Description
Explains trauma using a combination of the Five Elements (from Traditional Chinese Medicine) and a touch perspective; for practitioners of a variety of modalities, including acupuncturists, somatic therapists, massage therapists, and mental health providers.
Combining Eastern and Western trauma physiology, clinician-educators Alaine Duncan and Kathy Kain introduce a new map for acupuncturists, medical practitioners, mental health providers, and body-oriented clinicians to help restore balance in their patients. Using concepts from Acupuncture and Asian Medicine (AAM), alongside descriptions of the threat response from Western bio-behavioral science, they describe common physical symptoms, emotional presentations, and paths for healing for five survivor “types” detailed by the authors and correlated to the Five Elements of AAM. This ancient/modern integrative lens illuminates the diverse manifestations of traumatic stress in its survivors–chronic pain, autoimmune illness, insomnia, metabolic problems, and mental health disorders–and brings new hope to survivors of trauma and those who treat them.
johnbwisr (verified owner) –
This book is the result of extremely painstaking research by two highly experienced and insightful professional-scholars. The book includes a very thorough and insightful review of various domains of relevant literature, and the knowledge shared is based on the wealth of experience and wisdom of these two professionals. The insights articulated in the book grows out of their years’ of practice, as well as extensive experience educating and training professionals, augmented by data elicited from interviews these professionals. Despite the complexity of the topics addressed the writing is accessible, and combines theoretical insights with concrete illustrations.
HC (verified owner) –
This book is required for any acupuncturist or therapist that works with patients who have experienced trauma. Duncan has a wonderful ability to explain why and how to use the protocols. This books is especially great for those who have taken her five module course, Tao of Trauma. It’s like taking a little bit of Alaine to the office with you every day! Highly recommended.
Diane Shandor, L.Ac. (verified owner) –
A remarkable and very practical book bringing together the understandings of Five-Element Acupuncture, modern neurobiology, and the touch protocols based in somatic experiencing work.
Alaine Duncan, with Kathy Kain, has given us a new guide to working with clients who have experienced trauma as children or in later life. The insights and specific guidance shared in the “Tao of Trauma” will be helpful to both health workers and folks struggling to understand and heal their own physical and emotional pain.
Jess (verified owner) –
As an Acupuncturist and human being, the information, explanation, and practical examples presented in The Tao of Trauma have revolutionized the way I approach my life’s work. This book provides a deep understanding of the impacts of traumatic stress, how to recognize this energetically, understand the results it can have on one’s physiology as a whole, and how to introduce healing techniques that can help one find more ease in living harmoniously in the world. The Tao of Trauma has become a meeting point for me, one that integrates neurobiology, somatic touch techniques, along with the deep wisdom and understanding of Five Element Acupuncture. I am profoundly grateful for Alaine’s work, the restoration it has provided to me personally and the profound healing possibilities it continues to allow me to share with others. An amazing tool, for sure! I am ever grateful to have this knowledge in one book!
GalacticAccident (verified owner) –
This books description of the 5 Steps of the Self-Protective Response really changed my whole understanding of what I need to do to heal myself. Although this book is written for the primary audience of practitioners, I believe anyone who is interested in PTSD and how stress affects our bodies/selves/lives will be interested.
Ralph Meoni (verified owner) –
This book is a treasure for treating trauma. I have read the entire book and will be reading it several times for reference. I am enrolled in the Tao of Trauma training and it is transformational. I cannot write enough great words to describe this landmark book.
Sally E. (verified owner) –
This book is a magnificent and practical guide to healing trauma through acupuncture and alternative medicine. It has a clear and engaging narrative and drawings that are so helpful to understanding the text. Bravo!
wally frohsinn (verified owner) –
Tolles Buch, schlägt eine Brücke zwischen neurobiologischen Erkenntnissen und TCM.
Joseph Knecht (verified owner) –
I’m not profiting from posting this in any way. I just feel it’s high time this information became accessible and it deserves to be in anyone’s hands who needs it.
1) It is such a well written book! Taoist thought, 5 Element Acupuncture theory and the neurobiological basis of trauma are difficult topics to understand on their own. It is no easy feat for the author’s to integrate all three into a comprehensible, easy to understand format.
