The Troubled Shen: Treating Trauma

Abstract 

In this opening session, we being a comprehensive exploration of trauma and its profound impact on individuals. We’ll be defining trauma from multiple perspectives, examining life events that precipitate it, and unpacking the psychiatric nuances of PTSD. By distinguishing between the types of trauma and PTSD, participants will gain a foundational understanding crucial for effective treatment and patient support. This session sets the stage for a deeper understanding into trauma’s complexities and the therapeutic strategies to address them.

Learning Objectives

1. Grasp a broad perspective on the nature of trauma.
2. Distinguish between various types of trauma and understand their significance.
3. Define PTSD from a psychiatric standpoint.

Session Content

1. Introduction
2. Course objective
3. Different ways to define trauma
4. Life events that cause trauma
5. Psychiatric definition for PTSD
6. Types of PTSD

Abstract

In our second meeting, we focus on the body’s profound connection to trauma, emphasizing the principle that “the body remembers.” We’ll explore how trauma affects bodily mechanisms, introducing the concept of the window of tolerance to understand the body’s response to traumatic events. Participants will learn practical techniques to create a safe space for patients, crucial for their healing process. Additionally, the session covers strategies to support patients experiencing dissociation, providing a more profound understanding of trauma’s impact on the body and how to navigate it therapeutically. This meeting equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to address the physical manifestations of trauma in their patients.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the body’s responses to stress and mechanisms of safety.
2. Apply techniques to establish a secure environment for trauma patients.
3. Assist patients in managing dissociation.

Session content

1. The body remembers-the body and trauma cont’
2. The window of tolerance
3. Trauma vortex and healing vortex
4. Key feature for working with trauma

Abstract

Meeting 3 introduces the foundational principles of Chinese medicine as they apply to trauma therapy. Beginning with an overview of trauma from the perspective of Chinese medicine, this session covers the integral meridian system, emphasizing its holistic role in healing trauma. Participants will explore the critical importance of the diaphragm in trauma response, understand the connection between main meridians and trauma manifestations, and learn to detect the unique pulses indicative of trauma. By integrating these ancient principles with contemporary trauma care, practitioners will gain a more in-depth knowledge of how to harness the power of Chinese medicine to support the healing process.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore the concept of SHANG within the context of trauma.
2. Comprehend the holistic meridian system and its significance in trauma treatment.
3. Examine the role of the 5 elements and corresponding organs in addressing trauma.
4. Identify characteristic pulses associated with trauma.

Session Content

• Trauma and Chinese medicine- introduction
• The whole meridians system
• The importance of the diaphragm
• Main meridians and trauma
• Pulses of trauma

Abstract

In the concluding session of our series, we build on the foundational knowledge established in the earlier sessions, to go deeper into the practical applications of Chinese medicine for trauma. This session zeroes in on the emotional aspects of trauma and their treatment, outlining key principles and techniques for effective intervention. Through the examination of case examples, participants will see these principles brought to life, gaining valuable insights into the application of Chinese medicine in real-world scenarios. This final meeting empowers practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to integrate these ancient practices into their treatment of trauma, enhancing their therapeutic impact.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore trauma patterns in Chinese Medicine, learning to apply its principles using acupuncture points and herbal formulas
2. Analyze real-life case examples to apply learned principles.

Session Content

• Emotions related to trauma
• Treatment principle and techniques
• Herbal formulas
• Cases examples.