Complementary therapies for treating survivors of torture.

Abstract

The long-term consequences of torture are complex, multidimensional, and pervasive. Torture leaves indelible scars in the mind, body, and cultural world of survivors, compromising their health and well-being. A clearer understanding of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural mechanisms underlying these difficulties is emerging. Research findings on pain are relevant for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its associated chronic pain. Rehabilitation programs require cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise, including of complementary therapies. This article explores the use of complementary therapies in which psychotherapy, in concert with either physiotherapy or bodywork, is offered. Case studies illustrate its application and potential benefits. The clinical experience in controlled circumstances suggests the thesis that complementary therapies advance the psychological and physical healing process.

**********

Resume

Les consequences a long terme de la torture sont complexes, multidimensionnelles et envahissantes. La torture laisse des cicatrices indelebiles sur la psyche, le corps physique et l'espace culturel des rescapes, compromettant leur sante et leur bien-etre. Une meilleure comprehension des mecanismes biologiques, psychologiques et socioculturels sous-tendant ces difficultes commence a prendre forme. Les resultats de la recherche sur la douleur sont pertinents pour ceux qui souffrent du syndrome de stress post-traumatique (SSPT) et des douleurs chroniques associees. Les programmes de rehabilitation requierent des connaissances specialisees multidisciplinaires, y compris une connaissance des methodes therapeutiques complementaires. Cet article examine l'usage de methodes therapeutiques complementaires ou la psychotherapie est offerte de pair avec soit la physiotherapie ou des approches corporelles ('bodywork'). Des etudes de cas demontrent ses domaines d'application et ses avantages potentiels. L'experience clinique, menee dans des conditions controlees, suggere l'hypothese que les approches complementaires et paralleles en sante ont pour effet de promouvoir le processus de guerison psychologique et physique.

When refugees arrive in their host country, it is a relief from persecution, an end to flight, and the beginning of a new life, though the baggage of exile ...

If you are already a vLex customer, Access Here