I was 19 when I had my first anxiety attack.  I had no idea what it was.  The sense of overwhelming panic was so strong I couldn't breathe.  It would swoop down on me unbidden, and there was no specific time or place.  I started to understand how people could become agoraphobic and not want to leave their homes - the place they truly felt safe.

In retrospect, I know now that stress heaped upon stress heaped upon even more stress is fertile ground for anxiety and panic attacks.  

Aside from the physical symptoms of shortness of breath, feeling dizzy or feeling like a heavy weight is pressing on your chest, you may also start asking yourself questions that start with "what if?"  What if I lose my job?  What if my kids are doing drugs?  What if I can't pay my bills this month?  What if I'm late for my appointment?

So what can you do?  There are a number of nature-based options, and I've used most of them.  Here are a few:

• Breathe: taking three or more deep breaths slows the stress response.  More is better, but try at least three.  
• Meditation and Prayer: Both of these practices have a calming effect on the mind and not only stop an acute attack, but can help shore you up against future episodes.
• Acupressure: There's a point that's two inches down from the inside of the wrist known to "calm the spirit" in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  You may have seen people wear wrist bands with press balls on them to prevent sea sickness when on a cruise.  It's the same place.  Just press your thumb on the acupoint, and it will slow down breathing and create a sense of calmness.
• Homeopathy:  There are many homeopathic remedies used to treat anxiety.  It's best to consult a professional if your condition is chronic (more than 6 months).  The remedy used most often for people who ask the questions "what if" is Argentum Nitricum.  You can find it at the local health food store or Whole Foods.  
• Bach Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy by Bach is another great option to help you keep calm.  It comes in a liquid pump action spray as well as lozenges.  
• Herbs: According to Dr. Oz, lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages as a calming herb.  Take 400 mgs twice daily to prevent your stomach from reacting to your worried thoughts.  For more information from Dr. Oz, visit his blog on this topic at http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-worry-cure-diet-plan.
• Exercise:  You knew I was going to throw that in didn't you?  Exercise is a great way to help manage the overblown fight or flight response.  

I hope this information is helpful and that you feel a little less isolated if you struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.  If you'd like to learn more about how you can be your own best advocate for living your life with optimal health, please take advantage of my free one hour health consultation.

Sinus infections are the fifth most common reason antibiotics are prescribed for adults.  But according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, antibiotics did not relieve patients' symptoms any quicker than a placebo pill.

So what exactly is a sinus infection?  Most people report severe, cold-like symptoms like a runny nose, stuffed up nose, sinus pain around the eyes, temples and forehead ranging from irritating to extremely painful.

I’ve had plenty of sinus infections, and when its full blown I feel like chopping my head off.  Thankfully there are better, more natural ways of alleviating these symptoms:

Homeopathy - There’s a phrase we say in homeopathy, “if it’s sticky and it’s thick, use Kali-bich.”  Thick, stringy mucous that ranges in color from white, to yellow to green is common in sinus infections.  Kali bichromium is a great homeopathic remedy for breaking up the mucous.  You can purchase it on-line or at a natural food store like Good Health or Healthy Appetites Natural Foods.

Acupressure - There are a number of acupoints on the face that relieve sinus pressure.  Gently massage each side of the nose or just hold your fingertips on these points applying light pressure and releasing for five to 10 minutes.  Also the indents next to the nasal passages. 

Supplements - Vitamin C reduces swelling of the mucous membranes.  Take 1,000 milligrams every eight to 10 hours.  Zinc lozenges help too by boosting immunity.  Take according to package and on a full stomach to prevent nausea.

Dietary - Eat plenty of warm soups, steamed vegetables and whole cooked grains.  Avoid cold foods and drinks, dairy (promotes mucous), alcohol, sugar and red meat because they trigger inflammation.  Herbal ginger tea helps clear sinuses.  You can buy it already prepared in a tea bag or I like to cut a fresh slice of ginger and steep in hot water with lemon.

Irrigation - Neti pots are a great way to alleviate symptoms and have been used for over 5000 years in ayurvedic medicine.  Make sure the water is filtered or distilled.

It’s a good idea to stock up on some of these items so you have them on hand.   And a box of soft tissues wouldn’t hurt either : )

February is heart health month.  Did you know acupressure and massage
decrease your heart rate while increasing circulation? As blood is pushed through your circulatory system, your heart is able to slow down and pump more efficiently. Both acupressure and massage induce the “Relaxation Response,” which lowers your heart rate, your respiratory rate and blood pressure.  It also boosts your immune system and generally decreases the physical effects of stress.  And since stress is the precursor to illness and disease, one of the best ways to combat it is taking the time for one of these hands on therapies.  Plus it just feels good!

Migraine headaches affect 16% of the population at some point in their  life.  I've worked with a lot of migraine sufferers and have been the unfortunate recipient of them myself on occasion.  One of the most effective therapies I've used for myself and my clients is acupressure therapy. 

There are acupressure points you can press yourself to help alleviate the pain. 

1) GV21 - At the top of your head between both ears lies GV21.  This point is known to relieve headaches, dizziness and increases energy.
2) GB21 - This point is located bilaterally on the highest point of both shoulders.  This point relieves migraines, neck and shoulder tension and stress.
3) LI4 - Master point of the head, this point is located in the depression of where your thumb and forefinger meet.  This point treats headaches, migraines and general head pain (sinus, head colds).

A few other useful tips are:  Massage your neck.  Headaches and migraines are considered heat conditions in the head.  The heat gets trapped and the neck acts like a bottle neck (think of a four lane highway funnelling down to one).  Use a cold pack on the affected area to reduce the heat (but only if that feels good to you).  Put a hot water bottle down by your feet to draw the heat downward.

For long term relief, I highly recommend scheduling an acupressure session.  The clients I've worked with have reported they have long term relief and some no longer have migraines symptoms at all.  For more information on practitioners in your area, visit www.aobta.org or www.nccaom.org.