ALTERNATIVE THERAPY SERIES NO: 11 : ANXIETY

 

SYMPTOM

• ·         Heart palpitations
• ·         Sense of impending doom
• ·         Inability to concentrate
• ·         Muscle tension; muscle aches
• ·         Diarrhea
• ·         Chest pain
• ·         Dry mouth
• ·         Excessive Sweating
• ·         Under treating or over treating
• ·         Insomnia
• ·         Irritability
• ·         Breathlessness; hyperventilation
• ·         Loss of Sex drive

For School –age- Children

• ·         Fear of being away from the family
• ·         Refusal to go to school
• ·         Fear of Strangers
• ·         Unnecessary worry

WHAT IS ANXIETY

Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. When there is a threat of some kind, anxiety is normal- bound up with the way the body prepares to deal with danger. Adrenaline and Cortisone are released in the bloodstream; heart rate quickens; breathing becomes shallow and rapid; muscle tense; sugar is released by the lever; and mind goes on full alert. But when anxiety is not tied to an identifiable threat or is more severe and long-lasting than warranted, it is a clinical disorder, debilitating and disruptive.

Many different anxiety disorders are recognized. Among them are Phobias ( fear of certain situation, such as confining spaces, or particular things, such as insects) Panic – Attacks ( a sudden onset of extreme fear or tension, for no evident reason )  obsessive – Compulsive Disorder ( Persistent irrational thoughts, such as checking the doors are closed);  Post traumatic Stress Disorder  ( Prolonged anxiety after a traumatic event) and generalized – or “free-floating”- anxiety( an inexplicable feeling of apprehension that may last for months)

Anxiety disorder can vary greatly in their severity; they may be mild or completely immobilizing. The incidence of the different disorders also varies; Phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder; for example, occur less frequently than generalized anxiety( which afflicts twice as many women as men).The disorders usually become noticeable during the teens years or early adulthood and are considerably more common among adults than children.

Some anxieties are very difficult to treat; others respond well to medications, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies. What does not work is self-treatment with alcohol or recreational drugs to alleviate the symptoms. Many sufferers choose this path, but ultimately it will only make the condition worse.

CAUSES

Anxiety can be caused by recognizable stress- such as an accident, a death in the family, or the loss of job; in such cases, adjustments to the situation, along with the passage of time, will have an ameliorating effect. In other cases, the stress is invisible- a buried memory of some unhappy or frightening facet of childhood, lurking below the surface of the consciousness mind and revealing its presence in anxiety.

Genetic inheritance may predispose some individuals to anxiety; studies of identical twins show that if one member of identical pair suffers that the other will, as well,. Food sensitivities may also contribute to anxiety, although more research must be done to certify this connection. In addition, anxiety frequently follows a sudden withdrawal from alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

TREATMENTS

Anxiety can be treated with conventional medications, psychotherapy, and many alternative approaches. A combination of conventional and alternative methods is often effective.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis both aim at identifying conflicts and other stresses- perhaps long buried- that may lie at the roots of anxiety. Behavior modification -  a therapy that concentrates on changing patterns of behavior – can help the patient avert anxiety or better cope with it, as can cognitive therapy, which concentrates on changing ways of thinking.

Medication is useful for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and is often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies. The most prominent of anxiety drugs are known as Benzodiazepines;  among them are Lorezapam, Diazepam, Alprazolam and Clonazepam. They have drawbacks; Benzodiazepines some times cause drowsiness, irritability, dizziness and dependency. Nonetheless, in recent decades they have largely replaced Barbiturates,  which not only pose a clear danger of addiction but also can be thereat with suicidal patients. Another anti-anxiety drug is Buspirone. It has fewer side effects than benzodiazepines but should not be taken if you have liver or kidney disease; also check with your doctor before taking it during pregnancy or Brest feeding.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Many alternative practices and treatments can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Meditation, Exercise ( especially aerobic exercise), and Relaxation techniques are among the most effective. Their usefulness varies from person to person, however.

Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine  use various herbal preparations that can serve as a tonic for the whole system and diminish tension.

A gentle massage  will help relax almost every one

ACUPRESSURE

A number of acupressure points said to help calm the body and quiet the mind. For others, consult a practitioner. The effectiveness of a particular pressure points is thought to depend on the underlying reasons for anxiety.

ACUPUNCTURE

Weekly acupuncture treatment- also tailored to the cause of the anxiety- may be beneficial. Consult an acupuncturist experienced in treating mental states.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is believed to be very effective with anxiety. Try essential oils of Lavender , Jasmine or Blue Chamomile.  Put a drop or two on a tissue and inhale it, or include the oils in a steam inhalation or a steamy bath. Or you can rub a drop into your temples.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Developed at the turn of 20^th Century by the British bacteriologist and homeopath Edward Bach, these remedies are used to treat a variety of psychological states. In all, there are 38 remedies, each specific to a particular emotional condition. Liquid in form, the remedies are made by soaking flowers on the top of a bowl of water in the sun for several hours; this procedure, according to practitioners, releases the Flowers’s energy into the water. Bach remedies can be bought at health food stores.

