anxiety.jpeg

 

ANXIETY

Leslie Jafarace L.Ac., Acupuncture Works



Anxiety affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. Women are twice as likely to be affected http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad .

Symptoms of anxiety can range from excessive worry, heart palpitations, insomnia, sweating, fatigue and general muscle aches. Conventional treatment offers drug therapy which can have unwanted side effects. And many patients find talk therapy to be in effective for relieving their physical symptoms. Acupuncture is extremely effective for both the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety with little to no side effects.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine. anxiety conditions usually are caused by the blood. Western nutrition is high in calories but usually has virtually no nutritional value. This results in what is called a blood deficiency (Xue Xu). The body has enough blood but the quality is poor. Women tend to suffer more frequently due to the fact that each month they have menses. Other factors that can induce a blood deficiency are shock, and surgery.


In my clinical experience, I have treated many people with anxiety of ranging severity. Most respond extremely well with a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food therapy.


Acupuncture-


Acupuncture is a 2,000 year old science that helps to balance and restore the energy of the body. Most people experience an extremely calming, dreamy feeling during and after the treatment. Each persons treatment plan is based specifically on their health care goals and concerns. Patients will have 1-2 treatments a week for 4 weeks and then begin a maintenance program.  Most commonly, patients experience some relief from their anxiety with just one treatment.


Chinese Herbal Medicine-


There are a number of Chinese herbal formulas that can work wonders for anxiety disorders.  Here is a brief list of formulas I commonly use in my practice to treat anxiety.

  • Gui Pi Tang

  • Jia Wei Xaio Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer)

  • Suan Zao Ren Tang

  • Chai Hu Mu Li Tang

In addition to Chinese herbals, western herbs can be of benefit as well

  • Valerian

  • Chamomile



Nutrition-


It is always best to get nutrition from the foods we eat. In some cases we need a little extra to get us through.  Choose high quality supplements  and remember more expensive is not always better.


  • Liquid B complex

  • Black Sprap Molasses

  • Cold pressed Flax Seed Oil


Anxiety can be made worse with caffeine stimulants like coffee. It is best also to avoid refined sugars, and carbohydrates. These can elevate our blood sugar leaving us with a major crash. Try maintaining a consistent blood sugar level with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and Bulgar wheat.


Each one of us is responsible for our health. The above mentioned can be extremely helpful at getting to the root of the problem. If you are ready to start feeling better, give us a call at 843-455-4228. Let us help you live the life you want.