Alternative and Integrative Therapies - Panic Disorder

Aromatherapy

Lavender is very calming in times of emotional or psychological distress. Inhale directly from the bottle or scent a handkerchief with three or four drops of lavender essential oil. Inhale slowly and deeply whenever panic strikes.

Smelling familiar scents are found to dampen panic attacks. Sniff aromas that remind you of happy childhood or other memories. A sniff or two can almost instantly help curb fears and induce a more relaxed state--the first step in stopping a panic attack.

Surprisingly, baby powder has been found to work for just about everybody. Other odors have similar impact, depending on where you were born. For example, smell of flowers works well for those born in the East Coast of the USA, and the smell of fresh air works for those born in the South. The smell of farm animals was found to work for those born in the Midwest and for the folks who were born in the West, it is the smell of barbecuing meat. Other anxiety-easing smells include salt air, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and Mom's home cooking. You can also use essential oils such as lavender or rose.