Whether you survived “Big T” trauma, like abuse or neglect, or a million “little t” traumas, like bullying and loss, nobody gets out of childhood unscathed. When accumulated throughout our lifetimes, these events can leave our nervous system stuck in a state of high alert. Imagine living your life constantly ready to fight a bear – the burden many of us carry due to a heightened “fight-or-flight” response.
While this hyper-vigilance may have been necessary for survival in our evolutionary past, it’s incredibly detrimental in the modern world. Our nervous system is designed to protect us from life-threatening events, but cultural messaging tells us everything is a threat – even when it’s not. As a result, chronic stress disrupts our lives – from digestion and sleep to mood, hormones, and energy levels. We end up feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and emotionally fragile. And that is no way to live.
There are many ways to change your brain. It’s possible to break free from chronic nervous system distress. At Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, we suggest a functional approach to help you achieve lasting peace within your nervous system.
Being aware of our anxiety and overwhelm is the most important first step in the process. Often, our patients will seek guidance from a mental health professional to restore balance in their brain. That could look like several different options:
Talk Therapy: Unearthing and processing any unresolved emotional experiences contributing to your stress can be a powerful first step. The duration of therapy is variable.
Group Therapy: Sharing your experiences in a supportive group setting can be incredibly healing. Starting in August, Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is excited to announce our new monthly Men’s Group. Facilitated by CNMA therapist Rachel Gordon, this group provides a safe space for men to connect, share, and support each other through their individual journeys. Whether dealing with “Big T” traumas or the accumulation of “little t” traumas, group therapy offers a unique opportunity to gain insights and coping strategies from peers who understand what you’re going through. Engaging in group therapy can help normalize your experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and build a sense of community, all of which are vital for restoring balance to your nervous system.
Microdosing (where legal): Research suggests microdosing psilocybin (especially in conjunction with psychotherapy) can effectively calm the nervous system. Psilocybin therapy may take several doses over weeks/ months. It’s important to remember that laws regarding microdosing vary by location.
Neurofeedback: This therapy uses brainwave monitoring to help you learn to regulate your nervous system responses, typically requiring 20-40 sessions for optimal effect.
We encourage and empower patients to take the next step in the process of nervous system transformation. Once the mental aspect has been addressed, patients often notice the physical sensations of stored trauma in their bodies. Here are several modalities we offer that help to restore balance in the physical aspect of the nervous system:
Acupuncture: Helps release trapped emotions and tension from the body, easing the physical manifestations of stress and restoring the nervous system to an optimal state.
Herbal Medicine: Soothes the nervous system naturally by supporting hormonal balance. We often recommend remedies like Neurocalm, Lavela, and Cortisol Manager (available in the office or in our online dispensary).
Mindful Yoga: Cultivates awareness of your body’s signals and helps you develop tools to calm your nervous system in the moment.
Perhaps our nervous system response grew elevated when we were children. In adulthood, we can help you find restoration and balance so that your nervous system functions at an optimal level. I want to emphasize the importance of balance. While addressing the underlying emotional causes of stress is crucial, calming the physical response is equally important.
Healing your nervous system isn’t just about therapy or acupuncture. It’s about developing tools to manage stress in your daily life. And we are here to help. By recognizing the impact of your childhood experiences and taking steps to heal your nervous system, you can reclaim a feeling of wholeness.
Don’t wait to start the process. We offer a complimentary call for new patients to determine if our functional approach to nervous system repair is right for you. Please take the next step in creating an individualized and integrative pain management plan with us. Get on the schedule at Colorado Natural Medicine by calling 303-688-6698 or scheduling online.
Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is located in downtown Castle Rock, Colorado. We serve patients along the front range, from the Denver Metro Area to Colorado Springs.
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