https://philaacupuncture.com/treatment-for-anxiety/
Treatment for anxiety can range from standard medication to behavioral therapy, with many options in between. Treatments for anxiety can vary depending on the severity as well as the type of disorder a person has. Some doctors would treat anxiety disorders using different antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. Other doctors even prescribe a combination of antidepressants to help treat the disorder.
However, most people are wary about taking antidepressants for fear of becoming too dependent on the drugs. These medications also have addictive properties in them that can have the patient rely heavily on them for help. Because of the synthetic chemicals in prescription drugs, more and more people are looking for natural treatments for anxiety disorders. Patients are looking for a more practical and long-term approach to the treatment of anxiety without any side effects.
If you are searching for a natural treatment for anxiety disorder, you came to the right place. There are multiple options listed in this article that do not require dependence on debilitating drugs or years of expensive and extensive psychological therapy and counseling.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about writing an exam or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.
What is anxiety?
The question of what is anxiety must be answered properly before we can begin to completely understand what causes the condition. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about writing an exam, going for a job interview, and so on.
During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including:
- Panic disorder
- Phobias, such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
Symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can be mild or severe. Listed below are symptoms of anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense.
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom.
- Having an increased heart rate.
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Feeling weak or tired.
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
What are the causes of anxiety?
While there are many different theories and speculations as to the cause of anxiety, its direct source is not known. There are, however, many factors that can bring out and intensify the effects of anxiety that we see and feel. The most common consistency linking together those who have anxiety is intense stress caused by a variety of factors.
Listed below are the causes of anxiety
- Constant worrying about financial matters, (income stability, pending debt, etc.).
- Heredity – If you have family members that have suffered from anxiety, your chances of struggling with this illness are much higher.
- Composition Of the Brain – Certain lifestyle choices, such as drug abuse, may alter the levels of chemicals in the brain, causing anxiety.
- Personality – A low concept of self-worth may cause anxiety in certain individuals.
What is an anxiety attack?
An anxiety attack is a mental state in which you may experience one or several symptoms, which will often be very intense and frightening. During an anxiety attack, you may feel as if you are going to die. It is an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and fear that leaves you feeling like you just ran a marathon. It drains you physically and emotionally and it is not uncommon for someone to fall asleep for a good long time right after having a panic attack.
The frequency of anxiety attacks can vary from once a year to several times a day depending on the severity and whether or not it is being treated. Panic attacks take a lot out of you and at times, you may think that life will never get better. Many things can trigger an anxiety attack and they are normally related to fear or change.
Symptoms of an anxiety attack
Some of the common symptoms of an anxiety attack are:
- Racing heartbeat
- Sweaty palms
- Shaky legs
- Not being able to support yourself
- Fear of impending death
- Hyperventilation
- Suffocating feeling
- Numbness in arms and legs
- Blurred vision, and many others.
Causes of an anxiety attack
So what causes anxiety attacks and why are they so scary? Anxiety attacks can happen without warning, but they don’t happen without a reason. Something else has been going on in the background and some sort of ‘trigger’ has then sparked-off the attack. Listed below are causes of an anxiety attack
- Major trauma in someone s life is one of the main causes of anxiety Someone who has been abused mentally or physically for a large part of their lives or has perhaps lost someone very close to them suddenly or was maybe involved in an accident of some sort.
- Illegal drugs such as LSD and ecstasy to name only two can cause the user to show symptoms of anxiety. Caffeine which most people would recognize as being a stimulant found in coffee can also trigger anxiety attacks. If you suffer from anxiety it would be wise to avoid drinking coffee or switch to a decaffeinated variety.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder occurs when anxiety starts to impact a person’s life and prevents them from engaging with other people. Rather than feeling anxious in response to actual danger, someone with an anxiety disorder will experience the same symptoms in situations they perceive as dangerous (e.g. when meeting new people or taking public transportation).
Various forms and progressions of anxiety disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This is an anxiety disorder of exaggerated stress without reason to be stressed. Sufferers tend to have difficulty relaxing or sleeping. They may experience lightheadedness, shortness of breath, trembling, nausea, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, or sweating.
Panic Disorder (PD)
This is an extreme form of anxiety that causes sudden and unpredictable terror. This form often becomes disabling as a sufferer avoids a situation that they fear may trigger an attack. These panic attacks have symptoms like GAD; lightheadedness, shortness of breath, trembling, nausea, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating and the added ones of rapid pulse and chest pain. A person may have an unfounded fear of dying or going crazy. Depression, alcoholism, or drug abuse is common among sufferers.
Agoraphobia
This is the most restrictive anxiety disorder and is diagnosed when panic attacks cause sufferers to increasingly restrict their activities. As people increasingly avoid situations that they fear may trigger an attack they become so restricted that they may confine themselves to their homes.
