Alternative Natural Treatments For Treating Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and unease, which can be mild or severe. Anxiety symptoms can range from physical symptoms such as chest pain and heart rate changes to emotional symptoms such as restlessness and irritability.
Many people with anxiety are interested in exploring alternative medicine and therapies because they offer a natural and holistic approach to treating the condition. Alternative therapies often focus on improving overall health and wellness rather than just treating the symptoms of anxiety.
Additionally, many alternative therapies have fewer if any side effects than prescription medications and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or neurofeedback therapy.
Alternative therapies may also appeal to those who are wary of prescription medications or have had negative experiences with them in the past. Some people may prefer to try natural remedies before turning to prescription drugs or as a way to complement their existing anxiety treatment plan.
It’s important to note that alternative therapies are not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used in conjunction with the advice and guidance of a healthcare provider.
It’s also important to be cautious and informed when trying alternative therapies (i.e. herbal remedies), as they are not always regulated by the FDA and may have potential risks or interactions with other medications.
In a study involving 2,055 interviews of adults age 18 and older published in 2001…
…the results suggest that the majority of people in the United States with self-defined anxiety attacks or severe depression use some form of complementary and alternative therapy to treat these conditions. This means that people with these conditions are considerably more likely to use complementary and alternative therapies than conventional medical or mental health treatments.
There are many different treatment options available, including alternative natural treatments. In this article, I will discuss some of the different natural treatments available for anxiety.
Overview Of Anxiety Symptoms
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack or a panic attack and may lead to feelings of fear and helplessness.
Behavioral symptoms of anxiety may include avoiding situations that trigger feelings of anxiety, being easily startled, and having difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
Emotional symptoms of anxiety may include feelings of restlessness, irritability, and a sense of impending doom. Anxiety can also cause feelings of depression and a lack of interest in everyday activities.
It’s important to note that anxiety is a treatable condition and seeking professional help is recommended for those experiencing these symptoms.
What Are The Typical Treatments For Anxiety?
When it comes to treating anxiety, there are several typical treatments that are commonly used. These include prescription medications, anti-anxiety medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy.
Prescription medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Although this is usually a first line of attack for those suffering from anxiety, it can often mask the underlying root cause of the anxiety and has many side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, sexual problems, insomnia, among others.
Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, are also commonly used to treat anxiety. These medications work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
According to The National Library of Medicine, this medication is meant to be used on the short term and any person that takes them for longer then 3-4 weeks is likely to have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is ceased abruptly.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can contribute to anxiety. This type of therapy can be done one-on-one with a therapist or in a group setting and is often considered a first-line treatment for anxiety.
This is a great method that can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as hypnosis for anxiety.
Exposure therapy is another type of therapy that is often used to treat anxiety disorders. This type of therapy involves gradually exposing the person to the thing that they fear or find anxiety-provoking in a safe and controlled environment.
Over time, the person can learn to manage their anxiety response and feel less fearful in these situations. This can be helpful in some cases, however for others this has potential to cause more harm then benefit.
In a study reported on by Good Therapy using this technique did not necessarily produce better outcomes and often backfired.
Neurofeedback therapy is a relatively new type of therapy that is gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating anxiety. This form of therapy utilizes special equipment to measure the person’s brain activity and then provide feedback to help them maintain a relaxed state.
Neurofeedback therapy has been found to be especially helpful for those with chronic anxiety as well as those who experience panic attacks or other intense bouts of anxiety. With this treatment there also must be caution taken and you should read more details on the side effects and adverse reactions at Mental Health Daily.
The Different Types Of Natural Treatments Available
There are 4 categories of alternative treatments for many psychological ailments. Using natural treatments for anxiety can offer minimal to no side effects, improved overall heath, and long term positive effects.
This is because instead of treating the symptoms you are looking for support with the body as a whole. When you take into consideration the entire body and work alongside it, you are going with the flow and essentially helping the body heal itself.
When you help one part of the body that is suffering you will also be providing improvements to other parts that may not have presented an issue yet also are in need of the benefit from a positive shift.
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- Herbal Supplements: These are natural remedies that can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids which support overall well-being.
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- Alternative Therapies: These include acupuncture, hypnotherapy, sound healing, somatic healing, chakra balancing, and massage therapy are effective for people suffering from anxiety.
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- Mind-Body Practices: Practicing meditation, yoga, and/or tai chi, has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
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- Lifestyle Changes: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, may support a shift in anxiety symptoms.
Below I will discuss more about Hypnotherapy, Meditation, Visual Imagery, Aromatherapy, and Chakra Balancing, as examples of natural treatments available to help with anxiety.
