Acupuncture for PTSD Support in Portland
PTSD isn’t just something that lives in your mind, it can sit deep in the body. It can shape how you sleep, breathe, react, and relate to the world. At Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland, we offer care that understands this.
Our trauma-informed acupuncture is gentle, grounded, and built around safety. Whether your trauma is new or something you’ve carried for years, we meet you with steady support—no rush, no pressure.
How Acupuncture Supports the Body After Trauma
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, trauma shakes things loose and locks things down. It can block circulation, unsettle digestion, keep your system on edge, and disturb rest.
Acupuncture helps shift that. Not by digging into the story but by guiding your body toward a calmer rhythm.
It can help by:
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Soothing your fight-or-flight response
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Easing panic or anxiety
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Supporting steadier sleep and digestion
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Helping muscles release long-held tension
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Restoring a feeling of connection to your body
It’s not meant to replace therapy but it can hold space for what your body’s been holding onto.
Care That Respects Your Boundaries
Trauma affects everyone differently. So we build care that stays flexible. You decide what feels safe. You can always pause. And you never have to explain anything you don’t want to.
Our approach includes:
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Choice in how we start, what techniques we use, and how long we go
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Gentle acupuncture, acupressure, or no-needle options
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A quiet space with soft lighting and warmth
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Practitioners trained in trauma awareness, emotional grounding, and body-based healing
Sometimes people come just to rest. That’s allowed, too.
What Symptoms Can Be Eased
People with PTSD often come to us with other symptoms, not always tied to the trauma in obvious ways.
We often support:
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Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
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Tension that won’t let up
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Mood swings, panic, or unease
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Gut issues that don’t seem to make sense
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A sense of being shut down or too overwhelmed to function
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Ongoing fatigue
You don’t need the “right words.” We follow what your body shows us and respond with care.
What Sessions Look Like
The first visit is slow and gentle. You share only what feels okay. We listen, then suggest a starting place together.
A typical plan might include:
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Weekly acupuncture to support emotional and nervous system balance
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Optional herbal blends for sleep or stress
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Gua sha or soft bodywork to help your body feel safe again
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Time to rest and regroup
Every session builds from the one before. Always at your speed.
Is Acupuncture Safe for PTSD?
Yes. When it’s done by someone trained in trauma care, acupuncture is a safe way to settle the body and build emotional steadiness.
Some people feel sleepy or tender after a session. That’s common and it usually fades fast. If you’re already working with a therapist or doctor, we’re happy to work alongside them.
Healing Doesn’t Have to Be Done Alone
Trauma recovery isn’t a straight path. It loops, it pauses, it stirs things up. But it can also soften.
If you’re looking for a space where your body is welcome just as it is — we’re here.
Reach out to schedule a session. Or just ask questions. No expectations.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
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