Anxiety is a normal response for stressful and dangerous situations, but some people feel anxious almost all of the time. These people suffer from anxiety disorders which are generally treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication doesn't always work, and some people don't want to take psychotropic medications or experience negative side effects from taking these medications. In these cases, alternative treatments might be recommended or added to a treatment plan.
Kava
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that kava, a plant found in the South Pacific, has been found to improve people's moods and reduce anxiety. This plant makes people feel relaxed without leaving them feeling sleepy. Kava might increase liver problems, so people with any type of liver issues should discuss this option with their doctors before using this as an alternative treatment for anxiety.
Nutritional Therapy
Discovery Health reports that people can change their brains from the foods that they consume, affecting their levels of anxiety and depression. Medications for anxiety return neurotransmitters and levels of serotonin to their normal levels which helps to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. People can do similar things by carefully selecting the foods they eat. For instance, the Mayo Clinic reports that vitamin B and folic acid produce neurotransmitters. If someone wants to add nutritional therapy to her anxiety treatment plan or use it instead of medication, she should consult a nutritionist for more information.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that includes placing needles in specific points of a person's body to help with certain medical and emotional issues. Acupuncture has been used as a stress-relieving tool for many years.
Yoga and Meditation
Many therapists recommend that people with anxiety disorders practice some form of relaxation techniques on a regular basis to relieve and prevent symptoms of anxiety. Meditation helps people focus on the present moment, instead of worrying, and encourages people to use their breath to relieve stress. Yoga combines breathing, meditation and movements that promote flexibility.
Biofeedback
Medical professionals use biofeedback to teach their patients how to control their physical responses such as heart rate, breathing and muscle tension. With biofeedback people learn how their bodies respond to anxiety and how to manipulate and reduce those physical symptoms of anxiety. Without the physical symptoms, most people see a reduction in the emotional symptoms of anxiety, because they're focused on their bodies instead of worrying.
