Your Choices For Natural Anxiety Relief
June 21st, 2009 by Linda Galla
People suffering from panic attacks today are finding natural anxiety relief in a number of products and techniques. Many of these proven remedies offer much needed relief from the devastating symptoms associated with these attacks.
A very popular treatment today is aromatherapy. Many cultures have utilized this method over thousands of years to provide relief from the devastating symptoms of panic attacks. In aromatherapy, essential oils are derived from the roots, bark, leaves, stems and flowers of a variety of plants. These oils are then either placed under the tongue, applied topically, mixed into a bath, sprayed in the air or massaged into different areas of the body. Candles are also scented with these oils and when burned, can permeate the entire living area with the fragrance.
Stress levels in the body are dramatically reduced when the senses are stimulated with the aromatherapy oils. Along with providing natural anxiety relief for panic attack sufferers, this treatment has been known to help individuals who suffer from other disorders as well. Aromatherapy has provided relief in cases of depression, sleeping complications, menopause-related symptoms, pain and blood pressure problems.
There are also a variety of anti-anxiety herbs available for natural anxiety relief. These are called nervines, and help the user to wind down from the high alert of a panic attack. It would be wise to experiment with the different herbs prior to being in a panic situation to know which ones and how much works best for you. Some of the commonly used, effective herbal nervines are oatstraw, German chamomile, lemon balm, skullcap, valerian and passionflower.
Acupuncture has become a widely accepted treatment for panic and anxiety. It is a centuries old Chinese remedy based on energy flows through the body. It teaches that the body has pathways throughout the body through which energy flows. When this energy becomes blocked, pain and illness can occur. When a qualified Acupuncturist inserts very fine needles in specific areas along these pathways, the energy flow is restored.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from anxiety are chest breathers. Breathing from the diaphragm at a rate of 6 breaths per minute has been known to provide relief. This is something that should be learned and practiced daily before a panic or anxiety attack strikes.
Meditation and relaxation practiced on a daily basis can provide help in alleviating the symptoms and even prevent anxiety attacks. Where meditation serves to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, relaxation exercises remove stress and tension from the body. Relief from anxiety and panic attacks is much easier to achieve when these techniques are learned and practiced religiously.
