If you’re experiencing anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people go through ups and downs, especially during times of change. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, including difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, racing thoughts, brain fog, panic attacks, digestive issues, altered appetite, or irritability.

Understanding Triggers

What triggers anxiety, and how does it affect us differently? It’s crucial to recognize that triggers vary from person to person. Common types of anxiety include work or school-related stress, social anxiety, performance anxiety, and even the anxiety that comes with seasonal changes.

Discover the ORA Method: A Holistic Approach to Anxiety Relief

At ORA, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety that combines Acupuncture, Red Light Therapy, and Meditation—the ORA Method. This trio of treatments works synergistically to help you find balance, especially during stressful times.

Acupuncture is at the heart of the ORA Method, offering a deeply personalized treatment that targets anxiety by balancing the nervous system. By placing needles at specific meridian points, we help regulate the flow of energy (Qi) and reduce the body’s fight-or-flight response. Acupuncture also promotes the release of endorphins, our body’s natural mood elevators, helping you feel calmer and more centered.

Red Light Therapy is a powerful complement to acupuncture, enhancing relaxation, reducing stress on a cellular level, and improving mood. The gentle warmth of red light penetrates the skin, easing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm. It’s particularly effective when used alongside acupuncture, and meditation, amplifying the benefits of each treatment.

Meditation rounds out the ORA Method, providing a mental reset that complements the physical relaxation achieved through acupuncture and Red Light Therapy. Just a few minutes of guided meditation can help clear the mind, reduce racing thoughts, and deepen your overall sense of well-being.

Together, these three elements of the ORA Method create a holistic, multi-faceted approach to anxiety relief that addresses both the mind and body.

Acupressure and Meditation at Home

In addition to the ORA Method, you can incorporate simple acupressure and meditation techniques at home to manage anxiety effectively. Acupressure, similar to acupuncture but without needles, involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Acupressure for Anxiety Relief

One effective acupressure point for anxiety is LI 4 (Hegu), located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. To practice:

1. Find a comfortable position and locate the LI 4 point.
2. Using your thumb, apply firm pressure to the point while breathing deeply.
3. Hold and massage the point for 20-30 seconds, focusing on your breath and allowing tension to release.

This simple practice can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety by balancing the body’s energy and promoting a sense of calm. It’s an excellent way to complement your visits to ORA and extend the benefits of acupuncture into your daily routine.

Meditation with 3-Part Breath

Pairing acupressure with the 3-part breath technique can further enhance your anxiety management. The 3-part breath is a simple yet powerful breathing exercise that can help you ground yourself and reduce stress.

Jamie Graber, of Organically Jamie and ORA’s Head of Meditation Program, developed ORA’s meditation audios based on this breath technique and recommends it for at-home practice because it is powerful yet easier to learn and practice, making it suitable for beginners.

Here’s how to practice it:

The Three-Part Breath involves a continuous, deep inhalation through the nose, divided into three parts: an equal count inhale, hold, and release.

1. Inhale for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. Hold for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
3. Exhale for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The 3-part breath helps you focus on deep, complete breathing, and slowing down. Practicing this daily, especially during times of anxiety, can help calm the mind, improve respiration, and strengthen the mind-body connection. It also extends the length of the breath, which leads to a calmer state.

How Movement Can Ease Anxiety: The Power of Walking and Yoga

Incorporating movement into your routine, alongside the ORA Method, can be a game-changer in managing anxiety. Physical activity not only reduces stress hormones but also increases the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. Two forms of movement that are particularly effective for anxiety relief are walking and yoga.

Walking is a simple yet highly effective way to calm the mind and ease anxiety. Taking a  brisk walk outdoors, especially in nature, can help clear your head, uplift your mood, and enhance your overall sense of well being. The rhythmic motion of walking helps regulate breathing and encourages relaxation, making it a great way to break up a stressful day or unwind  after a long week.

Yoga combines physical movement with breath control and mindfulness, making it an excellent practice for managing anxiety. Yoga releases tension in the body, improves flexibility, and quiets the mind. The deep intentional breathing practiced in Yoga slows down a racing mind and eases anxiety. Whether you prefer a gentle flow or a more vigorous practice, yoga offers a range of benefits that support both physical and mental health.

When you make Yoga and walking a part of your routine, especially alongside the ORA Method, you’re not just managing your anxiety, you’re taking control of your well being. These practices work together to support you in finding calm amidst the chaos.

Find Your Calm at ORA

With the right support—like the ORA Method and regular movement—you can manage anxiety and embrace where you are. For more information on how ORA can support you during this transition, visit one of our locations or explore our offerings here. Your journey to holistic healing starts here.