Tag Archives: holistic

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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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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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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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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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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