Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about an event or situation. It’s normal for people to feel anxious in response to stress. Sometimes, however, anxiety becomes a severe, persistent problem that’s hard to control and affects day-to-day life; if you have this type of problem, you may have an anxiety disorder. About 19 percent of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder in any given year, and an estimated 31 percent have an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.
Researchers are examining ways in which complementary and integrative approaches might reduce anxiety or help people cope with it. Some studies have focused on the anxiety that people experience in everyday life or during stressful situations, while others have focused on anxiety disorders.
What the Science Says
Some complementary health approaches may help to relieve anxiety during stressful situations. Read more to get the latest findings on integrative medicine, tai chi, qigong, yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques and music therapy, and their effects on anxiety.
Mind and Body Practices
Tai Chi and Qigong and Anxiety
- Studies suggest that meditative movement therapies (tai chi, qi gong, or yoga) might reduce anxiety, More research is needed but results so far are highly promising.
- In one review study conducted with controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized comparison studies (NRS) assessing the effect of Tai Chi and Qigong versus various comparison groups on depression and anxiety related outcomes in a total of 772 individuals. The findings suggest potentially beneficial effect of Tai Chi and Qigong exercise on symptoms of anxiety
Liu, F., Cui, J., Liu, X. et al. The effect of tai chi and Qigong exercise on depression and anxiety of individuals with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther 20, 161 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02967-8
Acupuncture and Anxiety
- Although some studies suggest that acupuncture might reduce anxiety, more research is needed to allow definite conclusions to be reached.
- In one review study twelve controlled trials were located, of which 10 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Four RCTs focused on acupuncture in generalised anxiety disorder or anxiety neurosis, while six focused on anxiety in the perioperative period. All the trials reported positive findings but the reports lacked many basic methodological details. Reporting of the studies of perioperative anxiety was generally better and the initial indications are that acupuncture, specifically auricular acupuncture, is more effective than placebo and may be as effective as drug therapy in this situation. Positive findings are reported for acupuncture in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder or anxiety neurosis but more research id needed for firm conclusions to be drawn.
- For more information see the original article
- Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review Karen Pilkington, Graham Kirkwood, Hagen Rampes, Mike Cummings, Janet Richardson, ACUPUNCTURE IN MEDICINE 2007;25(1-2):1-10. www.acupunctureinmedicine.org.uk/volindex.php
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Relaxation Techniques
- Relaxation techniques may reduce anxiety in people with chronic medical problems and those who are having medical procedures. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy (a type of psychotherapy) may be more helpful than relaxation techniques in treating at least some types of anxiety disorders.
- Hypnosis has been studied for anxiety related to medical or dental procedures. Some studies have had promising results, but the overall evidence is not conclusive.
- In some studies in people with cancer or other medical conditions, massage therapy helped to reduce anxiety; however, other studies did not find a beneficial effect. Little research has been done on massage for anxiety disorders, and the studies that have been done have had conflicting results.
- Studies have looked at the effects of interventions involving mindfulness meditation on anxiety in various groups of people, including cancer patients, people with other chronic diseases, family caregivers, pregnant women, health care providers, employees, and students. Many but not all of these studies indicated that mindfulness was helpful for anxiety. There’s some evidence that Transcendental Meditation may have a beneficial effect on anxiety. There hasn’t been enough research to know whether mindfulness or other types of meditation are helpful for anxiety disorders.
Music Therapy and Other Complementary Approaches
- There is evidence that listening to music can reduce anxiety during illness or medical treatment.
- Reiki and therapeutic touch have not been shown to be helpful for anxiety.
- Aromatherapy and homeopathy haven’t been shown to be helpful for anxiety.
Natural Products
- Two studies, both supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), suggest that a chamomile extract might be helpful in managing generalized anxiety disorder, but the studies are preliminary, and their findings are not conclusive.
- Kava may have a beneficial effect on anxiety. However, the use of kava supplements has been linked to a risk of severe liver damage.
- Melatonin has been studied as a possible alternative to conventional anxiety-reducing drugs for patients who are about to have surgery, and the results have been promising.
- There isn’t enough evidence on passionflower or valerian for anxiety to allow any conclusions to be reached.
Side Effects and Risks
- Mind and body practices are generally safe for healthy people if properly performed by a qualified practitioner or taught by a well-trained instructor. As with any physical activity, practices that involve movement, such as yoga, pose some risk of injury. People with health conditions and pregnant women should talk with their health care providers about any mind and body practices they are considering and may need to modify or avoid some of them.
- Dietary supplements may have side effects and interact with medications.
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NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.