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National Institute of Mental Health statistics:
Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder,
generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias (social phobia, agoraphobia, and specific phobia).
* Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older, or about 18.1 percent of people in this age
group in a given year, have an anxiety disorder.
Common Causes of Anxiety:
Hyperthyroidism
Depression
Neurosis
Menopausal syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome
Stress
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other drugs
Amphetamines
Prednisone
Caffeine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we say anxiety is most frequently associated with disorders of the Heart
and instability of the Shen (or Spirit). The Shen is easily disturbed by Heat and easily unbalanced if our
Heart qi, yin, or Blood are weak. Acupuncture is extremely good for calming the shen, and the repeated
application of needles on a weekly basis ensures the continued momentum of treatment. People often notice
dramatic change in as little as 1-6 treatments. Chinese herbs and dietary therapy are powerful ways to
replenishing your yin and Blood. Yin and Blood provide a secure anchor for the shen. When used in
combination, acupuncture and herbs are effective at easing the withdrawal effects of conventional
medications, and at the same time dealing with the problems that gave rise to your symptoms in the first
place. The correct practice of Soft/Natural Qigong is another extremely beneficial way of combating anxiety.
As little as 5-20 minutes a day for 3 months can often times eliminate not only the symptoms of anxiety but
the roots of its manifestation. Using all THREE of these POWERFUL TOOLS in combination is an almost
unstoppable way to a Life of Health and Happiness!