COMPLEMENTARY ADVICE.
Byline: Dr Yvonne MajuryWE'VE all suffered from anxiety - that terrible feeling that something bad is going to happen.
It can happen at home, at work or in the street without warning. But it can be a positive emotion.
This may seen a rather unusual statement, but it can be used to our benefit now and again. For example, when we have exams coming up it is usually the associated anxiety that drives us on. Of course, that is if we find the level tolerable. When it is beyond our ability to cope then it becomes a problem.
There are numerous ways in which we can train ourselves to relax, such as breathing techniques, yoga, relaxation tapes, or simply, yet effectively, to get out into the open air. These promote a feeling of calm and help both the mind and body to cope with the anxiety.
Taking lavender baths and having a cup of camomile tea last thing at night are also natural methods to calm us down. However, sometimes this is not enough.
This can lead to sleeplessness, and as one thing often results in another, tiredness prevails.
So, it is best to get on top of it before further consequences arise.
Some people try tranquillisers, others seek counselling, but you can supplement your choice with a little help from naturopathy.
Kava kava is commonly referred to as the 'herbal diazepam', but it has the advantage of being without adverse side-effects.
It works more quickly if taken in tincture form at a dose of 15 drops in a little water twice daily and should be taken for at least six weeks to achieve maximum benefit.
It may be that the anxiety is short-lived and comes about if there is a forthcoming event, such as a driving test.
As soon as the dreaded event passes so, too, does the anxiety. Emergency essence is great for this, four to five drops under the tongue when necessary.
Tea and coffee, due to their caffeine content, do not help anxiety management. Cut these out and use one or more of the many alternatives.
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| Title Annotation: | Health |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Sep 23, 2001 |
| Words: | 350 |
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