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I am having severe anxiety attacks for no known reason. Can
naturopathic medicine offer any help with this?
By Dr. Patricia Wales, ND & Dr. Jennifer
Bunzenmeyer, ND of Acadia Wellness Centre
Anxiety can be a scary and isolating situation. Physical symptoms of
increased heart rate, shortness of breath, increased sweating and a heavy
chest are often accompanied by intense fear that can feel life threatening,
and a spiraling of irrational thoughts. The severity of anxiety varies
inversely with the degree of coping skills we have learned through our
childhood and adult years. It is very common to experience some degree of
anxiety with an increase of stressful events in one’s life. In addition,
however, long term stress causes our adrenal glands (the stress-coping
glands) to become weak, leading to heightened anxiety, low/irregular blood
sugar levels and a decrease in coping mechanisms. Hormonal imbalances such
as pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and an over- or underactive
thyroid can also lead to anxiety.
Naturopathic medicine addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of
anxiety. Specific nutrients such as chromium, vitamin B6, magnesium and a B
vitamin complex address blood sugar, hormonal and neuro-transmitter
imbalances. As anxiety attacks can be triggered by low blood sugar, the
correct ratio of protein, complex carbohydrates and fat supplied by whole
grains, sufficient protein sources and vegetables is essential to having
consistent energy and a positive mood throughout the day.
The mind-body connection can be positively strengthened with homeopathic
constitutional or drainage remedies, acupuncture or acupressure to balance
the body’s energy and various breathing and yoga movements to promote
relaxation. Correction of hypo- or hyperadrenal gland function with herbal
or nutritional remedies such as rhodiola, siberian ginseng, vitamin C,
pantothenic acid or glandular extracts is critical for bio-chemical and
emotional stability.
To encourage hormonal balance, specific oils and ground seeds can be used to
help support the natural rhythm of a woman’s cycle. Vitamin B6 is a
co-factor in serotonin production, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Vitex
agnus (Chastetree) helps increase progesterone production in the body, a
hormone that is often low relative to estrogen in PMS-related anxiety.
Anxiety presents with a variety of different symptoms. Your naturopathic
doctor can assess which areas of your health and lifestyle may be
contributing to this condition. By addressing physical and energetic
imbalances, your personalized health management program will give you the
tools for a positive, life-changing approach to anxiety.
For more health advice, contact Dr. Patricia Wales ND & Dr Bunzenmeyer ND
at 403.301.0123
www.ndclinic.com
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