How to overcome Panic Attacks part 2

Meditation (Article on T.M. coming soon)

     Meditation is a practice of focusing the mind to an object or concept, while "disconnecting" with the outside world. It is practiced in seclusion where the mind is allowed to reach its inner depth. Meditation in general will teach you to have better self-control of your emotions and mental states. If you are truly seeking a natural way to stop panic and anxiety, you will want to give this type of therapy some time and consideration.

     Transcendental meditation involves focusing on a single mantra or sound until the mind is still, calm and free from distractions. This form of meditation has been scientifically compared to relaxation therapy and EMG biofeedback, which measures muscle relaxation in a patient while showing them techniques on how to relax their own muscles. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology in an article printed in 1989, analysis of 146 independent study results found that the Transcendental Meditation program is significantly more effective in reducing trait anxiety than concentration or contemplation, or other techniques. This is really compelling. I learned T.M. in 1976. Wish to learn more? If you live in the Tampa Bay area you may contact Jim Vuille @ 727-526-9233 or Email him @ life_is_bliss_now@yahoo.com

Guided Imagery (Article on Guided Imagery due out soon)

     Guided imagery has been found to provide significant stress reduction benefits, including physically relaxing the body and helping individuals get in touch with deeper levels of inner wisdom that would help them better manage their lives. The studies demonstrating the health benefits of imagery are so numerous that many hospitals and clinics are incorporating imagery as an option to help with treatment. In my last job @ Alternative Medicine Integration we assisted our chronic pain patients relax and reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety. There are many companies that provide this technique either by CD or mp3. The company I have been using for years is Health Journeys. Any of the programs by Belleruth Naparstek. I would highly recommend any of her products.   www.healthjourneys.com/what_is_guided_imagery.asp

Emotional Freedom Techniques

     EFT is a tool based on a theory that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy field energy and that tapping on the meridians while thinking of certain emotions alters the body's energy field. It is sort of like emotional acupuncture without the needles. It is sometimes called “tapping” therapy.  Three clinical trials have shown a single EFT session to be more effective than other treatment conditions in alleviating specific phobias. Most research has been limited to anxiety-related disorders even though it has been used successfully in treating addictions, depression and other psychosocial issues. To find a practitioner in Florida click here. The list indicates practitioners in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. www3.emofree.com/Practitioners/referralMain.aspx

Massage (Look for future articles)

     A new meta-analysis, published in the Psychological Bulletin January 2004, that massage offers a wide range of physical and psychological benefits similar to those seen using other forms of care. According to the report, the most significant effects of massage therapy were seen when measuring anxiety and depression levels. According to the researchers, "The average massage therapy participant experienced a reduction of anxiety that was greater than 77 percent of comparison group participants, and a reduction of depression that was greater than 73 percent of comparison group participants." So great were these reductions that the scientists considered massage therapy almost as effective as traditional psychotherapy.

     I can personally recommend the following therapists. Some even come to your home! The ones in Pinellas County are: Keith Bernabi (727-709-0404), Joel Christie (727-365-2764), Patty Costello (727-458-8082) Lisa Howe (727-243-1356), Nicole Longwell (727-742-5313), Colleen McGann (727-384-4919), Susan Williams, (727-525-6855). In Pasco County: Denise Clower (813-758-2956), Carmen Leon (727-457-9343), Cecelia Martinez (727-271-5343), Linda Reilly (727-389-2535). A list of massage therapists that are affiliated with the Massage Therapy Association can be found @  secure.fsmta.org/searchTherapist.asp

Reiki (Look for future articles)

     As a reiki master and practitioner I have personally seen individuals with racing pulses and sweaty palms relax to the point of sleep while on the table. Reiki is often referred to as “energy healing” or “laying on of hands”. It involves the transfer of energy through the healer to individual and the manipulation of the human body’s energy fields.

     Most Reiki practitioners adhere to holistic philosophies that focus on the emotional, physical and spiritual states of health. Energy healing is considered useful in the treatment of general health and vitality, emotional issues, bodily functions and healing. Reiki is one of the most widely known forms of “energy healing” has emerged as alternative treatment increasing interest and research in clinical settings. If you wish more information look at my website @ www.holistics4me.com

Acupuncture

     Acupuncture is a medical treatment that uses points on the body to help stimulate the central nervous system. This stimulation helps to release chemicals within the body to the muscles, spinal cord and brain that help the body to heal itself naturally. It essentially allows to body to tap into its own internal pharmacy. Acupuncture and acupressure have been widely used to treat anxiety. Extensive case reports from Chinese medical literature suggest that different acupuncture protocols are beneficial in the management of anxiety as well as panic episodes. According to Anxietycure.org, a study was conducted with 79 individuals who were diagnosed with anxiety were treated with acupuncture. They were divided into two categories with 65 classified as having anxiety with pain and fourteen with just anxiety or painless related illnesses. Almost all of the individuals involved in the test noticed some form of improvement in their symptoms.

     Some of the practitioners I have worked with in the past all reside in Pinellas County. I would highly recommend any of them. They are: Dr Barbara Dobron (727-773-2511), Dr Cathy Hoffman (727-709-3769), Dr Arriane Jackson (727-789-3110), Dr JoAnne Lehrfeld (727-822-9220), Dr James Saylor (727-938-9966), Dr Susan Stewart (@ Classical Medicine with Dr. Martin Keene (727-821-7771), Dr Haihe Tian (727-392-7782), Dr Yue Wang (727-384-4826).

     Today we have a large variety of programs and techniques available to us for the treatment of anxiety panic disorder. I know from personal experience how scary an anxiety panic attack can be. However, you should seek competent assistance when the anxiety panic attack becomes more frequent, and begin to affect your life. Try to get help as soon as you can and know that you do not have to live with panic attack disorder and anxiety panic attacks.

 For more information regarding me and reiki be sure to look at my website @ www.holistics4me.com

Healthy Blesssings,

Tracy Lynn