Agrimony and aspen are considered useful for mild to moderate cases of anxiety. Cherry plum used alone is said to be good for severe cases, or it can be used as part of so-called rescue remedy- a combination of flowers recommended for all manner of anxiety-provoking situations, from a visits to the dentist to shock felt after a car accident. Put 1 to 10 drops into a beverage or 1 drop directly on your tongue. Use as often as needed.

HERBAL THERAPIES

Chamomile ( Matricaria Recutita), Lemon Balm ( Melissa Officinalis) and Linden ( Tilia spp) flowers are all considered mild relaxant and tranquilizers. Lemon balm is particularly good for digestive problems linked to anxiety. Skullcap  ( Scutellaria lateriflora)is some what stronger, while  Valerian ( Valerina Officinalis) and Passionflower ( Passiflora Incarnata) all have an even stronger effect on the central nervous system. These three help with Insomnia and can be combined to advantage. However, hops should not be used with marked depression, and Valerian- to be effective – must be used in fairly high dosages (1/2 to 1 tsp of the tincture).If  the anxiety is associated with palpitation, use motherwort (Leonurus Carddiaca).If it is connected to high blood pressure, use cramp (Viburnum Opulus) bark and Linden blossoms. For all herbs, make an infusion by pouring boiling water over 1 to 3 tsp of the dried herbs or a handful of fresh herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.Take a small cupful three or four times a day.

You can buy the tincture of any of these herbs in a health food store; follow thje direction on the bottle.

HOMEOPATHY

If the anxiety is the result of a sudden fright or shock,try Aconite Ignatia  is the “grief remedy” said to benefit someone who is upset by a sudden loss. Gelsemium  is recommended for anticipation and performance anxiety, such as stage fright or Agoraphobia( a fear of public places). If none of these prove effective, seek out a homeopath. A skilled practitioner may be able to prescribe a mixture whose ingredients and strength are better suited to your anxiety.

MIND/BODY MEDICINE

A WIDE VARIETY OF MIND/BODY TREATMENTS AND PRACTICES CAN RELIEVE ANXIETY. The key is to find the one or two that you prefer and to use them consistently. Among the useful meditation and relaxation techniques are progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, the relaxation response, transcendental meditation ( TM) and Oriental exercise techniques such as   Yoga, T’ai’chi,  and Qigong. For best results, meditation and relaxation practices should be undertaken daily even twice a day.

Since anxiety is almost always accompanied by a shallow breathing, deep breathing exercises are very helpful. It is impossible to be anxious when breathing deeply and slowly. Try the following form of Yoga  breathing. Lie on your back in a comfortable place. Breathe in slowly through your nose, using your diaphragm to stuck air into your lungs while allowing your abdomen to expand. ( Put your hand on your abdomen just below the naval to make sure the abdomen is being pushed up and out by diaphragm). After the abdomen is expanded, continue to inhale as deeply as possible. When you breathe out, reverse the process. Contract the abdomen while exhaling slowly and completely. Repeat several times.

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Therapeutic Touch ( which does not involve direct touch) is particularly useful for for bedridden patients and those with chronic diseases or injuries too sensitive for direct touch.In addition to relieving anxiety, Therapeutic Touch also diminishes pain. Call your hospital for the name of a nurse who practices it.

EEG BIOFEEDCAK

EEG Biofeedcak I, used to retrain thought patterns, can be especially helpful with conditions that combine both physical and mental symptoms- as is the case with anxiety. In a series of sessions with therapist, the patient watches his or her own brain-wave patterns on a electroencephalograph and gradually learns to control waves. Practitioners estimate that after about a dozen sessions, the patient will be able to exert control over mental activity without the help of therapist or monitoring instrument.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnotherapy  is recommended for specific Phobias  such as fear of flying, stage Fright, or fear of exams and sports contests. It also helps with general anxiety. Children and adolescents learn self-hypnosis far more quickly than adults, perhaps because they are so accustomed to using their imaginations. Hypnosis is not a magical or sinister process in which you are under the control of hypnotist; instead, it is a form of concentration. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis; the hypnotist is there simply to teach you how to use the technique to best advantage. hypnotherapy can frequently be enhanced if used in combination with Biofeedback.

AT HOME REMEDIES

• ·         Daily exercise can be one of the most potent treatments for anxiety symptoms. If you find that exercise works for you, push yourself to go brisk walks or undertake an active sport that you enjoy.
• ·         Magnesium supplement are helpful, especially if you suffer from muscle spasms. Take no more than 300 mf three times a day; too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.
• ·         Avoid alcohol, and reduce or eliminate your consumption of sugar and caffeine.
• ·         Trim a hectic schedule to its most essential items, and do your best to avoid activities you donot find relaxing.
• ·         If you begin to hyperventilate, exhale into a paper bag and inhale the air within the bag. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide you are inhaling, which can reduce the urge of hyperventilate. Inhaling from a bag will help relive any dizziness or tingling you might feel.