Anxiety may be described as undifferentiated fear or fear for an unknown reason. It affects millions of Americans annually and medication is often prescribed in an attempt to provide some relief.
Some signs of Anxiety:
- Headaches Trembling, twitching
- Lightheadedness Difficulty concentrating Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating, hot flashes
- Change in appetite
- Frequent need to use bathroom
- Startled easily
- Lump in throat, difficulty swallowing
- Muscle tension
A Chinese Medical Perspective on Anxiety
Anxiety often arises out of an imbalance of the Heart Energy or the Shen (spirit). Causes may be intrinsic (energetic heart weakness) or extrinsic (emotional cause). Acupuncture can effectively calm the the mind and spirit to restore a sense of harmony to the individual. More severe disharmonies require herbal supplements over a period of 1-3 months.
Realities of Anxiety
One must always look at current life circumstances to find contributing factors to anxiety. Typically, the root cause includes difficult interpersonal relationships, an extremely stressful work environment, and unrealistic expectations to “get it all done.” The truth of this matter is that no amount of medication or acupuncture can effectively address anxiety as well as individual efforts to look at current life circumstances.
The Role of Meditation
While simple, meditation is an extremely powerful tool when practiced on a daily basis. As little a ten minutes a day can help to bring balance back to one’s life. For more information on how to get started visit our Resources section under Patient Info.