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Stumped by a Tough
Case of Anxiety or Panic?
Try These Ideas…
TCM may not be the perfect solution for every patient.
If you run across a tough case that doesn’t seem to respond, you
may want to consider other holistic options, such as those listed below.
Flower Essences
Carried in a base of spring water and brandy, these remedies contain
the vibrational energy pattern of a flower, plant or mineral. Examples
for anxiety would include mustard for depression and deep gloom, aspen
for unwanted thoughts and sudden fears, sweet chestnut for dark night
of the soul and rescue remedy for general calming.
Cranial Electro-stimulation
Using a battery operated Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulator, when
nodes are applied to certain areas of the body, the gentle stimulation
of the points can heal muscles, regulate heart rhythms, and move the
brain’s rhythm back to normal. Nodes are placed on patient’s
left wrist and forehead for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Therapies
Many cases of anxiety have underlying nutritional deficiencies. For
example, there could be a lack of amino acids that normally stimulate
the production of brain chemicals that promote the feeling of well-being.
In depression, the amino acids most commonly supplemented are L-Tyrosine,
L-Tryptophan, and L-Phenylalanine. There could be a host of other nutritional
issues from B-vitamin deficiencies to mineral imbalances.
Consider Heavy Metal Toxicity
Everything in our environment is affected to some extent by toxins,
whether they are in the water we drink or the dental fillings in our
mouth. Some people are more susceptible than others, but it is always
a good idea to check out the possibility of toxicity for patients not
responding to other therapies.
Western Herbal Remedies
Herbs such as St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Hops and Chamomile have
long be touted as nervous system regulators. Recent studies indicate
that St. John’s Wort can actually alter brain chemistry, relieving
anxious and depressive episodes. Only in high doses does this herb cause
photo-sensitivity, which is its only known side-effect.
Aromatherapy
A recent study placed children into two rooms -one infused with aromatics,
and the other not. The study showed that the children in the aromatic
room were much more calm, less rambunctious, and more communicable. Scents
that help with anxiety are lavender, rosemary, bergamot and chamomile.
They can be infused or the essential oils can be diluted in oil and placed
directly on the skin or in a bath.
Homeopathy
In tough cases when acupuncture doesn’t seem to help, homeopathy might
be able to get results. Using the principle of “like curing like,” these
remedies are highly effective. Some examples are Ignatia for grief and sadness,
Chamomilla for marked sensitiveness and irritability, etc.
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