Social Phobia (SP)
This is an anxiety disorder that is evident in social settings. It is an intense fear of being embarrassed and will likely cause sufferers to avoid parties, eating out, or any situation where the sufferer feels that the focus of others is on them. Unlike shyness, those with SP can feel at ease around others yet particular situations, often unique to them, will cause intense anxiety. SP can disrupt relationships and careers as sufferers avoid trigger situations.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This is a condition where an anxiety-driven person is unable to control their ritual behavior. This may be repeated washing of hands or checking things repeatedly (compulsions), or persistent, unwelcome thoughts.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This can be the product of a terrifying event. It causes sufferers to have frightening thoughts and memories. Any recollection of the incident can be difficult and ordinary events can trigger flashbacks or intrusive images. Sufferers may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts. Depression and substance abuse often accompany PTSD.
Symptoms of anxiety disorder
The main symptom of anxiety disorders is excessive fear or worry. Anxiety disorders can also make it hard to breathe, sleep, stay still, and concentrate. Listed below are common symptoms of anxiety disorder:
- Panic, fear, and uneasiness
- Feelings of panic, doom, or danger
- Sleep problems
- Not being able to stay calm and still
- Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling hands or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing faster and more quickly than normal (hyperventilation)
- Heart palpitations
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Tense muscles
- Dizziness
Natural Treatment for anxiety disorder
The natural treatment for anxiety disorder is one of the most searched information online because of its effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety without causing any side effects.
Listed below are natural treatments for an anxiety disorder:
Meditation – the most popular natural treatment for anxiety
Meditation for anxiety is one of the natural remedies for anxiety and depression that is very effective. Meditation, in its simplest terms, refers to learning how to pay attention. When used properly, meditation for anxiety allows you to slow down and observe the world without judgment. If you live with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it can also help to reduce worrying thoughts and bring about a feeling of balance, calm, and focus. One of the best ways to practice meditation is through mindfulness.
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation for anxiety that helps an individual become more aware of the present moment. Mindfulness meditation may help reduce anxiety because they enable you to reduce worry and be aware without being fearful. How to practice mindfulness meditation:
- Find a comfortable position. Many people sit on the floor with legs crossed and spine tall.
- Bring your awareness to the present. Once you’re sitting comfortably in a quiet area, start focusing your attention inward. Close your eyes and begin with breathing.
- Acknowledge your thoughts. Initially, practicing meditation can increase feelings of anxiety or self-judgment. Am I doing this right? What should I be doing? Rather than trying to suppress that inner dialogue, recognize it, and wait for it to pass.
Yoga for anxiety – ancient exercise-based natural treatment for anxiety
Yoga for anxiety is one of the natural remedies for anxiety that is part of a larger system designed to prevent anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and depression. It is the perfect relation technique for people who seek proper treatment for anxiety disorders. Yoga seeks to create peace within one’s psyche, advocating positive thought and serenity. Yoga combines physical exercises (the asana) with deep-breathing (yoga Nidra), creating a truly tranquil emotional and spiritual experience.
Yoga for anxiety brings calming effects to the core of your inner-being. If you look at a list of symptoms for anxiety, it is very diverse, but Yoga for anxiety has many diverse techniques to address each one of them.
Herbal remedies – popular natural treatment for anxiety
Herbal remedies for anxiety is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and depression that is effective in the treatment of anxiety. Listed below are herbal remedies for anxiety:
- This is one of the best herbs for anxiety and has been most favorable in its results. It was given in only a few dosages and lessened the anxiety levels in those people that participated in the research.
- This is an herbal remedy for anxiety that is used in treating anxiety and has been used for many years as a medicine for other problems. Catnip is usually taken in tea form or some type of tincture these are known to suppress anxieties and calm frazzled nerves.
- This is an herb that has been around for over 100 years. Rosemary tea is what the medicinal use is and can be made by adding a few tablespoons of the herb to boiling water. You should let it sit for approximately fifteen minutes. Rosemary is also one of the great best herbs for anxiety. It has hardly any cons associated with its use.
Homeopathic remedies – #1 natural treatment for anxiety
Homeopathic remedies for anxiety is a natural remedy for anxiety that is also very effective. Listed below are homeopathic remedies for anxiety
Aconitum napellus
- A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face.
Argentum nitricum
- This relieves apprehension or stage fright accompanied by agitation and a feeling of hurriedness. A physical sign corresponding to this medicine is stomach aches with belching, due to slower digestion.
Arsenicum album
- People who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from this remedy. Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything.
Calcarea carbonica
- This homeopathic remedy for anxiety is usually indicated for dependable, solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for anxiety
Indeed, it is possible to use acupuncture for anxiety and depression related issues. With many people having a busy lifestyle and more pressure at workplaces, there are more people who suffer from depression and anxiety-related issues worldwide.
