Adverse Childhood Experiences vs. Childhood Complex Trauma: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve spent any time investigating the subjects of childhood trauma or adversity, you’ve most likely come across the terms Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood complex trauma. Usually discussed together, they seem to be nearly interchangeable. The fact is, however, they’re different. Though the difference is small, understanding it is absolutely vital. Imagine ACEs […]
The Stress Factor: How It Impacts Your Health and Why the Liver Matters
Everybody’s heard that stress is terrible for us. Have you ever considered, though, why that is? Why does stress seem to have such a strong hold on our health, influencing everything from headaches to chronic illness? The answer may not surprise you if you’ve been following the wisdom of Chinese medicine or the Daoist healing […]
Understanding the Connection Between Childhood Complex Trauma and Depression
For those who’ve been struggling with depression—especially if it seems like it’s been there for years—it can feel like an impenetrable shadow. The frustrating fact is that many of us never really understood where it was coming from. I only recently realized that my own struggles with depression were connected to the trauma I experienced […]
Building Resilience Through Food: Nourishing Qi, Blood, and Jing
Recovering from trauma is no small task, and developing resilience following trying events can tax us greatly. The good news is that food can be a great ally throughout this process. Three major “building blocks” in Daoist healing serve as the foundation of our vitality and resilience: qi, blood, and jing. Particularly in light of […]
5 Common Signs of Childhood Complex Trauma You May Not Recognize
When we consider signs of trauma’s impact, the first things that come to mind for many of us are large, dramatic symptoms. We’re talking flashbacks, or severe panic attacks, like those often experienced by war veterans. Trauma, particularly the complex kind experienced in childhood, does not always show up in clear-cut form though. Sometimes the […]
Finding Balance in Turbulent Times: Creating Inner Stability in a Chaotic World
Have you ever woken up, checked the news, and right away felt as if the rug had been pulled from under you? For sure I’m not alone in this. I scan through the most recent headlines some mornings and, before I know it, a wave of frustration, disbelief, even despair strikes. I find myself paralyzed […]
Facing Uncertainty: How to Stay Grounded When Fear Creeps In
Let’s be real: life feels pretty uncertain right now. Political upheaval has a way of doing that. And if you’re anything like me, that uncertainty can quickly spiral into fear—perhaps even a minor panic attack. Sometimes when we gaze out at the world—or even at our own life—everything we assumed we could rely on seems […]
Why Childhood Complex Trauma is More Common Than You Think
When you hear the word “trauma,” what do you think of first? For many of us, it’s the major, clear-cut stuff—physical violence, auto accidents, or natural disasters. Trauma, however, is not always clearly obvious or dramatic. Actually, a lot of trauma is subtle and creeps into our daily lives in ways we might not even […]
Reconnecting with Daily Rhythms: Finding Balance with Your Body’s Natural Cycles
If you’ve experienced trauma in childhood, it can be very difficult to cultivate a sense of safety and security. You always feel a bit “off kilter.” One gentle approach to feeling more grounded is to reconnect with life’s daily rhythms—like your natural sleep, eating, and rest patterns. Particularly in times when life has been anything […]
Standing Your Ground: A Simple Meditation to Cultivate Stability and Ease Anxiety
Have you ever felt like you’re floating, unsettled, or just can’t shake that anxious, jittery feeling? Having a sense of stability, of being grounded, is difficult for a lot of people, particularly those who’ve experienced trauma in the past. In particular, childhood complex trauma can cause long-term anxiety, making it difficult to achieve stability and […]