Mental & Emotional Health
Anxiety
Worry that is hard to switch off, a racing heart, tight chest or restless sleep.
How it can feel
Anxiety can show up as constant worry, a racing heart, a tight chest or throat, restlessness, poor sleep or a sense that something is about to go wrong. It often affects digestion and appetite too.
How Chinese Medicine understands it
Chinese Medicine does not see anxiety as one thing. Two people with the same label may have quite different patterns: for one, it may relate to what is described as a disturbance of the Heart and Shen (spirit); for another, to tension and constraint described in terms of the Liver; for another, to depletion after a long period of stress.
What a consultation looks at
- Your main concerns and how long they have been present
- Sleep, energy, appetite and digestion
- Temperature, tension and physical symptoms
- Emotional wellbeing and what tends to make things better or worse
- Any medication or other care you are receiving
Try this at home
Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan)
On the inside of the forearm, about three finger widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons. Press gently for one to two minutes while breathing slowly.
Gentle self-care only. Stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
Alongside, not instead of. Chinese Medicine can be used alongside conventional medical or psychological care, not as a replacement for necessary treatment. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact your GP or local emergency services straight away (999 or 111 in the UK, 112 in Europe).
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 15-minute introductory call. We can talk about what you are experiencing and whether Chinese Medicine is a good fit for you.