Anxiety is our natural response to danger and stress. Everyone feels it from time to time -- it's just not possible to live a stress-free life. But even when it's mild, it's no fun. And when it's severe, it can be painful and life-crippling.

Some 18 percent of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorder -- the crippling form of anxiety. This disorder is characterized by feelings of anxiousness that are chronic, that interfere with daily life, and/or that cause serious physical and/or emotional discomfort.

Massage Is An Effective Anxiety Treatment

Common wisdom is that massage and energy work can be very effective forms of anxiety treatment. Even if they offer only temporary relief, for someone experiencing extreme stress, even a short-term reprieve is a blessing.

Research confirms this common experience, and even supports the case for longer-term effects. A 2004 study performed by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Research by Christopher A. Moyer, James Round, and James W. Hannum) found this:

Reductions of trait anxiety and depression following a course of treatment were MT’s [massage therapy's] largest effects. The average MT participant experienced a reduction of trait anxiety that was greater than 77% of comparison group participants, and a reduction of depression that was greater than 73% of comparison group participants. These effects are similar in magnitude to those found in meta-analyses examining the absolute efficacy of psychotherapy, a more traditional treatment for either condition. . . .

If you're experiencing moderate anxiousness, massage can be a good non-pharmaceutical means of managing it. For more severe forms, it may be a good complementary therapy, helping to support treatment by a mental health professional.

Anxiety Symptoms

• Pounding heart
• Sweating
• Stomach upset or dizziness
• Frequent urination or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath; heart fluttering or skipping; frequent yawning to catch breath
• Muscle tremors and twitches
• Muscle tension and pain
• Headaches
• Jaw clenching and grinding
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Increased allergy problems
• Strong startle reflex

Here are some common mental/emotional symptoms:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Anticipating the worst
• Irritability
• Irrational fears
• Restlessness
• Hyper-vigilance
• Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
• Heightened self-consciousness

Do You Have Anxiety Disorder?

• Are you often tense, worried, or edgy?
• Does your sense of anxiety interfere with your daily life -- work, school, or family responsibilities?
• Do you have fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
• Do you believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a particular way?
• Do you feel like danger and disaster are around every corner?
• Do you feel persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened?
• Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they make you anxious?
• Do you experience sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic?

There are different types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common are:

• General
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Phobias
• Social

Anxiety Tests

http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-tests.shtml

These tests may give you some rough information about the severity of your symptoms. Of course, severe or long-lasting cases should be evaluated by a professional.

Self-Care

• Making sure you exercise and eat a nutritional diet, including moderation in the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
• Making time each day for down-time and fun
• Asking for help
• Maintaining relationships with friends and family
• Off-loading or delegating unrealistic responsibilities
• Meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation therapies
• Seeing a talk therapist to help you set boundaries and set realistic goals
• Observing good sleep habits

I wish you the highest good in the beautiful journey of your life.

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