Anxiety and Complementary Health Approaches

Article Source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/anxiety-and-complementary-health-approaches

Accessed from the world wide web at 10:00 hrs on 15.08.20.

Researchers are studying a variety of complementary health approaches to see whether they might be helpful for occasional anxiety or anxiety disorders. There is some evidence that mindfulness and other forms of meditation, music, relaxation techniques, and melatonin may be efficacious for anxiety, especially anxiety associated with medical procedures or chronic medical problems. However, there is not enough evidence on other complementary health approaches for anxiety to draw definitive conclusions about their efficacy.

This issue of the digest provides a summary of current research on several complementary health approaches for anxiety, including mind and body practices and natural products.

Modality and Summary of Current Research

Although some studies of acupuncture for anxiety have had positive outcomes, in general, many of the studies on acupuncture for anxiety have been of poor methodological quality or not of statistical significance. In addition, because the research is extremely variable (e.g., number and variety of acupuncture points, frequency of sessions, and duration of treatment), it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about potential benefits.

Read more on what the science says about acupuncture for anxiety