Anxiety
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal response to a threat or to stress and is experienced occasionally by everyone. Normal anxiety has its root in fear and serves an important survival function. When someone is faced with a dangerous situation, anxiety induces the fight-or-flight response. With this response, a variety of physical changes, such as increased blood flow to the heart and muscles, provide the body with the necessary energy and strength to deal with life-threatening situations, such as running from an aggressive animal or fighting off an attacker. However, when anxiety occurs at inappropriate times, occurs frequently, or is so intense and long-lasting that it interferes with a person's normal activities, then it is considered unhealthy. Anxiety disorders are more common than any other category of mental health disorder and are believed to affect about 15% of adults.
Causes and main symptoms of Anxiety attack
The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully known, but both physical and psychologic factors are involved. Physical symptoms rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) stomach problems (gnawing feeling, "butterflies," diarrhea, irritated bowel syndrome) breaking out in a sweat, or feeling cold and clammy headaches, lightheadedness or dizziness bodily tension or aches fatigue Emotional Symptoms a general sense of apprehension and dread difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep jumpiness irritation.
How do we treat anxiety with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine considers anxiety a symptom of imbalance between the Yin (spirit) and Yang (blood) aspects of vital energy. Acupuncture treatments for anxiety have been proven to be successful in calming the symptoms of anxiety whether you are in an acute panic attack or have generalized anxiety. Specific acupuncture points are used to calm the sympathetic nervous system in order to stop the cascade of panic.
Herbs can be a valuable compliment to your acupuncture treatments. Herbal formulas are designed according to your particular case and can further aid in the reduction of many uncomfortable symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations and digestive disorders.
