Kinesiology for anxiety relief: holistic approaches

Discover the role of kinesiology in reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being

People generally think that anxiety is a mental health issue and while it can certainly feel that way, it often starts as a physical health issue. Of course, there are many external factors in our lives that can generate anxiety, from exam fears and work stress to relationship issues and money worries. However, if our physical health is in good shape, it can promote anxiety relief, so we are better able to handle these situations. This may sound surprising to some, but what we eat has a major impact on anxiety levels. A few dietary tweaks and some supporting nutrients can have a massive impact on our mood – and go along way in reducing anxiety symptoms, from over-thinking and feelings of dread to a racing heart and sleepless nights.

Firstly, our bodies use far more vitamin C when we are under stress, so we will require more if we are feeling the heat, whatever the cause. In addition to this, scientific studies have shown that when certain strains of gut bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifido) are not present, it can make us more prone to anxiety. This is because they are involved in producing the calming neurotransmitter (GABA). (Vitamin C also enables our bodies to produce Bifido bacteria). In a kinesiology treatment, we consider the digestion and support gut health through a variety of techniques and nutrient testing.

Outside of a kinesiology treatment, a simple way to increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut is to eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, spices and herbs - as many different varieties as you can manage in a week, as they will enable beneficial bacteria to feed and flourish. (Even better if they are home grown, organic or un-sprayed from a farmers’ market). These fibre-rich, nutritious foods in turn will help your body create its own calming chemicals and reduce anxious thoughts. Other foods that can help you to keep calm in a crisis, if you eat them regularly, include whole-grains, such as oats, brown rice, quinoa; omega-3 rich foods like oily fish (salmon, sardines, trout, mackerel etc) and organic free-range eggs.

Another aspect that we consider in a kinesiology treatment is the endocrine system, (where hormones are produced). The endocrine system (like the rest of the body) operates like a finely tuned orchestra, and is easily thrown off balance. This can happen if we consume too much sugar, live on processed foods, over-indulge in alcohol or smoke/vape. These habits can cause spikes in blood glucose, which in turn negatively affect the endocrine system and can create hormonal imbalances, leading to feelings of anxiety. Part of the problem is that when we feel anxious or stressed, it’s these habits that we might want turn to. And although, they may provide temporary relief, ultimately they make the situation worse, by inducing more anxiety in an endless loop. Through kinesiology we can find nutrients and techniques that will support your body and reduce cravings. Once the cravings ease off, or drop away, it’s much easier to just let go of unhealthy habits, rather than having to do it through will power (which is extremely difficult).

We also support the ‘energy body’ in kinesiology. There are numerous acupressure points, which when tapped or held, can provide relief from anxiety and stress. We have many other calming stress-release techniques too. If you’re experiencing anxiety, there is a lot that can be done to reduce it naturally, so don’t suffer in silence. Book a kinesiology appointment or a free discovery call and find out more about how kinesiology treatments can help you to feel better.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor.