Stress, grief, trauma, and modern living are all documented factors in the development of anxiety. Chest pressure, especially when accompanied by panic attacks, can be frightening because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Chest pressure or pain should never be ignored; consult your health care practitioner or go to an emergency room for any type of chest pain or pressure; even if you suspect it's caused by anxiety.
Four Square Breathing
When the muscles around the heart constrict as the result of elevated anxiety levels, respiration may increase rapidly, causing hyperventilation and further chest pressure. Fear in response to stress is completely normal. Cognitive psychologists may suggest the utilization of "Four Square Breathing," a technique used by soldiers in combat to decrease anxiety levels and prevent panic attacks.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is a clinical technique used to offer individuals suffering from anxiety the tools to reassess both sides of stressful situations they are confronted with. Learning techniques that you can use to counter chest pressure related to anxiety may be a helpful and effective tool when experiencing extreme stress. According to author and therapist Marsha Linehan, this type of therapy is considered the most evidence based technique for improving extreme anxiety levels.
Homeopathic Significance
Homeopathy may offer positive side effects for anxiety related chest pressure. Homeopathic aconite is the most common remedy used for anxiety related to grief or trauma and may reduce chest pressure as well as extreme emotionality without side effects common in pharmaceutical medications. Consult a holistic care giver for more extensive information about the benefits that homeopathy may offer for mental and physical health conditions.
Allopathic Treatment
Medical doctors often prescribe chemicals called benzodiazapines to treat anxiety. Benzodiazapines may reduce anxiety and chest pressure caused by panic attacks. Unfortunately, benzodiazapines, like all pharmaceutical medicines, have severe side effects and high risk of dependence which may be understandably disconcerting. If you live in a state that has approved the use of medical cannabis for mental or physical health reasons, your doctor may suggest using it through vaporization or edibles.
Meditation
Reducing anxiety through meditation may have many health benefits, according to Melissa Blacker, senior teacher and co-director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction professional training and education programs at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Blacker believes meditation has shown itself to be one of the best preventative and immediate treatments available in dealing with anxiety related chest pressure.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness";Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 1999
- "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology"; Todd Feinburg and Martha Farah; 2003
- "Homeopathic Psychology: Personality Profiles of the Major Constitutional Remedies"; Phillip Baily; 2007
- "Homeopathic Self Care: the quick easy guide for the whole family"; Robert and Judyth Ullman, N.D. ; 2002