As it is the state of a person’s mind and emotions can influence the physical health of that individual. This is due to the strong connection between the mind and body.
Hence, it is not surprising that diet, advice about lifestyle, and herbology all make up part of the acupuncture for anxiety treatment in many cases.
Acupuncture is a technique of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an alternative therapy, which was initially practiced in China almost 4 thousand years ago and now it’s popular all over the world.
Five elements philosophy in acupuncture for anxiety.
Since physical health can also affect a person’s emotions or mind, anxiety and depression could be the result of different medical conditions. Without proper treatment and care, anxiety and depression may cause other serious physical sicknesses, especially at some point in the development of anxiety. Even simple worries are classified as an anxiety episode. If a person suffers from chest pain, shortness of breath and a higher than normal heartbeat rate, these could be the signs of anxiety.
In acupuncture all internal organs related to one of 5 main elements (water, wood, fire, metal, and earth). According to this theory of five elements, one of the “fire” organs is the heart. The kidney is termed as a water organ. Both of them balance each other to keep a well-balanced energy flow in the body.
In Chinese philosophy, access to water (hyperfunction of kidneys) will kill the fire and thus cause heart diseases. Opposite if too much fire produced by the heart (when the heart is working too hard) water will dry and kidney disease is expected. If we deep down in this philosophy, deficiency of water will speed down the growth of wood (organs liver and gold bladder) and cause liver problems. At the same time deficiency of wood will stop the fire from flaming because there is no fuel to keep fire and the heart will suffer.
A disturbed mind could be due to excessive heat and at the same time excess of fire causes extra heat. That’s why during episodes of anxiety you often see a person with hot-red cheeks and a hothead.
In relation to this, the body or auricular acupuncture can be used to treat anxiety. Among the body organs, the liver is thought to play an important role in the distribution of vital energy Qi. An estimate of 20 percent of a country’s population is thought to undergo anxiety and depression at some period of their lives.
When a person is anxious or depressed, he or she may feel extremely tired. A person may want to do something but at the same time may feel a lack of energy to perform due to anxiety and/or depression.
Acupuncture energy balancing – ancient Chinese natural treatment for anxiety
In terms of energy channels or meridians, there are fourteen such vessels. If any one of them is stagnant or blocked, it causes a low flow of vital energy. The most vulnerable organ and meridian in the case of anxiety are the liver and most of the time the anxiety symptoms start from a blockage in the liver meridian. This may cause sleep-related problems.
Hence, the main focus for acupuncture treatment of depression is liver meridian. Other important organs are the heart and spleen. Qi is the term used for vital energy in TCM.
Any stagnant or blocked area could experience a low vital flow of energy when the liver meridian is not properly functioning. Thus, bringing energy into the area of deficiency and unblocking the area is the main part of the treatment used in acupuncture for anxiety. Practicing mind and body exercises from yoga, tai chi, and qi gong together with regular acupuncture for anxiety would help to cure anxiety faster.
Acupuncture for anxiety – technique and methodology
Acupuncture is a practice that uses hair-thin needles inserted into different points of the skin. These needles are always medically disposed of after use. Also, needles inserted into the skin usually cause minor discomfort or no discomfort at all. Generally speaking, acupuncture procedure is painless. Other than treating anxiety and depression acupuncture is useful for treating many other medical conditions.
Acupuncture for anxiety involves placing needles in certain body points. These body points or acupoints can be located all over the body. By accessing them, the acupuncturist forces the blocked energy to flow from one meridian to another and thus balance the amount of energy all over the body.
The use of acupuncture for anxiety is proven to alleviate stress points and relax the body. Some of the benefits of using acupuncture for anxiety as therapy are:
- Stress – addresses the imbalances in the body. It also prevents diseases that may arise caused by anxiety and stress. In addition, it seeks to balance both the mental and physical attributes of a person aiding them for an easy-going life.
- Anxiety attacks – this aims to treat physical health problems caused by anxiety attacks such as chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, nausea, and headache.
- Anxiety treatment – it heals the imbalance of the heart, liver, and kidneys. It aims to harmonize the imbalance in the body and soothe the excessive heat in the heart.
The advantage of acupuncture for anxiety is that it works immediately. It can immediately help the patient to feel better, compared to pharmaceutical interventions that take hours or days to relieve anxiety or months in case of depression. It works fast and causes no side effects or dependencies.
Philadelphia acupuncture clinic – the subdivision of Viva Healthy Life Holistic Center known as the best acupuncture facility in Philadelphia and vicinities. Led by Medical Doctor Victor Tsan, this center ranked “Best acupuncture in Philadelphia” by PHL 17 and Fox 29 local TV stations.
Contact Philadelphia acupuncture clinic (267) 403-3085 or use our on-line secure system to schedule an appointment for an initial FREE consultation and ask Dr. Tsan if acupuncture is the right treatment option for you
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