Panic attacks are sudden experiences characterized by malaise that manifests itself at various levels. These sudden manifestations of intolerable anxiety are accompanied by physical neurovegetative symptoms that are associated with a psychological experience of terror, imminent death and / or losing control over one's thoughts and actions.

Symptoms of panic attacks

The cognitive and somatic symptoms are palpitations, sweating, tremor, nausea, dizziness, chills and a feeling of suffocation . Physical sensations are combined with the fear of totally losing control over one's thoughts and actions.

The condition of general malaise struck the person abruptly and became intense within a few minutes, generally being brief episodes . Disorders associated with panic attacks are often associated with the feeling of being outside one's body and looking down at it; in this case we speak of the phenomenon of depersonalization . The fear of a new attack, following the first experiences of anxiety, can generate a whirlwind of fear that feeds on itself.

Causes

Panic attacks can have different causes. In general they depend on inner conflicts that are unresolved and generate tensions which, in certain situations, evoke sensations of threat or profound insecurity.

Also the abuse of psychotropic substances and psychopharmaceuticals, stress or pre-existing phobias can trigger panic attacks.

Diagnosis

Until recently there was talk of DAP (Panic Attack Disorder), today the disorder is commonly known also as paroxysmal episodic anxiety . Statistical data indicate that over 2 million Italians suffer from it. Panic attacks affect in percentages, without significant differences, both males and females, in an age span ranging from 16-18 years to 55-60 years (much more rarely at an early age, 11-13 years) .

At the origin of the disorder there is both a genetic predisposition and a biological cause, or a defect in the functioning of the part of the brain that normally triggers the defense reaction to stress: it therefore happens that the brain itself arrives to signal a danger that does not exist in reality.

TREATMENTS AGAINST PANIC ATTACKS

Feeding in case of panic attacks

One of the physiological causes of the panic attack is hypoglycemia or a drop in the blood sugar level which, due to a series of biochemical reactions triggers the attack symptomatology as an alarm bell. It is therefore important that the blood sugar level is constant during the day . Whole grains contribute to maintaining a constant blood sugar thanks to the presence of fibers, so it would be preferable to replace them with pasta and white bread. Refined carbohydrates, white sugar, industrial sweeteners and packaged fruit juices should be avoided, which, being quick release, promote glycemic swings.

Brown sugar and honey are preferred. Magnesium is useful, acting positively on the central nervous system, contained in: fresh vegetables, beans, fish, oilseeds, almonds and figs.

Reduce meat, pork and sausages in general. Instead all stimulant foods of the nervous system such as coffee, tea and chocolate will be eliminated. Prefer whole grains, legumes, fish proteins, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

A general rule to maintain a good glycemic balance is to combine with each meal carbohydrates (whole grains, potatoes) and protein foods (meat derivatives, fish, eggs, cheeses and legumes), as well as fruit and vegetables.

The nutritional associations useful in the panic attack are similar to those of anxiety to help calm the nervous system.

Herbal remedies

The herbal remedies for the treatment of panic attacks correspond to herbs and medicinal plants able to relax the nervous system and calm the anxious states associated with this disorder.

• Passiflora: ( Passiflora incarnata ) aerial parts are commonly used in herbal tea or mother tincture, for the treatment of all disorders related to the nervous system, and their symptoms, which include anxiety, panic attacks;

• Oats: ( Avena Sativa ) is certainly one of the best natural products to reduce the effects of panic and anxiety. In addition to being consumed as a simple food, it can be taken in mother tincture due to the sedative action on the central nervous system, in psychophysical disorders, in anxiety states and in treating insomnia;
• Valerian: ( Valeriana officinalis ) the root is used to treat all nervous disorders, lowers blood pressure, calms spastic pains, for this reason, it is also used in the form of a mother tincture for anxiety-type manifestations such as panic attacks, states of agitation and distress, tremors, abdominal cramps or anxiety attacks.

Among the buds we recall that of the Maple, ( Acer campestris ) used to treat anxiety neurosis with panic attacks and phobias.

Bach flowers for panic attacks

The Bach flowers indicated for panic attacks help not to be overwhelmed by one's emotions and to react with courage, when one feels frightened or terrified by a sudden situation that causes maximum anguish, an acute state of terror. Each remedy will help, according to its peculiar characteristics, to recover control, psychic balance, relaxation, abandonment.

