Anxiety disorders can contribute to a variety of physical as well as mental complications especially when the symptoms have been ongoing for a long period of time. Some of these symptoms include muscle tension, fatigue, headache, and difficulty sleeping.While professional medical treatment should never be substituted with alternative forms of treatment without first consulting with your physician, there are some alternative methods that have been effective in some individuals for controlling the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Alternative methods of treatment seem to work best when combined with conventional forms of treatment.Acupuncture and Massage Therapy Acupuncture has been known to have many positive effects on the body as well as the mind. Acupuncture can have a very relaxing effect which lowers blood pressure, decreases the heart rate, and reduces stress levels. It can also produce a feeling of tranquility and calmness which is particularly beneficial to individuals with a high level of stress or anxiety.Acupuncture has also been used as an alternative form of treatment for depression and some claim it can replace anti-depressant medications as well as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Massage therapy has also been beneficial to numerous individuals who suffer from anxiety and stress.One of the physical symptoms of anxiety is muscle tension which is reduced through massage therapy as it relaxes the muscles and relieves stiffness and aches. Massage therapy also has been known to relieve anxiety while improving sleep and overall well being.Another form of physical therapy which was developed by the Japanese is called “Shiatsu” which is a massage therapy that utilizes the fingers and hands to apply direct pressure on the energy channels or meridians and acu-points on the body which increases the flow of energy in the body and is said to benefit individuals physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

Yoga and Meditation to Reduce the Symptoms of Anxiety An anxiety disorder can have serious physical effects on the body as it is constantly in a state of stress which can drain the energy resources within the body. When the body does not get enough physical exercise, these conditions worsen and the muscles can become extremely tense and breathing is restricted.Practicing various forms of yoga such as the “Sun Poses” are said to greatly reduce the level of stress and restore the energy within the body. Recent studies have been done that show the practice of yoga can be very beneficial in relieving many forms of mental health disorders and the method of controlled breathing that is learned in yoga has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression that are commonly associated with anxiety disorders.With proper meditation practices a deep state of relaxation can be attained which can be beneficial in healing both the body and the mind as the metabolism slows along with physiological functions and a decrease in muscle tension. This also relaxes the mind and reduces the upsetting thoughts which cause anxiety.Anxiety and stress are a normal part of everyone’s life at one point or another and these forms of treatment can reduce these mental conditions, however, when anxiety becomes chronic and adversely affects everyday normal activities a medical assessment should be obtained for a proper diagnosis.