Naturopathy is an alternative and non-invasive form of treatment for healing various physical or mental health concerns, such as anxiety. Naturopathy is considered a holistic approach that utilizes one or a combination of healing techniques such as nutrition, herbal medicine, or acupuncture. Naturopathy for anxiety often includes treatments that focus on improving nutrition, herbs, and relaxation methods. According to the study "Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A randomized controlled trial," published online by Public Library of Science, naturopathic treatment is a beneficial approach for reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Nutrition for Anxiety
According to the Mayo Clinic, food does not cure anxiety but simple changes in nutrition habits may improve energy, mood, and serotonin production, a chemical in the brain linked to anxiety. Reduction or avoidance of caffeine and sugar may significantly prevent over-stimulation, which leads to jittery and nervous feelings. The online source, Naturopathic Anxiety Solutions, recommends regulating sugar and simple carbohydrate intake to manage chemical balance and blood sugar levels. When the body does not process sugar correctly, it may send signals to the brain that it needs to get more sugar. These signals often come in the form of panic, nervousness or shaking. To educate the person struggling with anxiety, naturopathic healers offer nutritional intervention that helps balance the diet in order to decrease physical symptoms.
Herbs for Anxiety
Herbal medicine is used in naturopathy for treating anxiety. Herbal options include kava kava, ginseng, and valerian root to name a few. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), kava kava is best known for soothing and relaxing irritability associated with anxiety. UMMC further indicates that scientific researchers concluded that using kava kava for treating anxiety has more benefit than placebo alone. However, use kava kava with caution because it potentially could lead to liver problems. Ginseng is touted as a relaxant that reduces stress and valerian root is given credence for its sedative effects and its ability to ease the restlessness that is common in anxiety.
Acupuncture
Naturopathy practitioners often include acupuncture in anxiety treatment. In acupuncture, the practitioner locates pressure points, or meridians, in the body that have blocked energy flow. The naturopath stimulates energy flow by using a fine needle on a specified area, such as the forehead. The needle essentially releases the blockage, which then would offer relief of acute symptoms. With time and regular treatment, longer-term relief from anxiety symptoms are expected. A 2010 study published in the Natural Medicine Journal titled "Acupuncture for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder", concluded there was significant anxiety symptom reduction after acupuncture treatment. The study went on to suggest that acupuncture may also have a sedating effect that further benefited participants treated for anxiety disorders.
