The Tao of Trauma: A Practitioner's Guide for Integrating Five Element Theory and Trauma Treatment Paperback – January 8, 2019

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.

This helped me write my thesis about trauma and allostatic load -great book!

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.

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.

I am an acupuncturist and this book has changed the way I treat patients. More and more patients are getting better faster and healing at a deeper level after I started using the teachings and techniques this book offers. It is ***NOT ONLY*** FOR ACUPUNCTURISTS - If you are a healer or work with patients you must learn this.Alaine's writing is very clear; she explains the science behind using simple language easy to understand by anyone. I LOVE that Alaine offers many case studies to integrate theory and practice. I LOVE THIS BOOK. I go back to it over and over. I also have the Audio version; it is so nice to learn something or review concepts every time I listen to the book.

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.

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.

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.