The spirit section for Panic Disorder comprises energetically oriented treatments that have to do with intention, energy healing, prayer, and in some cases god. These terms may be volatile for some, and for others they will resonate. Regardless, many spiritual treatments have shown to be profoundly healing for certain individuals with Panic Disorder. Though some people are skeptical, prior notions of these words should be set aside when reading about these spiritual healing treatments, as many of the are truly incredible!
Many of the treatments that live in other sections on FoundHealth could easily live in this “Spirit” section as well. For example, Yoga for Alzheimer's Disease, though a treatment that mostly involves the body, certainly has spiritual undertones and components to its practice. Meditation for Alzheimer's Disease lives under the Mind category, but really is a blend of body, mind and a spiritual/energetic component as well. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are examples of healing systems that have branches that span all six of FoundHealth’s treatment categories, including spiritual components.
So take a look at which spirit treatments have been used for panic disorder or other health challenges!
Yoga is a great treatment for any health condition, even mood disorders like panic disorder. In addition to being good for the body (with the poses and stretching) the conscious breathing and meditative states can help encourage an even-keeled state of being, thus calming the anxiety that comes with panic disorder.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 80 healthy male volunteers found that 28 days of treatment with a multivitamin and mineral supplement (containing calcium, magnesium, and zinc) significantly reduced anxiety and the sensation of stress, both of which are symptoms of panic disorder.30
One of the great medical discoveries of the last century involved the identification of the nutritional substances necessary for life. Along with the “macronutrients” (fat, carbohydrate, and protein), these “micronutrients” make up the essential ingredients of a healthful diet.
Vitamins and minerals have been available as supplements since at least the 1930s. There are two main ways to use vitamins and mineral supplements: "megadose" and nutritional therapy.
Sometimes, disorders or health challenges can be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Oftentimes, taking a multivitamin or multimineral can help supplement the diet and restore levels of assorted vitamins and minerals in the body.
According to most contemporary herbalists, suma is best understood as an adaptogen, a substance that supposedly helps one adapt to stress and fight infection (see the article on ginseng for a more in-depth discussion about adaptogens). In the US, suma is considered a general strengthener of the body.
There has yet to be much scientific research on the effects of suma for panic disorder, but it is recommended by some practitioners.
A very small double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study found that use of the herb European skullcap reduced general anxiety levels.9
Preliminary research has also shown that Chinese skullcap might be beneficial for the treatment of anxiety.12
Native Americans as well as traditional European herbalists used skullcap to induce sleep, relieve nervousness, and moderate the symptoms of epilepsy, rabies, and other diseases related to the nervous system. In other words, skullcap was believed to function as an herbal sedative. A relative of skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is a common herb used in Chinese medicine. However, the root instead of the above-the-ground portion of the plant is used, and overall effects appear to be far different. The discussion below addresses European skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) only.
Often taken with other herbs, skullcap can be used to induce sedative effects which are beneficial for individuals suffering form anxiety, which is a major symptom of panic disorder. European skullcap specifically has been studied, and preliminary research has also been done for Chinese skullcap.
Though the mechanism of action is unclear, one study found that selenium supplements decreased symptoms of psychological anxiety in patients undergoing highly active retroviral therapy (HAART).56 It can then be speculate, though not concluded, that selenium will have beneficial effects on treating the anxiety present with panic disorder.
Though the mechanism of action is unclear, one study found that selenium supplements decreased symptoms of psychological anxiety in patients undergoing highly active retroviral therapy (HAART).56 It can then be speculate, though not concluded, that selenium will have beneficial effects on treating the anxiety present with panic disorder.
Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies use to produce glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase is part of the body's antioxidant defense system; it works with vitamin E to protect cell membranes from damage caused by dangerous, naturally occurring substances known as free radicals. Selenium is required for a well-functioning immune system.24
Though the reason us unknown, selenium has been known to help calm anxiety in some people.
Two exceedingly preliminary studies that evaluated linden flower for potential sedative or anti-anxiety effects returned contradictory results.49,50
Linden flowers have a pleasant, tangy taste, and for this reason the tree is sometimes called “lime flower.” Besides use in beverages and liqueurs, linden flower has a long history of medicinal use for such conditions as colds and flus, digestive distress, anxiety (as is present in panic disorder), migraine headaches, and insomnia. The wood of the linden tree has been used for liver problems, kidney stones, and gout.
