According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you've been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the chances are high that your doctor has prescribed a course of medication or psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Sometimes, medication is necessary if your anxiety is accompanied by insomnia or panic attacks. However, because medication can often have undesirable side effects, you might be considering alternative ways of managing your anxiety.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique that is frequently used to treat high blood pressure, tension and migraine headaches and chronic pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biofeedback is also useful for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety. You might opt for biofeedback as a form of treatment because it lacks any harmful side effects. You learn to control your bodily responses with the assistance of a biofeedback therapist. The therapist will attach electrodes to your body, hooking them up to a machine that monitors involuntary functions such as blood pressure, body temperature or heart rate. You learn to change these functions with the assistance of the therapist, who leads you in certain mental exercises. Scientists aren't exactly sure why biofeedback is effective, but according to the UMMC, many believe it is because it induces a relaxation response.
Acupuncture
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, acupuncture is a technique based on ancient Chinese medicine. It works based on the idea that there is an energy pathway, or meridian, in your body, through which your life force--qi--flows. Each meridian relates to an organ in the body. An imbalance in qi creates distress. Achieving balance in the energy flow is the key to mental and physical well-being. An acupuncturist will insert tiny needles into the appropriate areas of your body. You then relax for a period of time. The UMMC reports that some studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
Meditation
Meditation is a nontraditional technique which may be effective at reducing your symptoms of anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation may help to eliminate daily stress, relieving anxious feelings and bringing about a feeling of calm and peace. Meditation helps you to focus on the present, helping you to gain a better perspective on certain situations. It may leave you feeling better equipped to handle negative emotions. There are several types of meditation, including guided meditation and mindfulness meditation. You may consider taking a meditation class at your local community center or ask for the name of a qualified teacher at a yoga center. You can also purchase various guided meditation CDs online or at your local bookstore.