Treating Anxiety With Meditation
It is through gratitude of the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.
Using relaxation techniques such as meditation is a great way to ease anxiety. There are many different types of meditation, such as mindful meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation. Each one has its own set of benefits and techniques.
Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment, allowing thoughts and emotions to pass without judgment. This can help reduce anxiety and increase overall calmness.
By bringing your attention inward, you will begin to notice the blocks that are standing in your way of ease. In learning to access a state of peaceful awareness you are showing the body and mind a new state to come to and remember when it feels overwhelmed or in fear.
Guided Meditation: Guided meditation is when a person is guided through a relaxation exercise by another person or an audio recording. This type of meditation has been shown as effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
Meditation can also be a great tool for reducing anxiety levels. Taking some time each day to sit in stillness and simply observe your thoughts without judgment or reaction can be insightful. Meditation allows you to step away from your anxious thoughts and feelings, allowing you to gain more clarity on your current situation.
The goal of meditation becomes not to control your thoughts, but to stop letting them control you.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and then relaxing each part of the body, one at a time.
You can also do this technique by just becoming aware of each body part and how it feels and then inviting it to release and relax. By going through each part of the body you will have a sense of being present and perhaps more safe and connected in each moment.
This type of meditation is helpful in reducing anxiety levels by helping to releasing body tension and take your mind off thoughts and into the here and now where you are supported and safe.
Breathing Exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as deep breathing, can help reduce tension and anxiety by slowing down the body’s autonomic nervous system.
In this article by healthline you can find 10 different types of breathing exercises to try. You can also reference Wim Hof, also known as the Ice Man, who shares a breathing technique that has been very helpful for many people in calming the nervous system and releasing energy in the body.
Yoga: Yoga is an effective way to manage stress and anxiety symptoms. It involves stretching and breathing exercises which can help bring balance to the body and mind.
By utilizing the mind, body, spirit connection you are moving towards living more mindfulness which is a step towards peace and connection within. This is a key to reducing anxious feelings and thoughts.
Treating Anxiety With Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a powerful tool because it helps combine many methods such as breathing, meditation, visual imagery, and progressive relaxation to guide you deep within the subconscious to heal old patterns and energy permanently.
It does this by illuminating the mind with your own awareness, turning on the light within to see the truth so that you can begin to make movements towards transformation. Using hypnotherapy you will spend time in the subconscious and we will work together to use your will and intention to find, create, discover, and embody everything that is needed to step into the best version of you.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis because the state of hypnosis is done internally. This is a choice by the person who decides that they want to engage in this process, the “inner hypnotist” being the part of you that says, I can and will allow myself to relax.
When you are in hypnosis you are behind the wheel, driving your own life, and in more control than you are in normal waking consciousness. You can be more resourceful and creative because you have access to more dimensions and levels of consciousness.
You experience yourself as more than just the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that you possess inside. You can access old memories, become more intuitive, connect with your own ability to heal, and have an expanded sense of self that carries into your conscious daily life.
Hypnosis is an incredible healing modality that can help you relax and manage stress. In fact, just by being in the hypnotic state alone is healing, as you repair and release unwanted and stagnant energy in the body and mind.
Hypnotherapy involves focusing on positive thoughts and calming sensations while in a trance-like state. The goal of hypnosis is to soothe your mind, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
It will also help you move towards a desired goal by bringing up whatever is not in alignment with your optimal state of being by clearing that and releasing it from the body and mind.
During hypnosis, you will directly engage in the conscious and subconscious mind through verbal and non-verbal communication. It is from this state that you will be able to access information, healing, creativity, memories, and insight, that are not normally available in the waking conscious state.
You will start by taking a few deep breaths and closing your eyes. As you continue to breathe deeply, you will start to focus inward, and relax each part of your body from head to toe until you feel fully calm and at peace.
This may be a new state of being entirely for your body which previously has been operating from an anxious state. It is this new feeling that we will anchor in your body and mind so that you can achieve this state permanently in your present reality.
Once your body is relaxed, all you need is the willingness to trust and believe that you can achieve your goals by allowing the process to unfold.
The hypnotherapist will have the tools and skills to assist you to help yourself by engaging you to discover new insight and information in this expanded state. It is here that you will experience changes in your life in a positive lasting way.
Perhaps you will realize that although this anxiety lives within you, it is not you. Once you are able to discover where or what it originates from you can easily shift the story and dis-identify from the power it previously held over your life.
From here you can move forward in a new way, relating to the challenges of life with more peace, positivity, and purpose.
