Back to Homepage
 

Physical symptoms

rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

stomach problems (gnawing feeling, "butterflies," diarrhea, irritated bowel syndrome)

breaking out in a sweat, or feeling cold and clammy

headaches, lightheadedness or dizziness

bodily tension or aches

fatigue


Emotional Symptoms

a general sense of apprehension and dread

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
jumpiness
irritation

You can help prevent anxiety attacks.

Do not smoke or use smokeless (spit) tobacco products. Nicotine stimulates many physical and psychological processes, causes your blood vessels to constrict, and makes your heart work harder.
Avoid caffeine, such as coffee, tea, Mountain Dew, colas, and chocolate. Caffeine can keep you in a tense, aroused condition.

Take care of your body by eating a well-balanced diet. Include a multivitamin when you can't always eat right.

Take time out for yourself every day. Even 20 minutes of relaxation or doing something pleasurable for yourself can be restorative and decrease your overall anxiety level.

Exercise during the day. Even a brisk walk around the block may help you stay calm.

Anxiety is a normal response to a threat or to stress and is experienced occasionally by everyone. Normal anxiety has its root in fear and serves an important survival function. When someone is faced with a dangerous situation, anxiety induces the fight-or-flight response. With this response, a variety of physical changes, such as increased blood flow to the heart and muscles, provide the body with the necessary energy and strength to deal with life-threatening situations, such as running from an aggressive animal or fighting off an attacker. However, when anxiety occurs at inappropriate times, occurs frequently, or is so intense and long-lasting that it interferes with a person's normal activities, then it is considered unhealthy.

Anxiety disorders are more common than any other category of mental health disorder and are believed to affect about 15% of adults in the United States. The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully known, but both physical and psychologic factors are involved.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers anxiety a symptom of imbalance between the Yin (spirit) and Yang (blood) aspects of vital energy.
Acupuncture: treatments for anxiety have been proven to be successful in calming the symptoms of anxiety whether you are in an acute panic attack or have generalized anxiety. Specific acupuncture points are used to calm the sympathetic nervous system in order to stop the cascade of panic.

Herbs: can be a valuable compliment to your acupuncture treatments. Herbal formulas are designed according to your particular case and can further aid in the reduction of many uncomfortable symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations and digestive disorders. Speak with your acupuncturist about designing an herbal formula that is right for you.

News and articles about anxiety
Auricular Acupuncture Effective in Treating Anxiety
...Technique Could Reduce Pain and Stress in Postsurgical Patients...
Anxiety and Acupuncture
... Of the anxiety and pain group treated with acupuncture alone, 65% reported being very greatly helped, 24% helped and 11% being unresponsive...
  Service the San Francisco Bay Area since 1994. Voted the best acupuncturist in Sunnyvale!