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Fireworks, Feng Shui & PTSD
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Next week we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. This celebration is marked by barbecues, parades, and of course fireworks.
I remember as a kid being so excited to go to the fireworks stand to buy black cats, sparklers, and my favorite- bottle rockets.
Although this is a national holiday, for many it’s not a party at all. For those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) this can be a rough day.
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder brought on by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat, violent assaults, natural or unnatural disasters, and accidents.
These types of events brings on that innate fight or flight response. This then reflects in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol released into the bloodstream.
The trauma literally gets trapped in our cells. This “trapped trauma” can then manifest in a many ways.
Signs of PTSD
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Nightmares or vivid dreams
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Palpitations
- Nervousness
- Strong or inappropriate emotional responses to stressful or uncomfortable situations
- Aggression
- Violence
Going through a traumatic event is not rare. We have all had some sort of experience like this. Studies show at least half of Americans have had a traumatic event in their lives. Of those who have had trauma, 1 in 10 men and 2 in 10 women will develop PTSD.
Ways to minimize the symptoms of PTSD:
- Eliminate caffeine
- Eliminate refined sugar
- Eliminate alcohol
- Eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables every day
- Drink 8 glasses of water daily
- Supplement with B complex, fish and flax oil
- Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can also be helpful, especially if they are practiced daily.
- Acupuncture
- Herbs
A combination of these activities can substantially reduce or eliminate many of the symptoms of PTSD.
It’s a chemical thing
When you have PTSD, you may not have enough of certain chemicals in your brain that help you manage stress. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (selective
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are medications that can help raise the level of these chemicals in your brain so you feel better. Speak with your healthcare professional for more information.
If you feel stressed and unmotivated, or have low energy and disrupted sleep patterns, the probability is high that your environment may be a contributing factor.
Bring balance
According to Feng Shui, the key to reducing this stress and anxiety lies in creating balance between Yin and Yang (the two energies in Chinese philosophy) and the five Elements, which consist of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. For instance, a home that has too much Yang energy (e.g. too much brightness, lots of straight lines, lots of sharp lines) can create a stressful environment. Likewise, too many fire elements (deep reds and triangular shapes) will do the same.
In a Feng shui consultation, we work with you to improve your surroundings and how you respond to them in order to enhance the quality of your life and make your living space a more peaceful, stress-free environment.
While Feng Shui won’t “cure” PTSD or any other anxiety issue per se, The principles of the practice can assist in creating a comfortable home for a more calm, relaxing and harmonious life.
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July with friends and family. Please be mindful of our Veterans and also our pets while using fireworks. Although seemingly harmless, these loud noises can cause severe stress episodes to those struggling with PTSD.
Get help if you’re in crisis
If you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else:
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) anytime to talk to a crisis counselor. The call is confidential (private) and free.
- Chat online with a crisis counselor anytime at https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- You can also call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:
The above content is for informational purposes only. Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your health care professional on any matter relating to your health and well-being.
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