Holistic Therapeutics for Stress and Trauma

Overview

• Introduction
• The stress response
• Body systems affected by the stress response
• General holistic support for stress and trauma
• Herbal therapeutics recipe/formula
• Contact

As fires rage for different reasons around our world and the aftermath looms on the horizon, many are left with significant loss, grief, and trauma.  These feelings can emerge immediately as disaster hits, and can live within those affected indefinitely.  As our external world becomes unbridled, internally, our body systems and responses are working to support us in the immediate moment via the stress response.  The stress response has two children, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.  

‍

The sympathetic nervous system is our “fight or flight” mode, and activates/deactivates other body systems in order to provide the body resources to protect itself in the face of an immediate stressor or danger.  The parasympathetic nervous system is our “rest and digest” mode, and also activates/deactivates other body systems in order to provide longevity support to the body as a whole.  In an ideal situation after a stressor occurs, our “fight or flight” mode is deactivated and we move into “rest and digest” mode again, but when traumatic experiences occur, the sympathetic nervous system can stay activated indefinitely.  This can be due to continued and reverberating effects from disaster and loss that continue to live in someone’s reality for months after a situation occurs, and/or it can be from perceived danger as seen in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  

‍

If the sympathetic nervous system is activated for weeks, months, and years, the body moves into a state of chronic stress.  Chronic stress can take a toll on the body in numerous ways and lead to significant health issues.  Not only can chronic stress be initiated from a single traumatic experience or event, but it can also occur due to more common experiences like a high pressure work environment, an unsettled home life, and not getting basic needs met– like not having consistent access to food, water, housing, care, and necessities.

‍

What Systems are Affected by the Stress Response?

• The nervous system
• The digestive system
• The brain and neurological system
• The cardiovascular system
• The endocrine system
• The muscular system
• The respiratory system
• The immune system

‍

How to Support the Body in Times of Severe Stress and Trauma

Immediately after a Traumatic Event

• Vitamin C-rich foods
• Foods rich in B3, B5, B6, B12
• Electrolytes like sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium; Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes or a dash of salt in water with a squeeze of lemon
• L-Theanine
• Herbal therapeutics like passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile
• Lean on your loved ones and support systems
• If you are safe, disengage from the cyberworld and do something to connect with your body; Breathing exercises, stretching, walking, resting
• Slow down and take time to process and heal

‍

For Longterm Trauma Support

Continue with recommendations from previous section in addition to –

• Herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha, siberian ginseng, Tulsi/holy basil; Adaptogens work best when taken consistently over an extended period of time to support the body’s stress response; If taking medications, please be mindful of contraindications
• Cooked vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Complex carbs
• “Free and Easy Wanderer” Traditional Chinese Medicine pills

‍

Big Hug Herbal Tea

• ½-1 tsp Tulsi/Holy basil
  • Adaptogenic stress support
  • Supports the respiratory system (extremely useful for those in Los Angeles right now)
  • Immune support
• ½-1 tsp Chamomile flower or passionflower
  • Use Chamomile for low-grade stress, use passionflower for severe and traumatic stress; Both herbs may cause some drowsiness, take in the evening to support restful sleep (also beneficial for a healthy stress response)
  • Chamomile supports relaxation
  • Passionflower is a general sedative used for anxiety, tension, irritability, and insomnia
• ½-1 tsp Wu Wei Zi/Schisandra berries
  • Contains reliable Vitamin C needed for a healthy stress response
  • Supports many different systems and organs
  • Supports the respiratory system (extremely useful for those in Los Angeles right now)
  • Aids the nervous system

Add herbs to a tea strainer and place into a mug.  Add 8oz of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove strainer and sip.  Herbs can be reused for a second brew after or another time.  Herbs can also be added loosely to a pot of water and boiled.  Once the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and steep for 10 minutes.  Let herbs settle to the bottom before serving or straight out and sip.

If you are undergoing severe trauma from any situation and would like holistic support, please reach out to me. Through working together, care will go beyond the recommendations in this editorial to support the demands on your body in a calculated manner. Learn about why these foods are important for the stress response, and how you can further support your body's stress response in times of need through 1:1 holistic nutrition sessions.

If you have been displaced by the Los Angeles fires and are looking for support, you can email me to set up a free personalized holistic nutrition session through the end of the month.

Contact - emily@ciclowell.com