A Natural Approach to Anxiety

When you’re feeling Anxious – What do you do?

Feelings of unease, worry, and fear are generally known as anxiety, and are the body’s reaction to a dangerous or stressful situation. When the brain detects a threat, it triggers the release of hormones that prepare the body to either defend itself or flee. This defence against temporary stress can be beneficial, but anxiety can become a health problem when it is triggered constantly or when it occurs for no reason and interferes with one’s daily activities.

Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of problems, including fatigue, headaches, stomach upsets, high blood pressure, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, a sense of detachment from reality and depression.

A panic attack is an acute form of anxiety. Feelings of losing control for no apparent reason, a dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, a tight chest, shortness of breath, a fear of dying or a fear of going crazy, are all symptoms of a panic attack.  A panic attack can occur at any time, when its least expected.  Some suffer panic attacks due to phobias including a fear of flying, a fear of going outdoors, or a fear of crowds, to name but a few.  One can also experience a panic attack after a stressful life event like a loss or separation.

Conventional drugs and therapy are generally recommended to control anxiety, but there are also a number of alternative practices and remedies that may assist in easing the symptoms.
 
If your bouts of anxiety are increasing throughout the day, your body is telling you that you need more down time to restore balance. To prevent stress from building up, take frequent time-outs. For every hour that you work, take a ten minute break from your work station.

Keep regular sleeping patterns so that your body is able to deal with day to day stress more efficiently. Take a hot bath or a brisk walk three hours before bedtime to prepare your body for sleep and avoid eating heavy meals or drinking alcohol or caffeine in the evenings.
Rescue Remedy is a blend of flower essences which can be purchased at most pharmacies and health shops. It is taken primarily for situations involving acute stress, shock or trauma but its properties can also ease dizziness, emotional tension, fear and panic attacks.

Kava Kava is a herb which is known for its calming properties. It is very effective for easing the nervousness, dizziness and heart palpitations associated with anxiety and may even prevent panic attacks. St John’s Wort can be taken to ease the depression that occasionally accompanies anxiety.  It takes about a month before the full effects of St. John's Wort are felt. Do not take these herbs if you’re already on anti-depressants.

Various meditation and breathing techniques have also been known to assist with alleviating Anxiety.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms, please consult with your Doctor first so that a reliable diagnosis can be made.

For a personal consultation contact Yvonne at yvonne@spiritualworld.co.za