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Healing Touch and Guided Imagery for OEF/OIF with PTSD
Pilot Project for OEF/OIF with PTSD
The Oklahoma City VAMC was awarded a national VA grant to conduct a pilot project using Healing Touch and guided imagery as a three-week treatment series for PTSD, to be used along with traditional PTSD treatment. The treatment series was developed by the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in California. It has been used with post-deployment Marines from Afghanistan with PTSD symptoms, getting good results in decrease of symptoms.
METHODS USED:
Healing Touch is a gentle, nurturing energy therapy that uses the hands to direct energy (Chi). This balances the energy centers, and clears and balances the energy field. It is not invasive and is not religiously based. This can be done either by using light touch, or by directing energy a few inches above the body. Treatment sessions are about an hour each.
Guided Imagery is a way of using the imagination to help a person heal. The imagery used is “Healing Trauma” by Belleruth Naparstek. It is on an audio CD, about 30 minutes long.
WHO IS THIS FOR:
OEF/OIF veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Staying with ongoing PTSD treatment is recommended during this pilot project.
WHAT'S INVOLVED:
Two Healing Touch sessions a week, for three consecutive weeks
Listen to the guided imagery “Healing Trauma” daily
Keep a log when you listened to the imagery and effects you notice from it and Healing Touch
Two short measurement instruments: before, after, and 30 days after the treatment sequence
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
Lessening of some PTSD symptoms
Marines at Camp Pendleton got good results
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS:
No side-effects to Healing Touch or to Guided Imagery
Don't drive while playing guided imagery
There is some time involved, and commitment to using the imagery
OTHER INFORMATION:
No group work involved
Listen to guided imagery when and where you choose
Don't have to talk about traumatizing event(s)
Guided Imagery CD is yours to keep
Can learn Healing Touch for self-use if you want
Works with medications
You are encouraged to keep doing the treatment that you are already doing
Some evening and weekend appointment times available, please ask about this
HOW TO SIGN UP:
Tell the OEF/OIF Program Office, or any provider, that you are interested in this pilot project
PERSON OFFERING THE PILOT PROJECT:
Terry Sparks, Staff Chaplain (Certified Healing Touch Practitioner/Instructor) (405) 456-5138
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