Taking the Panic out of Panic Attacks

If you’ve ever had the feeling that you’re losing control for no apparent reason and experience symptoms including a dry mouth, shaking, sweating, dizziness, tight chest, shortness of breath, a fear of dying or a fear of going crazy, you may have fallen victim to a Panic Attack. A Panic Attack can occur at any time, when it’s least expected. Some suffer Panic Attacks due to phobias including a fear of flying, a fear of going outdoors, or a fear of crowds, to name but a few. One can also have a Panic Attack after a stressful life event like a loss or separation.

It’s important to understand that a Panic Attack is not life threatening. However, if you’re unsure about your symptoms, please consult with your Doctor first so that a reliable diagnosis can be made.

Conventional drugs are generally recommended to control Panic Attacks but there are also a number of alternative practises and remedies that may assist in easing the symptoms or controlling them.

• Practise Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques to overcome feelings of anxiety. Learning to use the muscles in the diaphragm during breathing excercises allows for optimum oxygen dispertion in the body.

• Exercise helps to produce hormones that induce pleasant emotions.

• Yoga relaxes the muscles, releases toxins and provides extra oxygen to the body.

• Hypnotherapy can aid in alleviating the triggers for Panic Attacks.

• NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) helps the client to dissassociate from the fear associated with phobia, thereby reducing the impact of the trigger that is causing the phobia.

• Emotional Freedom Technique provides both rapid relief and long term benefits for Stress, Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks. It works with the theory that "the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system” and is an emotional form of acupuncture that excludes the use of needles. Instead, the practitioner taps with the fingertips to stimulate certain meridian or energy points while the client is "tuned in" to the problem.

• Cognitive Therapy and Behavioural Therapy can help the client to understand the triggers for a Panic Attack and face their fears in order to overcome them.

• Mistletoe (Viscum Album) is a herbal remedy can be taken for those who suffer from a weakened nervous system. It has also been taken for hysteria, neuralgia and delirium.

• Rescue Remedy is a flower essence which can be purchased at most pharmacies and health shops. It is a blend of the Clematis, Cherry Plum Impatients, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem flower essences and is used primarily for situations involving acute stress, shock or trauma but its properties can also ease dizziness, emotional tension, fear and Panic Attacks.