Lately, I’ve spoken to several friends and coworkers who are dealing with anxiety and panic attacks…to the level that they are on medication or considering it. It made me think back to when I was in my twenties and I had panic attacks for several years, although I didn’t know what they were at the time. I experienced an unusual heartbeat–my heart would skip a beat and then pause and then there was a big beat that I really felt in my chest. Often, after that I would have palpitations or my heart would race. I was so scared and bewildered, but I was too scared to even find out what it was. I guess I thought I was having a heart attack and was going to die but didn’t want to know.
It got to the point that I was afraid to go out to the grocery store and stand in line, or sit quietly in church where I couldn’t “escape” when the feelings started. I was having such fear that I had episodes of hyperventilation and shaking all over my body. Not fun at all.
Ironically, when I became pregnant I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and found out it is a very common but not serious condition. That helped me immediately to understand and not fear my heart irregularities. And then my cardiologist gave me the simplest tip to stop my heart racing–he told me to just hold my breath for a few seconds until my heart calms down. It works like a charm! Maybe this will help you or someone you know.
Anxiety continues to be a challenge at times, although I don’t experience panic attacks anymore. Usually, it’s a kind of nervousness that happens when I have to give a talk at a meeting, or discuss an emotional issue with a loved one. Since I prefer not to use medications if possible, I have tried many natural remedies and techniques over the years. These “vibrational medicine” remedies that I have found to be most effective are:
- Bach Rescue Remedy–one of 38 essential flower essences and formulas created by English physician, Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930s. All 38 of the Bach Flower Remedies are officially recognized as homeopathic drugs in the Supplement to the Eighth Edition of the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. They work by healing emotions from a vibrational level.
- Lavender aromatherapy–a form of complementary medicine that treats moods and emotions through the use of plant scents, called essential oils. Lavender is particularly helpful for calming and pain relief.
- Music therapy–using specially-designed calming music. Steven Halpern’s inner peace music is my modern favorite, and I also use several CDs with music by Bach and other classical artist’s to create specific moods and upliftment.
If you’ve tried these basic natural approaches and need additional support for relieving your anxiety and panic attacks, please consult with your health professional.
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