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Natural remedy for treating shock symptoms and the signs of shock.

Shock

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What is Shock?
Diagnosing Shock
What Causes Shock?
Help for Shock
More Information on Shock

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What is Shock?

The medical term shock refers to the organs and tissues of the body not receiving a sufficient flow of blood. As a result of the imbalance of oxygen supply and demand, a build up of waste products occurs and can cause damage to the organs. This type of shock is known as physiological shock and can result in collapse, coma or even death if it is not treated immediately.

Often when people hear disturbing news about a loved one or have endured a traumatic experience, they also suffer from shock. This type of shock is usually referred to as psychological shock and occurs after a physically or emotionally harrowing incident. The state of mind is affected and in more severe cases, professional help may be required.

Treating shock immediately in the case of physiological shock can be life-saving. Treating symptoms of shock associated conditions immediately will prevent organ damage and death. In addition, incorporating healthy changes into your life can make a major difference in the way your body reacts to and deals with physiological shock symptoms.

Diagnosing Shock

The most common symptoms of shock include:

An extremely low blood pressure
Fast but weak pulse
Dizziness, faintness or light-headedness
Feeling weak or nauseous
Moist, clammy skin
Profuse sweating
Unconsciousness
Rapid, shallow breathing
Feeling anxious, agitated or confused
Chest pain
Blue lips and fingernails

What Causes Shock?

There are multiple causes of shock and symptoms depending on which type of shock you are dealing with.

Causes of Physiological Shock

Physiological (circulatory) shock can be caused by any condition that reduces the blood flow.

There are various types of physiological shock and symptoms include:

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is severely damaged by heart attack or heart failure.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when the total volume of blood in the body drops below normal such as severe external or internal bleeding, dehydration, diabetes insipidus, kidney failure, extensive burns, or inflammation of the pancreas.
Hemorrhagic shock occurs as a result of hemorrhage due to physical trauma – e.g. motor vehicle collisions or penetrating injuries such as gunshots or knife wounds.
Neurogenic shock occurs specifically from trauma that leads to spinal cord injuries.
Septic shock occurs when bacterial infection causes toxic shock syndrome and blood pressure drops. Damage to the lungs causing acute respiratory distress syndrome can occur as can liver failure, kidney failure and coma.
Anaphylactic shock is caused by severe allergic reactions to things such as bee and wasp stings, nuts, shellfish, eggs, latex and certain medications, including penicillin.

Causes of Psychological Shock

Receiving disturbing news such as the death of loved one
Being involved in a traumatic event such as a car accident, or being the victim of crime

Psychological shock can disrupt your life, leaving you engrossed and preoccupied with the event or news that caused the shock. The individual may also have difficulty coping with day to day functioning such as personal relationships and work.

If the psychological shock symptoms do not improve and continue to persist, leaving the individual unable to return to normal life, post-traumatic stress disorder may have developed.

The individual with psychological shock symptoms may be affected in the following ways:

Intrusion - the individual fixates on the event and news by playing it over and over again in his or her mind
Avoidance – the individual withdraws from normal activities and may resort to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain
Increased arousal – the individual feels ill-tempered and angry

Help for Shock

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When someone goes into shock, treatment is needed immediately. Treating shock with the following guidelines to make a difference:

Call a doctor or emergency services for medical help immediately.
Check the person’s rate of breathing and circulation every 5 minutes. If the person is experiencing trouble breathing, begin CPR.
Lay the person flat on the back and raise the legs about 25 cm to help restore the blood pressure. If the person is conscious but has trouble breathing, place him or her in a sitting position.
Administer first aid treatment to wounds, injuries or illnesses.
Loosen tight clothing and keep person warm and comfortable.
Do not give the person food or liquids to prevent inhalation of vomit.

Emergency treatment would involve the person in shock being hospitalized. To treat him or her effectively, treating shock will include:

Temperature control such as cooling blankets or warming devices.
Give fluids and blood intravenously to improve the blood flow.
Extra oxygen is administered either by a tube in the nose, a face mask, or an endotracheal tube and ventilator. A ventilator is used if the patient has trouble breathing.
To deal with underlying conditions such as heart problems, drugs are administered or surgery may be performed. Bacterial infections will be treated with antibiotics.

If physiological shock is left untreated, it is usually fatal. Depending on the severity of the condition associated with shock and symptoms, some people do recover while others may need long-term care.

Natural Treatments for Physiological Shock

Physiological signs of shock always requires emergency medical treatment. This type of shock is best treated by a medical doctor or homeopath who would be able to do the necessary diagnostic tests and commence treatment aimed at stabilizing the patient.

On the way to the emergency room, Flower Essences or homeopathic remedies like Aconite which are specifically chosen to treat acute conditions can help to stabilize the individual. However, no other medication, including herbal remedies, should be taken prior to medical examination in the case of a seriously and acutely ill person suffering from symptoms of physiological shock.

Once the patient with physiological signs of shock has been stabilized and treatment begun, there are a number of restorative and immune strengthening herbal remedies which can be used to support healing and recovery.

These herbs include Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), Echinacea, Astragalus, Sweet basil (Ocimum sanctum), Tamarisk (Tinospora cordifolia) and Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Remember to consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, especially if you’ve lost a lot of blood or are also taking prescription medication.

Natural treatments for Psychological Shock

There are natural and holistic treatments to reduce the symptoms of psychological signs of shock and promote emotional recovery. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are 100% safe, natural and effective, and provide excellent relief for the person who has experienced a traumatic encounter.

There are no sedating or harmful side effects like so many of the prescription drugs administered today. Herbal ingredients may include Chamomilla, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Flower), Scutellaria Laterifolia (Scullcap) as well as Lavender help to calm and induce a peaceful state of mind.

Homeopathic remedies for psychological shock include Aconite, Belladonna and Arnica. Flower remedies are also very beneficial. Consult a doctor, homeopath or naturopath if you need help.

More Information on Shock

Preventing Physiological Shock

Physiological Shock can be prevented by being aware of some of the physiological causes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These preventative strategies include:

Wear seatbelts and adhere to speeding limits because neurogenic shock is often as a result of motor vehicle accidents which lead to spinal injuries.
Reduce your risk of heart disease by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, stop smoking and taking the appropriate medication to control symptoms of shock.
Carry an epinephrine pen if you suffer from allergies.
Learn basic first aid.