Conventional and Natural Treatments for Anxiety
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In the last blog I wrote about the definition of anxiety along with some of the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders. I explained that anxiety is one of the normal emotions that human’s experience when it interferes with daily activities then it needs to be addressed. To treat anxiety, patients can use conventional or naturopathic or a combination of both to allow the patient to resume a normal and productive life.
Naturopathic approaches always revolve around treating the underlying cause of the problem. Mild to moderate anxiety symptoms can often be treated really successfully using natural treatments.
Some of the most effective approaches look at changing the neural patterns in the brain that trigger the anxiety thoughts. Natural therapies that have been successful in reducing the anxiety symptoms are Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In all these techniques the philosophy behind their success is to change the way the brain processes stressful or anxiety-ridden thoughts so that when they are remembered the emotion attachment in no longer related to the thoughts. Thus the anxiety and anxiety symptoms are diminished.
Breathing techniques and guided imagery are very instrumental in helping to reduce the onset of anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing causes the body and mind to relax instead of becoming more involved in the cascade of body events that cause anxiety symptoms like feelings of apprehension or stress.
Believe it or not, nutrition can also reduce anxiety problems. B vitamins have been called the “happy” vitamins and they are used very quickly during times of anxiety or stress. Eating a diet rich in B vitamins or using appropriate supplementation can reduce anxiety symptoms.
Incorporating stress management techniques are also key to reducing anxiety symptoms for patients. Stress will trigger anxiety symptoms or make an episode worse.
Two conventional treatments used for anxiety are medications and psychotherapy. The medications that are prescribed depend on what anxiety disorder the patient has been diagnosed with.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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If you experience a lot of anxiety and seeking help but wants something more helpful to help you naturally you can take kava kava or Ashwaghanda. They help anxiety and if you decide to take them consult with your doctor and make sure you get organic. Taking them organic is safe.
Melissa
October 25, 2011 - 8:19pmThis Comment