Document 6480955

Newsletters | Manage Subscription
Log In
Sign Up
Search
Symptom Checker |
CONDITIONS
DRUGS
HEALTHY LIVING
Drug Lookup |
FOOD & RECIPES
Calorie Counter
ADVICE & SUPPORT
1 Comment
Alternative Therapies for Treating Anxiety
Some alternative anxiety treatments have scientific backing; for others, the
evidence is just anecdotal.
By Brian Hoyle
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Follow Us on Twitter
Get the latest health
facts, tips, and
advice.
@EverydayHealth
Treating anxiety often involves the use of psychotherapy and
various types of drugs that can ratchet down the chemical behaviors
in the body that drive the anxiety disorder. Treatment for an anxiety
disorder can also include non-traditional therapies that fall under
the heading of complementary and alternative medicine.
Treating Anxiety: Understanding Alternative Medicine
Related Articles
Types Of Complementary
Medicine Causes, Symptoms
And Treatment
Talking To Your Health Care
Provider About Using
Complementary And
Alternative Medicine
Complementary And
Alternative Medicine Use In
Children: Additional Points To
Consider
Complementary and alternative medicine is an umbrella term that
FOLLOW US
refers to a wide range of approaches — from nutritional substances
with health effects, like vitamin supplements and omega-3 fatty
Recommended
acids, to physical techniques such as acupuncture.
Foods That Fight
Depression
While some approaches have the muscle of scientific studies behind
them, others remain more anecdotal. They may have merit, but are
hard to evaluate scientifically in the absence of properly conducted
trials. Here are some of the more popular alternative choices for
A Little Juice to
the Brain Eases
Depression
treating anxiety.
Herbal Supplements for Anxiety
Studies have indicated that ingestion of preparations of the kava
plant may help reduce anxiety, although Canadian and European
Foods You Should
Always Eat
Together
health agencies have warned of the potential of liver damage from
Drugs
kava use.
Lexapro
St. John’s wort is a plant that may be effective in relieving anxiety
Nexium
and depression. However, the National Center for Complementary
Roxicodone
by Taboola
5 Surprising Signs
of Dementia
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns that it may negatively
interact with antidepressants, often prescribed for anxiety.
The herbs valerian and chamomile (the staple of that relaxing-onthe-couch herbal tea) are both popular for treating anxiety, but
according to NCCAM, there are no scientific studies supporting their effectiveness.
Ads by Google
This self-help approach is best done in consultation with your doctor, since some natural remedies for
Kidney Treatment
Proven & Effective Ayurveda Therapy No Side
Effects, Consult us now
anxiety disorders might have unwanted side effects if combined with prescribed or over-the-counter
anxiety medications. Also, natural remedies can still be sold without the stringent quality assurance
www.healthmailer.info/Treatment
precautions that are in place for conventionally produced drugs.
Meditation for Anxiety
The calming effects of meditation are well-known and have been linked anecdotally to easing symptoms
InvestKL
Attract & facilitate large MNCs to setup
regional hubs in Kuala Lumpur
www.investkl.gov.my
of anxiety. The nuts-and-bolts scientific demonstration of these benefits is less clear. But the lack of
information need not be a deterrent to use of the approach, since there are no side effects of meditation.
If a treatment like meditation "is proven to be safe, it may sometimes be recommended despite lacking
conclusive evidence of effectiveness with the belief that it is unlikely to hurt but has a potential to help,”
says Amit Sood, MD, director of research for Mayo Clinic’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Program in Rochester, Minn.
The science for the anti-anxiety benefits of acupuncture is more solid than for other alternative
therapies. Several small-scale studies have demonstrated a “statistically significant effect,” meaning that
the results are not likely due to a chance effect. Plus, the technique has the weight of thousands of years
of use behind it. Acupuncture should performed by a physiotherapist or other health practitioner trained
in acupuncture delivery.
Physical and Lifestyle Approaches
Adopting healthy eating habits and incorporating exercise into the daily routine is always a good idea.
The list of beneficial lifestyle options is long and includes walking, jogging, yoga, biking, swimming,
massage, and dance. Results may be a better mental outlook and less reliance on medications.
“Consider the options when treating stress. You can use a long list of medications to suppress
symptoms, but many of these medications may have serious side effects, and some have hazardous
ones. So it makes sense to consider options such as meditation, massage, and yoga to minimize the risk
of side effects of medicines,” says Dr. Sood.
There are many alternative options, as well as traditional therapies, that can be helpful in treating
anxiety. Just be sure to discuss any anxiety therapy you’re thinking of with your medical team, so that you
aren’t using approaches that could counteract each other.
|
1 Comment
You May Like
Foods That Fight
Depression
Promoted Content by Taboola
The Common Pain You
Should Never Ignore
A Little Juice to the Brain
Eases Depression
Tour Jennifer Aniston's
Beverly Hills Home for Sale
HGTV FrontDoor
Ads by Google
3 Herbs that Beat Anxiety
Scientists Reveal 1 Weird Compound to Calm Anxiety that May Shock You.
www.a2xanxiety.com
Tips for Beautiful Skin
Get the right beauty tips for your skin from the Experts. Apply Now!
KayaClinic.com
Hair Fall Treatment
World's 1st Hair Stemcell Lab, Now Guaranteed results.Visit Us Now!
DrNigams.net/Hair+Fall+Treatment
1 Comment
Leave a comment
Back to Top
More on Anxiety Disorders Treatment
Anxiety Disorders
Smude.Edu.In/Distance_Education_MBA
BHEL Openings Nov'13
Exp: 3 to 10 Yrs, Sal: 7L to 25L PA Apply Now
& Get Multiple Interviews
TimesJobs.com/BHEL-Hiring-Urgent
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Last Updated: 06/02/2009
Sikkim Manipal MBA
Admissions Open Now-Take Your First Step
To A Great Career. Join Now!
Articles in Anxiety Disorders Treatment
Antidepressants for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety
Treating Anxiety Disorders With Psychotherapy
Anxiety Treatment
How Exercise Eases Anxiety
Anxiety Management
Alternative Therapies for Treating Anxiety
Anxiety Caregiving
Substance Abuse and Anxiety
Coping With Anxiety and Depression
Anti-Anxiety Medications for Anxiety Disorder
Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Disorders
Copyright © 2013 Everyday Health Media, LLC
About EverydayHealth.com
Careers
About Everyday Health Media, LLC
Ad Policy Advertise With Us
Feedback
The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to
be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. Use
of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.
This site complies with the
HONcode standard for
trustworthy health
information:verify here.