Agoraphobia - Holistic and Alternative Medicine Solutions

Agoraphobia is the intense fear of feeling trapped and having a panic attack in a public place. It usually begins between ages 15-35, and affects three times as many women as men--about 3% of the population. An episode of spontaneous panic is usually the initial trigger for the development of agoraphobia. After an initial panic attack, the person becomes afraid of experiencing a second one. Sufferers literally fear the fear, and worry incessantly about when and where the next attack may occur. As they begin to avoid the places or situations in which the panic attack occurred, their fear generalizes. Eventually the person completely avoids public places. In severe cases, people with agoraphobia can no longer leave their homes for fear of experiencing a panic attack.

In all types of phobias, symptoms may be eased by lifestyle changes, such as:

• eliminating caffeine
• cutting down on alcohol
• eating a good diet
• getting plenty of exercise
• reducing stress

Many holistic and alternative medicine therapies can help with agoraphobia.

The links below will take you to that therapy page, where you can view our practitioners directory for that therapy, and use our "instant info" to email a question to the relevant practitioners.

Reiki, massage therapy, and aromatherapy are useful to some anxious patients because they can promote general relaxation of the nervous system. Breathing exercises and similar techniques are key to help the patient prevent hyperventilation and relieve the muscle tension associated with the fight-or-flight reaction of anxiety.

Yoga, aikido, tai chi, and dance therapy help patients work with the physical, as well as the emotional, tensions that either promote or are created by anxiety.

Herbs known as adaptogens may be prescribed to treat the anxiety related to phobias. These herbs are thought to promote adaptability to stress, and include Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and ginseng (Panax ginseng). Adrenal modulators such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and borage (Borago officinalis), nervine herbs such as chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriafolia), and antioxidal herbs like milk thistle (Silybum marianum) are also beneficial. Tonics of skullcap and oats (Avena sativa) may also be recommended to ease anxiety.

What alternative therapies for agoraphobia worked for you? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know.