Are you struggling with stress-related Panic Disorder?

1. Looking to regain your peace of mind?

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the head director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Modern people live with various stresses, big and small, in their daily lives. Among them, those suffering from panic disorder often find daily life difficult due to extreme anxiety and fear. Today, let's learn about panic disorder and explore how it can be overcome from the perspective of Korean medicine.

2. Are you currently facing these struggles?

Whenever I go outside, my chest trembles excessively, and I feel suffocated, as if I'm about to collapse. Interpersonal relationships are difficult, and going to work scares me, creating a continuous vicious cycle.

Those suffering from panic disorder often report the following symptoms: Symptoms vary from physical manifestations such as sudden heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, and sweating, to psychological symptoms like extreme anxiety, fear, and a sense of impending death. These symptoms can lead to significant difficulties in daily life, including going out, interpersonal relationships, and work.

3. Panic Disorder: What exactly is it?

Panic disorder is a condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack refers to the sudden onset of physical symptoms accompanied by intense anxiety and fear. While it typically lasts 20-30 minutes, the feeling of terror often lingers, disrupting daily life. Although the lifetime prevalence of panic disorder is relatively uncommon, at 1-3%, it is considered a serious condition that significantly impairs quality of life.

4. Why does our body react this way?

The exact causes of panic disorder are not yet clearly understood. However, it is known that genetic factors, imbalances in brain neurotransmitters, and stress all play complex roles. Chronic stress, in particular, is considered a major cause, disrupting the balance of the autonomic nervous system and triggering panic symptoms. Furthermore, excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, drugs, or irregular lifestyle habits can also exacerbate panic disorder.

5. The Causes of Panic Disorder from a Korean Medicine Perspective

In Korean medicine, panic disorder is categorized under 'Simgye (心悸)', a condition characterized by 'palpitations and anxiety'. Simgye is primarily believed to arise from a weakened mind and body, liver dysfunction, or disturbances in Qi and Blood circulation. In other words, prolonged stress and an imbalanced lifestyle disrupt the harmony between the mind and body, obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood, and consequently lead to Simgye symptoms, or panic disorder.

How is it treated in Korean medicine?

At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, the treatment for panic disorder aims to restore the harmony and balance of the mind and body. First, after a thorough assessment of the patient's symptoms and constitution, customized herbal medicine (한약) is prescribed to correct autonomic nervous system imbalance and regulate liver function. Additionally, acupuncture (침 치료) to stabilize the mind and body, and moxibustion (뜸 치료) to promote Qi and Blood circulation, are combined to enhance therapeutic effects. Furthermore, reviewing individual stress factors and lifestyle habits and exploring improvement strategies are also crucial parts of the treatment process.

About Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic

Based on extensive clinical experience, Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic provides personalized treatment tailored to each patient. Head director Choi Yeon-seung, with 16 years of experience, prioritizes communication with patients and provides dedicated care. Our clinic's strength lies in finding and treating the root causes of illnesses through a harmonious integration of classical formulas and modern Korean medicine.

Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic through Patient Testimonials

Every night, I was gripped by a death-like fear and couldn't sleep, but now I can fall asleep peacefully. My quality of life has definitely changed.

Many panic disorder patients who visited Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic experienced symptom improvement and regained their daily happiness. Mr. A, a professional in his 30s, shared his life changes after treatment: "Whenever I started my commute, my heart would pound as if it would burst, and I'd feel suffocated and distressed. After Korean medicine treatment, I gradually found stability. Now, I live a bright and vibrant life like before." Ms. B, a housewife in her 40s, said, "My daily life of caring for children was anxious and challenging, but after consistently taking herbal medicine for about a month and practicing regular lifestyle habits, I feel much more at ease."

What Can You Do for a Healthy Daily Life?

To prevent panic disorder and maintain a healthy mind and body, lifestyle improvements are essential. It is advisable to relieve stress through regular exercise and boost immunity with a balanced diet. Additionally, getting at least 7 hours of quality sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are important. During leisure time, engaging in meditation, yoga, or hobbies can also help promote mental and physical stability. Accumulating these small changes in habits can become a great strength in overcoming panic disorder.

Having personally experienced panic disorder, I deeply understand the suffering of my patients. With concerted effort, it can certainly be overcome.

If left untreated, panic disorder can become chronic and significantly diminish one's quality of life. However, it is also a condition that can be overcome with proactive Korean medicine treatment and lifestyle improvements. At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we are committed to helping patients suffering from panic disorder regain their healthy daily lives. Do not tremble in anxiety and fear any longer; embrace the hope of a warm spring day and visit Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. We will be a strong pillar of support by your side.