Wellbeing

Axe the Angst

Looking for a pill-free way to alleviate anxiety symptoms? Try these alternative therapies…

The UK is in the grip of an anxiety epidemic. According to statistics, one in 10 people are likely to have debilitating anxiety at some stage of their life and that figure is set to rise. But this doesn’t show the whole picture as, despite a growing awareness of mental health problems, 36 percent of common ailments go undetected. It turns out, many of us feel nervous about seeking treatment, and one important factor to consider is that no single treatment works for all. While some may reach for prescription medication, others may respond well to a natural approach, such as meditation or breath work. If you want to discover whether alternative treatments can help, there’s a host of complementary therapies you can turn to. Here are just a few of them.

Acupressure

What is it?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has successfully addressed anxiety for centuries. Acupressure is a massage technique based on its principles, as it uses finger pressure to mobilise blocked chi (qi, or life force energy). “Acupressure points are located on the meridians of the body where chi can be accessed to release blocked or congested energy centres,” explains Sanae Baba, acupressure expert at Cloud Twelve (cloudtwelve.co.uk). “Pressing these points can help ease muscle tension and promote blood circulation.”

How does it work?

Chinese medicine teaches that anxiety can be due to a number of factors, such as blood stagnation. Acupressure works by relieving stagnant energy to help ease causes of discomfort. “Anxiety can create many symptoms including dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, sweating and trembling,” explains Sanae. “Some of the anxiety-relieving pressure points include the chest centre, the third eye, the heavenly pillar, the shoulder well and the spirit gate.” Visit embodyforyou. com for more info.

Try it today:

The spirit gate point is considered the best for relieving fear. This pressure point is located in the wrist crease, towards the side of the little finger and the inner arm. Press this point steadily to get respite from emotional instability.