Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some post-traumatic stress disorder presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for post-traumatic stress disorder. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.