Anxiety is an uncomfortable sensation in humans when they face a fear or danger. It can be accompanied by many other symptoms like stress, panic attacks, and insomnia. The main cause of anxiety is our mind which may create any feeling (fear, anger etc.) to prevent us from going towards the danger or situation we are afraid of. We cannot control emotions, but we can always control our reactions. In Reiki healing work, we can address any concerns at a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Because of this, we can work with our thoughts and feelings, so if we have been experiencing too much negative energy in our lives, this could manifest as high anxiety levels which we can bring back to balance with Reiki.
Anxiety disorders are defined as “an experience of excessive anxiety or worry about things that typically aren’t causing actual harm to oneself or others”. They usually include three types of behaviors: worrying, obsessing over certain topics or situations, and being easily startled. Because each person’s response to these events will vary, there are no clear-cut causes for anxiety. Symptoms are often worsened by thinking about the problem and doing nothing at all about what concerns you. With treatment, almost everyone improves eventually; however, some people never completely overcome their problems.
There are various types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A general sense of unease, tension, restlessness, irritability, and apprehension about everyday activities. It results in difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances which might make sufferers feel tired during day time. Patients who suffer from GAD have difficulty relaxing and focusing on thoughts related to personal worries and fears, leading them to be preoccupied with possible future outcomes. There are different treatments available such as medication and therapy (*see alternative options in the segment below).
Social Phobia / Social Anxiety disorder: Often called social phobia, it is a condition of great distress caused by the presence of physical reactions to potential threats or because of the awareness of one’s vulnerability. Commonly occurring among adolescents and young adults, symptoms include extreme uneasiness in public places and avoiding social interactions. Medication is commonly prescribed, along with therapy (*see alternative options in the segment below).
Panic Disorder: This is characterized by rapid heart rate, sweating and trembling, and feelings of intense dread or terror. It can lead to many problems like impaired concentration ability, memory loss, inability to relax, fatigue, nausea and even fainting. Treatment includes talk therapy, antidepressants, beta-blockers and anti-anxiety drugs. Some patients respond better to certain medications than others (*see alternative options in the segment below).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This is referred to as “obsessions” because of its obsessive nature and “compulsions” because of its compulsive behavior. Some patients may compulsively wash their hands or clean things to avoid getting sick. Others may find themselves counting down slowly before performing tasks such as eating. As with OCD, medications can be used and therapies prescribed for those seeking help (*see alternative options in the segment below).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition arising after exposure to a traumatic event or series of events involving intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks and avoidance behavior. PTSD is sometimes associated with depression or substance abuse. In cases where violence has occurred (such as sexual assaults), Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome may develop. Treatment involves both medication and counseling. In addition, several Reiki methods have proven effective in alleviating anxiety and stress.
*Effective Alternative Treatments To Overcome Anxiety:
Reiki Session: This treatment utilizes gentle energy waves to heal the body and release negative energies within our system. Reiki sessions are beneficial for individuals suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks/panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Mindfulness Therapy: Mindfulness involves being aware of what is going on around you without judging yourself negatively. By learning how to accept and embrace all aspects of life, including the good and bad. We also gain insight into ourselves and become able to identify patterns of thinking that are causing us unnecessary worry. While doing mindfulness exercises, a person can use their free will to control anxiety.
Deep Belly Breathing: Deep belly breathing helps reduce stress and anxiety. The breath plays a major role in influencing our emotional state and has been shown to stimulate endorphins which help put us in a calm mood overall.
Yoga: Yoga helps people relieve stress and anxiety through the benefits of pranayama, meditation and relaxation. There are many different styles of yoga, but many involve stretching poses that work out the muscles in the core of the body, building strength while releasing tension.
Meditation: Meditation can help us be the witness of our thoughts instead of being swayed by them, freeing up the mind from everyday worries. With consistent practice, the brain produces more serotonin, one of the happy hormones. Thus, creating less anxiety and more optimism.
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