Anxiety Disorders: An Eastern View
Anxiety is a normal sensation, although some people experience it more than others. But, when normal anxiety kicks it up a notch and elevates to frequent anxiety and panic attacks, it is no longer normal. It is then considered an anxiety disorder.
According to WebMD.com: "Like certain illnesses, such as diabetes, anxiety disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control mood. [...] Moreover, certain environmental factors -- such as a trauma or significant event -- may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder."
Going through a number of health problems over the years, including what I called disabling anxiety, I've always thought of the German philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche's famous line: That which does not kill us makes us stronger. HA!
I have found, and can support my thoughts with a number of medical findings, that stress is a killer. It weakens the immune system, decreases your energy level, and leaves you wide open to an array of physiological assailants, such as Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, and so on. Granted some individuals may be more susceptible to these problems than others, but in general, stress in heavy doses and for long periods of time does damage.
According to Dr. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee, in Chinese medicine anxiety comes from a liver disorder. Western medicine treats the symptoms with medication and psychotherapy, but doesn't address the possible physiological cause. Along with this, the anti-anxiety medication that is prescribed usually needs to be increased as the body gets use to it. Chinese medicine, in particular acupuncture and herbs, addresses the cause. The acupuncture focuses on the scalp and body and can usually correct the neurotransmitter disorder within one to two months.
Dr. Lee explains that along with the treatment, the patient needs to add exercise in the form of walking and/or swimming to their daily routine. In addition to this, the patient needs to avoid 'junk food' and sugar. You would think this would be a no-brainer, but us Americans just love our junk food and sugar, even though there have been numerous studies that proclaim the dangers of these foods.
When asked what a patient should do at home in conjunction with the acupuncture treatment he replied, "Number one, food; number two, breathing; number three, mediation."
1. Food: It is wise to eat as natural a diet as possible. This means, organic foods, avoiding processed foods, and eliminating, or at least reducing, sugar intake. Sugar actually stops the immune cells from functioning properly. This leaves you with no line of defense.
2. Breathing: Dr. Lee suggests that when you breathe in, your stomach needs to extend with each breath.
3. Meditation: Dr. Lee did not elaborate on meditation, but according to a number of books dealing with this topic, the main idea is to focus on a particular mantra or your breathing. This practice helps to relax you and unclutter your mind.
Dr. Lee is a NYS Licensed Acupuncturist and an NCCA DPL. Herbalist. He also has degrees in Eastern medicine from Traditional Chinese Medical College, and in Western medicine from the Beijing Medical College.
I have additional information about anxiety on my website, Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained.org. Stop by and read about Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue, and Fibromyalgia. I also offer other self-help tools that may be of interest to you.
If you or someone you know is suffering with anxiety, a doctor should be consulted, and you can visit the sites below for more information:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)
www.adaa.com
Dr. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee
www.EWNaturalHealing.com
Published by Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, freelance writer, and reviewer. She is founder and manager of VBT - Writers on the Move, co-moderator of a children's critique group, on the team at DKV Writing 4 U, a... View profile
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