2) The examples given of the negative effects of unresolved trauma are met with compassion, rather than shame. We need more of this in the world.
3) The authors’ use of metaphors are down to earth and highly relatable.
I highly recommend this book, the first and so far only of its kind.
I recommend it to practitioners and to anyone who wants to learn more about the impact of trauma and the practical business of how to move from a state of brokenness to a state of wholeness that can be long lasting.
J. Chong (verified owner) –
Best Chinese Medicine (and yoga) book I’ve read all year. Finally, a book that addresses trauma in a way that bridges theory and practice for Acupuncturists, or any practitioner who has studied the five elements. I hope Acupuncture schools will add this to their required reading list. It is that valuable as a practitioner. I can’t wait to take Alaine’s training.
LJ williams (verified owner) –
The Tao of trauma beautifully blends two unique modalities for healing trauma and restoring regulation in people. As an acupuncturist I find the SE techniques extremely effective and simple in helping people heal from trauma. This books provides a lens for non-acupuncturists to utilize the strengths and understanding of 5 element theory to facilitate their clients healing. This book is a remarkable tool for parents, teachers, therapists, body workers… anyone and everyone who hopes to help a person who is hurting.
The basic 5 element theory gives a textural framework to begin understanding the relationship of the SE stages and how to recognize them.
As a person who has used and been treated within this framework I found it profoundly healing.
Alaine has written a beautiful and powerful book which is just the tip of the iceberg. Her mastery and compassion on the treatment room is profound to experience and learn from.
It is a book for everyone not just acupuncturists.
Juliana (verified owner) –
I am amazed by the level of content in this book
Jane Mizrahi (verified owner) –
The best way I know how to work with my clients is by connecting with their internal experience.
This book helps me do that in new ways! Though I am extremely cautious using touch, I’m always comfortable inviting my clients to tap in and use their own hands on their own bodies to help them re-regulate their nervous system. Thank you, Alaine!
Ms. Sarah (verified owner) –
This is an amazing addition to any clinician’s library. As a somatic therapist, I found the Tao of Trauma especially helpful. Alaine & Kathy did a beautiful and thorough job blending the different worlds of healing modalities in a way that is an easy read. As a social worker who works with complex and developmental trauma, and trained in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Resilience and Regulation, Brainspotting, yoga and personally practice qigong, I frequently reference this book, and share it with my clients.
Octavia (verified owner) –
I’ve always had unresolved mental and health issues that have mysteriously come and gone… among the most bothersome, digestive issues and an acute negative reaction to perfumes and cleaning supply smells.
I randomly came across this book while studying trauma and I was curious what an eastern approach to trauma looked like. It’s written beautifully and simply (no easy feat considering the complexity of the topic) but what really struck me was when I reached a chapter that read as if the author was deeply familiar with my medical history. After asking my parents, it turns out I had a medical trauma when I was around 2 years old and following it, my health and behavior changed substantially – almost following Duncan’s descriptions to a tee.
Thirty-four years later, this discovery has given me a better understanding of my reaction to the trauma, why my body reacted the way it did, and HOW I can begin to heal. I’m saddened to think how many people are experiencing similar health problems without having this powerful knowledge.
I can’t over emphasize how much of an impact this book has had on me and how grateful I am I stumbled across it.
R. S. (verified owner) –
Great book on trauma and how deal with it from a wholistic way!
Rory (verified owner) –
This is an excellent book for practitioners of any style of medicine. Well researched and put together in an easy to read fashion. The authors personal additions to the content, in my opinion, are the key to make this a five star book on the subject of trauma.
slr (verified owner) –
I’ve always admired the spiritual and poetic nature of the Chinese/Taoist approach to the healing arts. This is an excellent companion to the older text “Between Heaven and Earth” by Korngold and Beinfeld.
Sherry (verified owner) –
This book is amazing! My thirst to know more about how the body stores trauma coupled with my love of the five elements makes this my go to resource
Eugenia (verified owner) –
Hay alguna información útil pero estoy a la mitad del libro y solo ahora se da alguna información práctica. Esperaba que fuera más práctica. Pero voy a sacar algunos consejos, por lo menos.