The first step in preventing panic and anxiety attacks is learning methods to control them once they’ve started.
A nasty fact about anxiety attacks is that you can become even more anxious and panicked simply knowing that it’s happening once more. This paves the way for a growing spiral of suffering.
A simple technique — using your fingers to tap specific points on your body and hands — can be a very effective, drug-free, and non-invasive process for reducing anxiety. This method is known by several names: Emotional Freedom Techniques, tapping therapy, meridian therapy, and EFT tapping, for example.
Because it might be hard to remember to do your EFT tapping while you’re in the throes of a panic attack, it would be a good idea to rehearse the process while you are feeling relaxed. Do this over and over again, until you can practically do it in your sleep.
Meanwhile, be sure to also practice slow, deep breathing. Anxiety tends toward shallow, rapid breathing, which creates a deluge of undesirable physiological effects. Slowing down the breath will assist in delivering the proper amount of oxygen into your body, allowing your pounding heart to begin to relax and return to a normal rhythm.
When you sense an oncoming anxiety-panic attack, all you have to remember is to start your EFT tapping. The habit you have already established will take over, and the finger tapping will help you begin to relax.
With regular use (i.e. anytime you have anxiety or a panic attack), tapping therapy can gradually reduce the frequency and severity of your panic attacks.
