The body is extremely intelligent: it is resilient and has an ingrained instinct to survive and thrive. Oftentimes, the body is able to reduce anxiety and increase a sense of well-being by tapping into its own hardwiring which encourages a shift in brain chemistry and stress hormones. However, in some cases, tapping into that hardwiring can prove to be difficult.
Here are some natural remedies to start the healing process and help reduce anxiety
Acupressure
Acupressure uses the wisdom of the “meridian system” which has been studied and refined for over three thousand years in Chinese medicine, to invoke changes in the body. By applying pressure to certain areas of the body, we are able to affect the nervous system and encourage the release of endorphins into our bloodstream to increase a sense of calm. One area of the body that is particularly great for reducing stress is the ear. The ears have tons of nerve endings, so stimulating these points by rubbing your ears and pulling on the lobes can help your body relax.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine offers countless options for stress relief. It is very effective because when working with a licensed herbalist, they are able to customize a herbal formula to suit each individual patient, since everyone experiences anxiety differently. For instance, some people when stressed can get palpitations, need to scream, and clean every inch of their house, while others can’t get out of bed, are weepy, and lack all motivation. Chinese medicine has a rich pharmacology which is used to treat the individual based not only on their symptoms but also the root cause of their suffering. Here at Yinova, we custom blend herbal formulas, uniquely tailored to each individual patient.
Deep Breathing
You may notice that when you’re stressed, your breaths get more shallow. In fact, one of the main symptoms of a panic attack is feeling like you can’t breathe. This is because the body has shifted to the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response due to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline. It’s extremely helpful during stressful times to deepen your inhales and take slow, steady exhales. You want to engage in diaphragmatic breathing, which means the diaphragm will expand downward as you inhale massaging the internal organs, and shifting your nervous shift into a parasympathetic where you can rest. Deep breathing also activates the vagus nerve which turns off your stress response. As you slow your breathing, your heart rate and blood pressure will decrease.
Take a Bath
Something else I love to tell my patients is to take a bath, the more bubbles the better! When you take a bath, a process called dermal absorption occurs where your soak up trace minerals from the water. Adding Epsom salts and Himalayan sea salts to your bath can help replenish your body with stress-relieving minerals like magnesium. The warm water on your skin leads the body to release endorphins, while also improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. For some added benefit, add essential oils to your tub like lavender, lemon, and chamomile which can have a calming effect.
Go For a Walk
Something as simple as a walk in nature can help lower stress levels by increasing our exposure to sunlight. Our busy schedules have led to spending too much time indoors and in turn vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is readily absorbed through the sun so while getting exercise on your walk, you’ll also be increasing your Vitamin D levels.