You will always remember what you experience in a hypnotherapy session, however you are remembering with your inner senses instead of what you typically see from your outer world.
When you can see with your inner eyes, hear with your inner ears, and feel new body sensations and emotions internally, you will soon see that there is an entirely new world to be discovered! As you make changes in your internal world, the outer world naturally will shift too. This is because what we see on the outside is a direct reflection of what is happening on the inside.
You will know healing progress is being made as the intensity of your reactions to the outer world begin to decrease and you are experiencing more joy and freedom in everyday life. Yung Pueblo
Treating Anxiety With Visual Imagery
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
Visual imagery is a type of alternative natural treatment that can be used to manage and treat anxiety. It involves creating mental images that soothe and relax the mind, while also reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Visual imagery is often used in hypnotherapy during session as well as somatic healing.
Visual imagery typically incorporates elements such as calming colors, peaceful music, or a soothing environment. For example, imagine yourself in a quiet garden surrounded by lush greenery and bright flowers, or lying in a hammock on a beach listening to the waves crash against the shore.
The idea is to create an environment that invokes feelings of peace and tranquility.
By focusing on these positive images and calming sensations, your body will begin to relax and lower its stress levels. As the physical symptoms of anxiety lessen, you will be able to cope with your worries and anxieties in a healthier way.
Treating Anxiety With Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. By using essential oils and natural aromas, aromatherapy can help your body relax and ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are used to promote relaxation, balance emotions, and improve overall well-being.
When dealing with anxiety, it’s important to find a scent that works for you and use it in a way that helps you relax. Start by choosing an essential oil that appeals to you; some of the most popular ones for treating anxiety are lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, bergamot, clary sage, and jasmine.
Once you’ve chosen an essential oil, there are several ways to use it. You can rub a few drops directly onto your skin or apply it as a massage oil. Alternatively, you could add a few drops to warm bath water for a luxurious soak to help reduce stress levels.
If you don’t have time for a bath, you could use a diffuser to fill your room with the scent of your chosen oil.
It’s important to remember that essential oils should always be diluted before applying them directly to the skin or adding them to a diffuser. Most essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or jojoba oil before being applied to the skin.
Aromatherapy can provide an additional layer of calming relief especially in times of extra needed support. With regular use, the gentle aromatic properties of essential oils can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to better manage difficult emotions.
When diffusing essential oils in your home or workspace, the recommended number of drops will vary depending on the size of the room. However, a few drops of oil are enough to fill even a large space with soothing aromas. You can also use an aromatherapy inhalers or diffuser necklaces or bracelets to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy on the go.
Essential oils can be used to create a calming atmosphere and reduce anxiety in many ways. Adding a few drops of lavender, chamomile, or bergamot essential oil to your bathwater before bedtime can help you relax and drift off to sleep.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils like rose, sandalwood, or frankincense to your pillowcase or around the room before sleeping.
Inhaling the aroma of certain essential oils is another way to reduce anxiety. Simply hold a bottle of oil close to your nose and take a few deep breaths. Inhaling the aroma of essential oils like peppermint, sweet orange or eucalyptus can be calming to your mind and body.
Using aromatherapy to manage anxiety is safe and effective. It’s also a great way to practice self-care and relaxation. So the next time you’re feeling anxious, try taking some deep breaths or adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath.
You may find that aromatherapy helps reduce stress and create a sense of peace in your home.
Treating Anxiety With Chakra Balancing
Chakra Balancing is a holistic approach to managing anxiety that is rooted in traditional Indian medicine. According to this philosophy, there are seven chakras, or energy centers in the body that must be balanced in order to promote physical and emotional well-being.
If any of these centers are not in alignment then you will experience symptoms that will contribute to a sense of unease.
This holistic approach aims to balance these energy centers or chakras that correspond to different physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Anxiety is often associated with an imbalance in the energy centers, particularly the lower chakras such as the root, sacral, and solar plexus. Imbalances in these areas can lead to feelings of fear, insecurity, and a lack of confidence.
Chakra balancing can help to alleviate anxiety by restoring this balance and can be achieved by using techniques such as hypnotherapy, sound healing, meditation, aromatherapy, and Reiki. Practitioners can help by guiding and opening the centers allowing the energy to flow freely once again through the body.
When the chakras are balanced, it can promote a sense of calm, relaxation, and inner peace, which can be helpful for anxiety. This can also help you to become more self-aware and in tune with your body so that you can better manager and understand emotions and stress levels.
If you are interested in discussing more ways about how you can heal your body naturally from anxiety I am here to help. Please call me at 305-336-4865 or email me to get an initial consultation. You are not alone!
We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to.
