Anxiety can be a disabling condition that’s accompanied by long-term stress and a decline in overall health. It contributes to many chronic diseases, even when treated with conventional medications. Naturopathic medicine has a lot to offer those who suffer with anxiety, addressing the root of the anxiety rather than masking or supressing the symptoms.
Anxiety can manifest in different ways, with common symptoms being heart palpitations, feeling overwhelmed and afraid, muscle tension, insomnia, digestive problems, panic attacks, sweating and irritability. These symptoms can be debilitating, leading to workplace challenges, anti-social behaviours, depression and ultimately, limiting life experiences for themselves and their loved ones.
Naturopathic medicine always assesses every client’s unique situation to tailor a wellness plan for their specific needs. However, there are a few common triggers that are often linked to those facing anxiety.
Your Diet
Diet is a huge factor influencing anxiety in our modern society. Stimulants are a well-known trigger for anxiety, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (fight or flight mode) increasing the heart rate and creating a sense of urgency. Processed and sugary foods are also known to increase anxiety, spiking blood sugar levels and causing an imbalance of hormones. Refined sugars such as white sugar and corn syrup should especially be eliminated. By avoiding stimulants and eating a more balanced diet full of fruit and vegetables with healthy fats and proteins, this stabilises blood sugars and nourishes the body for an overall sense of wellbeing.
Your Lifestyle Balance
A balanced lifestyle is also vital for naturally reducing anxiety. For many people, the use of phones (especially social media) are a major contributor to anxiety. A constant stream of images, news (often disturbing) and information can overburden our minds and lead to a state of feeling overwhelmed. Reducing screen time, increasing time in nature and being physically active can dramatically decrease feelings of anxiety and release endorphins (happy hormones) to flood the body with a sense of joy and wellbeing.
Essential Oil Goodness
Essential oils are also well researched for their ability to reduce anxiety. Lavender and roman chamomile are beautiful calming oils that can be diffused or simple inhaled to reduce anxiety. Essential oils can also be used to release stored emotions that may be the underlying cause of the anxiety. The limbic system of the brain that stores memories and emotions is only accessed through the sense of smell via the olfactory bulb. Essential oils can be applied during meditation and/or journaling to access underlying memories or emotions so they can be processed, forgiven and released from our bodies. Raindrop essential oil massage is one technique that I use to support the release of emotions, as well as the ‘feelings kit’ protocol that can be done independently.
As you can see, there are a range of options that can be used for those suffering with anxiety that can address the underlying cause of imbalance. Naturopathic medicine is not a quick fix, but rather it involves empowering you to activate your innate healing capabilities. Anxiety is an indicator of imbalance, especially in the mind and emotions. By eliminating triggers and supporting you with wholesome foods, lifestyle habits and essential oils, you will begin to find balance again in your mind, body and emotions. Don’t let anxiety limit you any longer, take ownership of your health today and pursue a holistic approach to a fun, free and confident life again.
As a Naturopath, I can support you with dietary advice, beneficial herbs and supplements and a wellness plan to support you in taking ownership of your health and healing the imbalances that have occurred. Click here to find out more about how naturopathy can help you.
Raneeta Curtis – Harmonic Health
