Chinese medicine for panic attacks

Panic attacks: Physical as important as mental therapy: For severe physical ailments, Chinese medicine helps well

05/11/2012

Tachycardia, sweaty pearls, shortness of breath accompanied by rapid breathing, tingling skin and trembling arms and legs - people with panic attacks go through hell and often experience fear of death. Such anxiety attacks usually occur unexpectedly and usually do not last longer than 30 minutes. Standard therapy includes psychological behavioral therapy, which generally achieves very good results. Nevertheless, physical treatment approaches should also be a good mix of therapies. For example, Chinese medicine knows external and internal therapies that work well.

Panic attacks usually have very different causes: some occur since early childhood, others for the first time during menopause. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, there is another important trigger: Infections. Dr. Christian Schmincke, TCM expert and head of the clinic at Steigerwald, makes clear: „Simple infections, such as non-healing colds, are no trivialities, but can promote or cause serious illnesses - including panic attacks.“ This also explains why Chinese medicine not only relies on psychological care for panic patients, but also uses procedures that strengthen the body. In addition, a variety of physical symptoms accompany panic attacks. Dyspnea, Dizziness & Co are sometimes so severe that sufferers see them as life-threatening and are afraid to die.„Experiences show that the more the body reacts in one attack, the better the effect of Chinese therapy methods“, explains Dr. Schmincke.

Here are measures - despite the same symptoms - based on an individual diagnosis. „We look for the physical and mental roots of the disease. By pulse and tongue diagnosis and a very accurate history with questions about sleep, excretion, infection and discomfort, we get essential information.“ The therapy is based on five pillars. Acupuncture and moxibustion, Tuina massages, Qi Gong and vegetarian food support therapies with Chinese medicines, which always form the basis. In patients with panic attacks, the rootstock of the Coptis plant is always included in the drug. He has a so-called „lowering“ Effect. Dr. Schmincke explains: „Lowering means calming down and taking the overactivity of Qi out of your head.“ But anyone who thinks that he can administer herbal substances himself is wrong. Coptidis rhizomes is a highly effective substance that should only be used under medical supervision and in high doses. In addition, every body reacts differently to this remedy. Incorrectly used, it has a strong damping effect. Other parts of the therapy concept: saving of hard psychotropic drugs such as anxiolytics, sedatives and sleep medications as well as distance to everyday life. (Pm)