According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. The use of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs -- those that affect brain chemistry -- has skyrocketed over the last decade. As people look for natural alternatives to medication to treat anxiety, many self help practices are emerging. A recent article in the Huffington Post recommends a form of mindfulness, the practice of being in in the moment, and controlling apprehensive thoughts as a means for dealing with anxiety.
Being present in the moment is a good quality, if it comes easily and naturally; otherwise it can divide the mind and create unnaturalness in behavior. Anxiety has a physiological correlate. The accumulation of stress and tension create agitation in the mind and emotions, and also in the physiology. Worries and anxiety further contribute to the stress in the body. It's a vicious cycle.
There is excellent research on the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique for releasing stress and reducing anxiety. Transcending the surface levels of mindful attention and diving deep within during the TM technqique, to the 'source of thought' (pure consciousness) frees the mind of worries, brings relaxation and release of tension in the body. When stress is no longer agitating the mind, one spontaneously feels more calm and more present in the moment. And the clearer thinking that results from meditation allows one to tackle the concerns of life unfazed, with greater power and efficiency, instead of feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
See what doctors are saying about the Transcendental Meditation program for reducing anxiety at http://www.doctorsontm.com/tm-research/benefits-anxiety
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
As holistic health professional I understand that stress is a killer. The simple practice of the TM technique on a daily basis just seems to dissolve stress, so I feel refreshed and renewed and energized, and I can do more of what I need to do and want to do. I think the TM technique can be a "transformative healing process" for the average person, as well as for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, learning disorders and substance abuse. Even basically well-adjusted people may have low level anxiety or trouble sleeping, and certainly just about everyone has to deal with plenty of stress in life. TM helps keep me sane in a crazy world.
ReplyDeleteErick,
ReplyDeleteMany people are looking for ways to treat anxiety without taking medication. Mediation has no harmful side effects and treats the underlying cause of anxiety rather than just supressing the symptoms.