How Do You Help with Anxiety
How Do You Help with Anxiety
Anxiety, often described as a whirlwind of worry, can strike anyone at any moment. It is an inherent part of human nature, but when it becomes too much to handle, it is crucial to have the right tools for navigating the storm.
Here, we present some coping strategies, as well as outline the benefits of choosing ibogaine treatment for anxiety.
Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound derived from the roots of the West African shrub Tabernanthe Iboga, emerges as a promising candidate. The unique neurological and psychoactive properties of ibogaine have the potential to revolutionize treatment for those grappling with anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety
First and foremost, before diving into the benefits of ibogaine, it is important to understand what anxiety is. It is a natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, apprehension, or fear. While moderate levels of anxiety can be beneficial in some situations, such as identifying a potentially threatening situation, chronic or excessive anxiety—the result of a dysregulated nervous system—can be debilitating.
Here are five of the most effective tools for coping with anxiety:
Breathing Techniques
One of the most immediate and accessible ways to mitigate anxiety is through controlled breathing. Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Practice this consistently, and you’ll likely notice a calming effect.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and fully engaging with the here and now. This can help break the cycle of rumination that often accompanies anxiety. Start by dedicating a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or surroundings without judgment. Meditation, a form of mindfulness, can also be very beneficial. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be a great place to start.
Trauma Release Bodywork
Different trauma release bodywork modalities such as acupressure, acupuncture, or trauma-releasing exercises like Neurogenic Yoga can work wonders for anxiety and the release of stored tension, which in itself can lead to chronic anxiety.
Physical Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity is proven to reduce anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also provides a natural outlet for frustrations and stress. Find an activity you enjoy – be it walking, swimming, or dancing – and make it a part of your routine.
Cold Therapy
Cold exposure therapy, popularized by Dutch breathwork expert Wim Hof, can act as a form of stress that conditions the body’s response to stressful situations. By regularly exposing oneself to cold temperatures, the body may become better at managing stress, including the stress that comes with anxiety.
Cold exposure can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. It also activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases the blood level of norepinephrine, a hormone that plays a role in mood regulation. A comprehensive mix of holistic practices such as the ones outlined above, as part of an ongoing aftercare program, especially following ibogaine treatment, is highly recommended.
A Promising Ally in Combating Anxiety
One of ibogaine’s mechanisms of action helpful for treating anxiety lies in its ability to modulate serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is colloquially known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and its proper regulation is crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
Anxiety often arises from an imbalance of serotonin. Ibogaine acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, thereby increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. This helps to stabilize mood and diminish anxiety, mirroring the effects of traditional SSRIs without the accompanying side effects that can sometimes exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Another compelling aspect of ibogaine’s efficacy is its potential to facilitate neuroplasticity. Research suggests that it can encourage the growth and development of neurons and their connections.
This is particularly relevant for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders as their brains often demonstrate rigid patterns of negative thinking. By promoting neuroplasticity, ibogaine may help rewire the brain’s neural pathways, paving the way for more adaptive coping strategies and a more positive outlook on life
Beyond the neurological level, ibogaine’s psychoactive properties can also be harnessed for therapeutic benefits, as anxiety disorders are often rooted in past traumas and deeply ingrained fears.
Ibogaine is known to induce a dream-like state during which individuals can gain new insights into their subconscious mind. This process can facilitate a profound psycho-spiritual experience, akin to an intense therapy session, which can be profoundly healing. In this altered state of consciousness, individuals may confront and reconcile with past traumas and negative patterns of thinking that contribute to their anxiety.
Here at Iboga Root Sanctuary (Ibogaine Treatment UK) we have successfully treated hundreds of patients for anxiety/panic disorders, PTSD, OCD, depression, anhedonia and many other mental health issues.
We administer ibogaine in a medically supervised setting, with our clients’ safety as our prime motivator. Contact us, and we will help you discover if ibogaine treatment would be well-suited for healing from chronic anxiety.