In many cases, alternative therapies for anxiety have been around a lot longer than their traditional counterparts. Using an alternative therapy does not mean that you have to discard conventional treatment of anxiety. Instead, the best alternative therapies can safely complement any traditional therapies. Try these four therapies to combat stress and relieve anxiety.

Yoga

There are different forms of yoga. Hatha yoga, the form most familiar in the West, has three basic components: postures, also called asanas, breathing, and meditation. All three of these are good for stress and anxiety relief.

Although there are advanced asanas, you do not need to be extremely flexible or double jointed to practice yoga. Many of the postures are suitable for beginners. Joining a class can be the fastest way to learn yoga, but it’s not the only way. There are several DVDs suitable for beginner practitioners. Some of the programs are produced specifically to release stress and anxiety.

Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of health care that focuses on cultivating energy. It accomplishes this through breathing techniques as well as physical postures (both stationary and moving) and mental focus. Qigong practices can be spiritual, medical, or martial arts based. Choose the focus that you are most comfortable with.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a 2,000-year-old technique that originated in China. Like qigong, it is concerned with a body’s qi. Acupuncture is used primarily to relieve pain and can also help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. If you visit a licensed acupuncturist it is a safe procedure and patients feel little to no pain.

EFT

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is a Western system similar to acupuncture except needles are not necessary. With EFT, you tap on a series of energy meridian points. While tapping, you often make a statement relating to what you want to relieve. An example would be, “Although I am anxious, I can handle this situation.”

Alternative therapies can be used on their own to ease stress and promote relaxation, or they can be used to complement traditional treatment of anxiety.

The right scents can help your muscles relax and ease your anxiety. Aromatherapy is a great way to reduce anxiety. Aromatherapy candles are popular, but consider using essential oils as well as your favorite candle. Some essential oils, such as lavender, can be applied directly to the skin. You can also purchase a diffuser to make the whole room smell relaxing.

A hot bath with drops of your favorite scent added is another way to use aromatherapy for anxiety. After filling the bath with water, add about six drops of your favorite essential oil and two tablespoons of almond oil. If anxiety is causing insomnia, consider making a scent sleep pillow. Lime blossoms, lavender, and hops are all good for sleep pillows. Simply fill a small bag with the herb and place it under your pillow.

Another way to use aromatherapy is to make a massage blend. Add ten drops of essential oil to one ounce of almond oil. If you suffer from anxiety in crowds, prepare a handkerchief with a few drops of a calming essential oil.

The best relaxation scent you can purchase is lavender. It is both a sedative and a tonic. Not only will it ease your stress, it can also help lessen aches and pains.

If you suffer from both anxiety and depression, consider patchouli oil. Patchouli oil reduces anxiety and is also known to lift the mood. Frankincense is good for reducing fear. It will help slow down your breathing and calm your mind. If your self confidence is feeling low, try using some jasmine. Use jasmine aromatherapy before an event, such as a job interview, that is causing you anxiety.

One of the most powerful essential oils is neroli. It is both a sedative and an anti-depressant. It will provide you with relief from tension, exhaustion, and make many hopeless situations seem more bearable.

Aromatherapy might not cure anxiety, but the right scents can do wonders to ease tensions and help relaxation.