A panic attack is a sudden, intense experience of fear coupled with an overwhelming feeling of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding heart, sweating, and rapid breathing. A person with panic disorder may experience repeated panic attacks (at least several a month) and feel severe anxiety about having another attack.
Each year, panic disorder affects one in every 63 Americans. It is two times more likely to affect women.
A Harvard study shows that people who react to stress with intense anxiety or panic are four times more likely to become ill than those who are able to control or relax their nerves. Though some anxiety is normal and even healthy, higher levels of anxiety are not only uncomfortable, but can usually lead to significant health problems.
Panic disorder is a chronic, debilitating condition that can have a devastating impact on a person’s family, work, and social life.
Four or more of the following symptoms during panic attacks would indicate panic disorder:
- pounding, skipping, or palpitating heartbeat
- shortness of breath or the sensation of smothering
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- nausea or stomach problems
- chest pains or pressure
- choking sensation or a “lump in the throat”
- chills or hot flashes
- sweating
- fear of dying
- feelings of unreality or being detached
- tingling or numbness
- shaking and trembling
- fear of losing control
We have had lots of success treating anxiety attack with acupuncture and meditations. Many people report feeling less stressed after receiving acupuncture therapy. Acupuncturists treat people with anxiety based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of “Qi” (vital energy) located in various meridians. In the case of anxiety, a “Qi” deficiency is usually detected in the kidney or spleen meridians. Stimulation of acupuncture points with needles or magnets will release endorphins, enkephalins and other well-being hormones. These substances are also natural pain killers that seem to reduce anxiety and depression, promote better night sleep, alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
In addition, in recent years clinical hypnosis or hypnotherapy (therapy experienced in the hypnotic state) has gained considerable respectability in the medical profession for its therapeutic role in the management of many conditions including those that are stress and anxiety related.
Please read an article about meditations and anxiety attacks. The research proves that meditations work as well as medications. For the first time, scientists compared patients who took an intensive eight-week mindfulness meditation program to patients who took escitalopram, the generic name of the widely-prescribed and well-studied anxiety drug Lexapro. They found that both interventions worked equally well in reducing debilitating anxiety symptoms. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/11/09/1135211525/anxiety-medication-meditation-lexapro
Please call us to schedule a free consultation with us. During the consultation, you will be evaluated by one of our practitioners. We have decades of experience working with people with anxiety and depression. We would love to help you leave your life without fear, medications (with side effects).
Please call us (415) 409-3939 to schedule.
