Tag Archives: anxiety

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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Yoga for generalized anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Research studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that the regular practice of Yoga is beneficial for individuals who experience symptoms of generalized anxiety. The regular practice of specific yogic postures or breathing techniques change brain activity resulting in a state of … Continue reading

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Relaxation techniques for generalized anxiety

Widely used relaxation techniques include sustained deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and systematic desensitization. The physiology of relaxation has been investigated for many decades. According to one model anxiety is associated with muscle tension, and is reduced by … Continue reading

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L-theanine is an effective treatment of anxiety and does not cause drowsiness

Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine. The anti-anxiety benefits of L-theanine are achieved through enhanced alpha brain wave activity and increased synthesis of the brain’s principle inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. Increased levels of GABA affect other brain neurotransmitter levels resulting … Continue reading

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Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is an effective treatment of generalized anxiety

In traditional Polynesian cultures Kava is used for ceremonial purposes and as an inebriant. In contrast to prescription sedative-hypnotic medications (e.g. lorazepam and diazepam), when Kava is taken at recommended doses (typically between 60 and 300mg/day) patients do not experience … Continue reading

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Complementary and alternative treatments of anxiety

Many studies have been done on complementary and alternative treatments of generalized anxiety and much less research has been done on non-conventional treatments of panic attacks, phobias, obsessions and compulsions. Kava-kava and L-theanine are non-pharmacologic treatments of generalized anxiety supported … Continue reading

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Limitations of medications for treating anxiety

Conventional treatments anxiety in Western culture include a specialized kind of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, and medications. Studies have confirmed that certain medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, clonazepam and others) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are … Continue reading

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Generalized anxiety and panic attacks: the integrative mental health approach

Overview Generalized anxiety is a chronic condition characterized by both psychological or physical symptoms such as feelings of tension, excessive worrying, and heightened arousal that significantly interfere with work, going to school, being in a relationship or functioning in society … Continue reading

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