Monthly Archives: October 2015

QiGong and Tai-chi may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety and promote emotional well-being

Qigong and Tai-chi are ancient Chinese practices used for maintaining emotional well-being and promoting mind-body balance. A review of QiGong in mental health care identified five studies on QiGong in the treatment of anxiety but only one small uncontrolled study … Continue reading

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The essential oils of Lavender and Rosemary reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety

Essential oils derived from lavender and other fragrant herbs are widely used to treat anxiety in the form of aromatherapy or massage oil. Limited research findings suggest that certain essential oils, especially lavender, have moderate anti-anxiety effects. Findings from one … Continue reading

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Passion flower extract may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) contains an active ingredient called chrysin that has been demonstrated to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. In one small study, Passion flower extract 45 drops/day and oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) were equally effective in reducing … Continue reading

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Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture are beneficial for generalized anxiety

Acupuncture and acupressure are widely used to treat anxiety. Different acupuncture points are beneficial in generalized anxiety and panic attacks. A review of controlled studies and published case reports on acupuncture as a treatment of anxiety and depressed mood found … Continue reading

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Regular massage reduces the severity of chronic generalized anxiety

Massage is widely used to achieve feelings of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. The subjective physical and psychological benefits of massage are difficult to quantify in controlled trials however anecdotal evidence, a long-standing history of the widespread use of massage … Continue reading

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The amino acid 5-HTP may be as effective as medications for generalized anxiety

L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) are amino acids widely used to treat generalized anxiety. Both amino acids are necessary for making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has a central role in the regulation of mood and anxiety. More studies have been done … Continue reading

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Dietary changes reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety and panic

Generalized anxiety frequently accompanies a condition called reactive hypoglycemia, in which blood sugar levels drop to abnormal low levels following consumption of a large amount of sugar. Individuals who experience heightened anxiety caused by hypoglycemia benefit reduced carbohydrate intake, high … Continue reading

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Very weak electrical current is an effective treatment of generalized anxiety

Very weak electrical current known as micro-current electrical stimulation or cranio-electrotherapy stimulation has been established as an effective treatment of generalized anxiety. A meta-analysis of studies comparing this approach with a sham treatment (ie, electrodes attached to the head but … Continue reading

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Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy (VRGET) is an effective treatment of specific phobias, generalized anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia

Many studies confirm that VRGET (also called experiential cognitive therapy or “ECT” in European countries) is more effective than conventional imaginal exposure therapy that uses mental imagery to provoke a feared object or situation. The effectiveness of VRGET is comparable … Continue reading

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Meditation and mindfulness training reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety

Meditation practices are widely employed to reduce anxiety and to maintain optimal psychological and spiritual health. Meditation has been extensively studied as a treatment of anxiety. Beneficial physiological effects of meditation include decreased oxygen consumption, respiratory rate and blood pressure, … Continue reading

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