories such as Jing (Fright), Kong (Fear) and Shen disturbance (Shen Bu An). The treatment principles are deeply consonant with modern trauma understanding: settle Shen, anchor the disturbed Spirit back to its organs, regulate the Liver and Heart, tonify Kidney and address the qi-Blood depletion that chronic hyperarousal produces.

Common patterns:

1. Heart and Gallbladder Qi deficiency — the classical pattern after fright; easily startled, palpitations, nightmares, indecision
2. Heart-Kidney disharmony — insomnia with vivid dreams, anxiety, restlessness, racing mind
3. Liver Qi stagnation with Heat — irritability, anger outbursts, tension, chest tightness
4. Heart Blood deficiency — chronic exhaustion, pale complexion, poor memory, emotional fragility
5. Phlegm misting the Heart — dissociation, confused thinking, emotional flatness

4. Acupuncture for PTSD

Acupuncture for PTSD is supported by a growing evidence base, including studies in military veterans and refugee populations. Mechanisms include autonomic nervous system regulation (shifting from sympathetic dominance towards parasympathetic recovery), modulation of the HPA axis (cortisol normalisation), and direct effects on limbic structures shown on fMRI.

Treatment combines:

1. Shen-calming body points — HT 7 (Shenmen), PC 6 (Neiguan), Yintang, GV 20 (Baihui), SP 6 (Sanyinjiao), KD 3 (Taixi)
2. Liver-soothing points — LV 3 (Taichong), LI 4 (Hegu) (the “Four Gates” combination)
3. Auricular acupuncture — NADA protocol (see below)
4. Constitutional tonification — addressing the underlying Qi-Blood depletion of chronic trauma

Treatment is paced carefully. Trauma patients can be more sensitive to needling and to the post-treatment release of held tension; sessions are kept gentle, short and grounded. Weekly sessions for 8–12 weeks is a typical course, with maintenance thereafter.

5. NADA ear protocol

The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) ear protocol is a standardised five-point auricular acupuncture treatment that has been used worldwide in addiction recovery, disaster relief and trauma settings. The five points (Sympathetic, Shen Men, Kidney, Liver, Lung) calm the nervous system without verbal processing being required, making it particularly suitable for trauma patients who find talking therapy initially intolerable. Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes seated quietly with all five needles in place. NADA is widely used in UK refugee centres, prisons and trauma services.

6. Chinese herbal medicine for PTSD

Formulas for PTSD-related Shen disturbance include An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (for Heart-Gallbladder Qi deficiency with fright and palpitations), Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (for Heart-Kidney disharmony with anxiety, insomnia and exhaustion), Gui Pi Tang (for Heart-Spleen deficiency with rumination and poor sleep) and Xiao Yao San or its variants (for Liver Qi stagnation with irritability). The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

7. Integration with psychotherapy

Acupuncture is best used alongside trauma-focused psychotherapy — not as a replacement. The two modalities are highly complementary: acupuncture lowers nervous-system arousal and improves sleep, which makes EMDR or trauma-focused CBT work more tolerable and productive; psychotherapy works on the cognitive and emotional content that acupuncture alone cannot reach. For combat veterans, sexual assault survivors and complex trauma, this integrated approach produces the best long-term outcomes.

If you are already in psychotherapy, I will not duplicate your therapist’s work — my role is purely the somatic and energetic regulation that supports yours.

8. Self-care and nervous system regulation

Vagal-tone practices

Slow nasal breathing (4-second inhale, 6-second exhale), cold water on the face, humming, singing and chanting all stimulate vagal tone and shift the nervous system from sympathetic hyperarousal towards parasympathetic recovery.

Movement

Trauma is held in the body; movement helps release it. Walking, yoga, tai chi, dance, swimming — whatever feels safe and possible. Avoid pushing into exhausting exercise that re-traumatises the system.

Sleep hygiene

Trauma disrupts sleep; sleep deprivation worsens trauma response. Regular bedtime, no screens for the hour before bed, warm bath or shower, dim lighting, and a cool dark bedroom support recovery.

Connection

Trauma isolates; connection heals. Trusted people, safe groups, animal companions and time in nature all support nervous-system recovery.

9. Commonly asked questions about acupuncture for PTSD

Can acupuncture replace my PTSD medication or therapy?

No — acupuncture complements rather than replaces prescribed medication or trauma-focused therapy. Many patients find their need for short-acting anxiolytics or sleep medication reduces as acupuncture takes effect. Any medication changes should always be made in consultation with your GP or psychiatrist.

Is acupuncture safe for severe trauma?

Yes, when given by a practitioner aware of trauma-informed care. Sessions are paced gently, the patient remains in control throughout, and the practitioner is alert to signs of overwhelm. The NADA ear protocol in particular is widely used in severe trauma settings precisely because it is non-verbal and low-stimulation.

Will I have to talk about the trauma?

Only as much as you choose. The initial consultation requires enough information to plan treatment safely, but no detailed account of the traumatic events themselves is needed. Acupuncture works somatically without requiring narrative processing.

How long until I notice a difference?

Sleep often improves first — sometimes within one or two sessions. Hyperarousal and anxiety usually settle progressively over the first 4–6 sessions. Deeper trauma patterns take longer and benefit from sustained treatment alongside psychotherapy.

How much does treatment cost?

Full pricing is on the treatment prices page. An initial acupuncture consultation is £70 at Wokingham; follow-up sessions are £60.