Shock and trauma relief

By Karen Bruno, PT

Shock is a condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow, oxygen, or nutrients to function properly. (1) Shock can be triggered by an intense physical and/or emotional response to trauma, an accident, violence, grief or upsetting news. (2) For proper function, the cells of the body need energy, oxygen, and glucose, so when a disruption occurs, many organs and systems in the body can be affected in a detrimental way. Many of the people who come to physical therapy have experienced shock and trauma at some time in their life. They may have managed to “move on” from the initial experience, their physical wounds may be healed, but their system may still be struggling with effects of the trauma, often unconsciously. Working with certain points in the body to restore balance can be a step in turning around this process.

Here are a few steps you can take to on your own to work with your shock points.

1. Press your thumbs into the ball of your foot for about 1 minute (K1 in acupoint).
2. Hold your fingers over your toes and comfortably squeeze the sides of your feet.
3. Press your thumbs into the “Shock point” in the middle of the heel. Hold this for 30-60 seconds.
4. Do these steps on each foot.
5. Place your hands on your heart and take 3-5 slow, conscious breaths, inhaling for a count of 4; exhaling for a count of 8.
6. Trace figure 8's around your eyes.

This is a basic self-help protocol to get you started. There is a more in-depth process that we can do as part of your physical therapy rehabilitation plan in our private Meditation Program.  Speak to primary physical therapist to schedule a session in the Meditation Program Series if you feel you would benefit this.