10/05/2021
Have you ever experienced a panic attack? It's been a challenging year and half, and the frequency of occurrence of panic attacks are MUCH higher--understandably. And what a traumatic feeling it is to have a panic attack. The internal tremors/shaking, incredible fear that you are dying or have to be taken to the hospital, dry mouth...sooo unpleasant. ABSOLUTELY acupuncture can help! But here are a couple of tools you can use in the moment to help pull yourself out of that state of being.
1. Breathe! We know how annoying this can sound when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, but it works. An easy trick is to use the 4, 7, 8 breathing technique. It’s easy to do and easy to remember, but practice this when you’re not in the midst of a panic attack so you know what to do. Inhale for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, exhale for a count of 8, repeat. A few rounds of this is so helpful, and the counting helps to pull the mind out of the intense, fearful thoughts.
2. This was taken from a Mt. Sinai email on anxiety, and it is very helpful advice.
“Think about the small details of your surroundings:
- Start by naming 5 things you see around you. This could be the table you’re sitting at or your water bottle.
- Name 4 things you can touch: your sweatshirt, hair, necklace, or shoes.
- Acknowledge 3 things you hear, such as a car horn honking outside or the click-click of someone typing.
- Name 2 things you can smell, maybe the remnants of last night’s dinner or your cat’s litter box.
- Finally, acknowledge 1 thing you can taste.”
