Alternative treatments for OCD/anxiety?

[eduk8or]

Has anyone tried any "alternative" or "natural" treatments for their anxiety/OCD?  Hypnosis, hypnotherapy, accupuncture or accupressure, chiropractic, herbs, vitamins, etc?  I am just wondering if anything of these has worked for anyone?  I have started working on meditation, but am feeling like I am not very good at it...

[shrublet]

I tried auricular (ear) acupuncture while I was working at a physiotherapy and acupuncture clinic. It seemed to make a difference; whether or not that was a placebo, I can't say for sure. However, it is a very interesting procedure and the EMF findings did correlate with the anxiety, etc. That is to say, the points on the body that correspond to emotional and mental problems had a significantly lower frequency than the other areas.

[tryingtoheal]

Just thought I'd post about what my naturopath has prescribed for OCD/anxiety. Bear in mind that i have also started anafranil/clomipramine at a dose of 10 mg/day. I'm hoping that alternative therapies can a) soften side effects of pharmaceuticals, b) shorten the duration I have to take them, c) improve my overall well being, in addition to meds and therapy and d) help me stay at a lower dose. With that said:

I was diagnosed as having too much adrenaline and low cortisol (not what I expected to hear). Basically, the ND said I've been panicked for so long I've depleted my cortisol levels; like a diabetic who can no longer produce enough insulin or something. So I was prescribed something called Ortho-Adapt Vegan. This has now been replaced by PharmaGABA plus, with the idea to help calm extreme stress/panic. It's supposed to work in some way similarly to Ativan, "but in a supportive, rather than suppressive, manner."

Niacin. Not a complete B vitamin for now and not multivitamins.
Fish oil (omega-3).

I am also taking lots of vitamin D (8000 mcg), but that's for flu prevention!

So far, I have found my physical symptoms (extreme breast pain and swelling for 2 weeks/month, painful periods, low blood pressure (way too low) and heart palpitations (from a heart murmur) have completely resolved. My anxiety, however, remains untouched. That's why I went on the meds. Can't figure this part out. So we'll see how this program works.

She also recommended lots of touch!

My naturopath is VERY reassuring. She feels like a healer. She does not wag her finger and tell me never to touch sugar or coffee, though she encourages me to decrease stuff like that. She works with me, believes me and helps me figure out where to go next. I love her!

[eduk8or]

Thanks for the response and for including what you are taking.  Unfortunately the nearest naturopath is like 2 hours away from where I live, so I don't think I will be driving that distance, but I would really like some alternative ways of dealing with anxiety than just pharmaceuticals.

[ocdengineer]

I would invite and encourage you to take a look at my blog and read some of the info on meditation.  It really is the best way that I know of to stop the negative thought process.  Also, remember, meditation is never something you can fail at.  Even if you sit in one place for 15 minutes relaxing to the best of your ability, you have successfully relaxed for 15 minutes.  If you are expecting anything other than an increased ability to relax and allow thoughts to pass through your mind without attachment, you are looking too hard.  Meditation is only about relaxation and focus on your breath as a means of strengthening your ability to focus your mind as well as clear it as well.  It is exactly like physical exercise in that if you don't practice it often, you won't get better, but you'll never see the results in the mirror.  LOL.  Be patient with yourself and continue to practice with loving kindness. 

Take care,
OE

[eduk8or]

OE,
 I have gotten some books and CDs by Jon Kabat-Zinn on meditation and have been trying to sit for 15 minutes a day to start out.  Do you have any specific books or resources you use that you like?

eduk8or

[ocdengineer]

www.buddhanet.net has a ton of free books.  I would recommend any of the books that discuss mindfulness meditation.  I have links on my blog as well.

Later,
OE

[eduk8or]

Thanks!