• Rock Rose: remedy for fear, terror and panic. The individual is paralyzed, trembles, sweats, fails to react in an emergency situation. The remedy helps keep calm and instills courage, determination and perseverance.
• Cherry plum: for the fear of losing control of one's actions and of committing appalling and terrible, unintended actions. The individual is afraid of committing suicide, of going mad, of dying, of performing extreme and unconscious gestures, giving vent to dangerous impulses. The remedy helps to accept the negative sides of our character and to overcome the fear that they take over.
• Rock Water : for panic, due to perfectionism and excessive self-control. The individual is too morally rigid, joys and pleasures are frequently denied because he fears that these things may hinder his work. The remedy allows you to be flexible and flexible; helps to rediscover the pleasant side of life and let go.
• Aspen : helps to keep obsessive thoughts at bay and to stop the continuous work of the mind, favoring relaxation, in case of panic attacks, night sweats, tremors. The remedy helps the individual to find courage and to overcome anxiety and fear.
• Rescue Remedy : the 39th remedy can be used with an instant calming effect in any stress situation, or when you need help if overwhelmed by a variety of negative emotions including panic attack.

You can learn more about how to treat panic attacks with Bach flowers

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine the causes of panic attacks are to be found in the person's experience through the observation of the three organs most interested in cases of anxiety: Liver, Heart and Spleen . The main points that are stimulated during the treatment will be those located near the meridians associated with these organs, such as SHEN MEN, XING JIAN, FENG LONG, NEI TING, DA LING, TAI XI, XIN SHU, PI SHU, QIU XU .

By touching these points the energy is mobilized in the various organs and the Shen is refreshed . Chinese therapy against panic attacks involves three moments that are often simultaneous, aimed at calming the state of agitation, rebalancing the nervous system, controlling the associated symptoms, which can manifest itself in palpitations, insomnia, arterial hypertension.

Aromatherapy in case of panic attacks

The essential oils for the treatment of panic attacks are those with sedative and antispasmodic action . Among these the most indicated are:

• Chamomile essential oil : it is an excellent sedative that can help angry and impulsive people not overreact to the context. Promotes inner balance; helps to process both physical and mental experiences. On an emotional level it is indicated in cases of stress, agitation, headaches, insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and sleep disorders in children.
• Essential oil of marjoram : it is a rebalancing of the neurovegetative system, with a powerful calming effect for anxiety. If inhaled or diffused at an environmental level, the essence of marjoram is useful in the presence of anxiety, fear, panic attacks, uncertainty, hesitancy, pain, suffering and insomnia and in cases of mental instability.
• Essential oil of petitgrain : it balances the nervous system, relaxes and refreshes the mind in case of headache. Relax in the presence of irritability, nervousness, tachycardia caused by anxiety, and insomnia. It has a softening effect on the heart, it removes negative and sad thoughts, disappointment. Calm anger and panic attacks.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies useful for controlling, preventing or overcoming panic attacks:

• Gelsemium sempervirens 30 CH (5 granules as needed or a single dose before an event or an important test), which avoids the violent reaction given by panic.

• Acotinum 15 CH (5 granules, 2-4 times a day), which mitigates intense sensations of anguish;
• Argentum nitricum 15 CH (5 granules, 1-3 times a day), which limits anxiety, frenzy, hurry to conclude;

Exercises

That panic attacks are due to anxiety, stress or depend directly on organic diseases such as hyperthyroidism or other factors such as drug or alcohol abuse or withdrawal, reviewing one's lifestyle and the relationship with one's body cannot that improve the situation. Physical activity plays a fundamental role, since it allows the body to discharge and feel good physically, and gives self-esteem, security of its means and psychological serenity. Regardless of what activity you practice, the movement channels stress, educates anxiety.

Bioenergetics, a psycho-corporeal technique devised by Alexander Lowen, is excellent for removing energy blockages and working on the defensive mechanisms that are created on a physical and psycho-emotional level. The obvious aspects of the body side, the posture, the unconscious attitudes emerge and can be re-educated. Proper breathing work can be of great help and yoga is therefore the most appropriate. Disciplines such as tai chi chuan, where meditation is combined with movement, are equally appropriate.

Let's not forget to mention the dance . Not only dance therapy but also group body expression, like African dance. Energy is released, group dynamics warm the heart and muscles. The use of voice and theatrical techniques are recommended.

In general, the accumulation of energy that underlies the panic attack must be released. It is about setting the inner healer in motion, transforming actions, even the simplest ones, into an opportunity to be more integral in the body. A suggestion is also to rediscover the value that is given to eroticism, going to explore sexuality as we have never done, because our creative potential is closely connected to our ability to request and give pleasure.

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