Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is one of the most serious mental health challenges of the modern era, often affecting soldiers returning home from war, survivors of natural disasters and people who have experienced violent events. It turns out that the ancient Chinese movement and meditation practice therapy, Qi gong, can be an effective complementary method in treating PTSD and processing trauma.

PTSD and the mind-body relationship

Sadly many people wake up to gunshots, the noise of explosions at this very moment. They experience turmoil and injuries, and leaving a war-zone, people are forced to live with permanent psychological wounds and traumas for life. One of the most striking characteristics of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is that trauma not only leaves its mark on a psychological level, but is also integrated into the body at the cellular level, triggering physical reactions: muscle tension, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbance and chronic stress. The brain keeps the body in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Soldiers are particularly at risk of witnessing or suffering severe stress. This is particularly true for mission-carrying personnel who serve in operational areas. Those affected avoid talking about trauma, the "result" of this repression can be depression, alcoholism, suicide, and an unfavorable person.

Based on the Australian "Warrior Revival" program we at R A Y'S Studios  provide extended help and support for people suffering PTSD. Our approach is based on the world - wide know, unique Calligraphy Health method

At R A Y'S Studios we created a similar "Warrior Revival" Qi Gong program that is specially designed for people who are looking for support in dealing with traumatic difficulties. The practices are taught by R A Y’S Studios founder R A Y who been studying from the authentic Chinese Master Zen HuaYang.

R A Y teaches with maximum empathy, knowledge, patience, and compassion for private in person, online or group lessons.

When we understand ourselves and why we react to certain situations the way we do, we will be able to change our behavior and way of thinking and feeling. We learn to respond from the present, not from past experiences. When we manage to bring traumatic feelings to the surface and have someone by our side, such as an experienced, empathetic and patient teacher, in whose presence we can experience and accept them again, then we will be able to manage stress and anxiety. We become able to absorb and digest what has happened. Over time, we will react differently to difficult moments.

Focusing our attention to the present moment is key

Qi gong can help those affected to live a full life again by restoring harmony between body, mind and spirit. The attention shall be shifted back to the present, which is crucial for people with PTSD as they react to events not in the present, but under the influence of the past.

Qi gong exercises can help to:

• Slow down the breath, that calms the nervous system.

• Reduce tension with gentle movements, which can relieve stress deposited in the body.

• Focusing attention to live in the present moment, which can help move away from excessive rumination from past traumatic experiences.

Mindfulness and movement meditation, which is part of Qi gong, gives the person concerned:

• Observe own feelings and thoughts in a safe environment. 

• Process pain gradually without it becoming overwhelmed.

Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Qi gong

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress reveals that regular exercise of Qi gong can significantly reduce the risk of alcohol or substance abuse, anxiety and depression levels, while improving sleep quality. According to another study published by the American Institute for Veterans Affairs, Qi gong helps regulate levels of stresshormones and supports the balance of the nervous system that is often upset in people affected by PTSD. It is important to emphasize that Qi gong alone is not a substitute for psychotherapy, especially for complex or deep traumas. However, it can be an excellent complement to, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma-focused therapies.