Natural Treatments For Panic Attacks and Anxiety

Anxiety and panic attacks can be one of the most frightening experiences in a person's life. Rapid heartbeat, a feeling of losing control, fast breathing, sweaty hands, shaking uncontrollably. All of these are symptoms of anxiety.

Just the thought of these symptoms can trigger some people to have a panic attack. It is certainly not ideal to live life in fear, but neither is having to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on medication. So what's the alternative? Natural treatments, such as meditation, exercise, certain herbs, and relaxation techniques.

First take a look at what is causing the anxiety issues. Figure out if there's a way to eliminate those trigger aspects. If there is a way to get rid of the cause without too much of an impact on daily life, that's great. If there's no way around the situations that cause the anxiety, find a treatment that works best for you.

People have been meditating for thousands of years. Meditation is not only used for religious purposes. It can also be used to center oneself and relax the body. By sitting quietly in one spot and focusing on the breath, the body relaxes and can relieve the symptoms of an anxiety attack.

By shifting the mind from focusing on the trigger point to focusing on the rhythm of breathing a calming effect takes over. It may be difficult at first to stop thinking about the issue, but with practice and focus, it will become easier.

It might also help to silently repeat a mantra to yourself. For example on the inhalation say to yourself "calm", "slow" and on the exhalation say to yourself "breathing helps". Focusing on words in addition to the breath requires more attention and helps to keep your mind on the task at hand.

Exercise is also a very good way to overcome anxiety and panic attacks. If the feelings of anxiety are becoming more noticeable, that is when it's time to take action. Before the attack gets too overwhelming, stop whatever activity is going on and go for a short walk around the block. Sometimes that's all it takes.

A regular exercise routine can help stave off the effects as well. Exercising just three or four times a week can release the pent up anxiety before those feelings take hold and can manifest into a full blown attack.

There are certain herbs that have been said to help relieve anxiety. The herb kava has been known to calm the mind without affecting a person's clarity, even though it is a tranquilizer. It can be taken in either pill form or be brewed as a tea.

Valerian is sold as a nutritional supplement and works best for anxiety if it is used over a long period of time. To help with mild anxiety California poppy is a good herb. It also helps with relieving pain. Hops, which is commonly used in brewing beer, can help with restlessness and sleep disorders.

The herb passion flower is helpful in relieving worry and insomnia as well as anxiety. Lemon balm can be brewed as tea or may be used as aromatherapy. It has mild sedative properties and has a calming effect. The herb chamomile not only helps with relieving anxiety, it can also help to settle upset stomachs.

An odd sounding alternative is catnip. This herb which is usually used in cat toys can relieve tension headaches and help with falling asleep.

Some relaxation techniques that can help with anxiety and panic attacks are: writing in a journal, reading a book that holds your attention, drinking a cup of hot tea (herbal or not), taking a hot bath with scented candles.

Or just plain laughing is a good way to relax. Laughing increases endorphin level and decreases the amount of stress hormones. Sometimes there's nothing to do but laugh. Calling up a good friend or relative and letting the conversation relieve the worries and troubles of the mind is also a good relaxation technique.

Rather than being in a drug-induced stupor to relieve anxiety, the better alternative is one of the natural remedies mentioned above. Remember to check with a doctor before starting any type of exercise routine.