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Overcoming Panic Disorder, Regaining Peace of Mind
Blog January 19, 2025

Overcoming Panic Disorder, Regaining Peace of Mind

Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director

1. To Those Suffering from Panic Disorder

Hello, I am Yeon-Seung Choi, the chief director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Today, I'd like to talk about panic disorder, a condition many people experience. Have you ever had a panic attack with symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or intense anxiety? I'm concerned that you might be struggling with such distressing symptoms that make daily life impossible.

2. You Are Not Alone

I can't even go to work properly due to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. My social interactions are also becoming increasingly difficult.

People suffering from panic disorder often say things like this: 'All the strength leaves my body in an instant, and a fear of death washes over me. I can't breathe, and my heart feels like it's going to burst. I'm so scared I might collapse that I can't do anything.' Many individuals experience significant difficulties in their daily lives due to these extreme panic symptoms.

3. What Exactly Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Key symptoms include rapid heartbeats (palpitations), difficulty breathing or chest tightness (shortness of breath), numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, dizziness, and an intense fear of dying. These physical symptoms are often accompanied by anxiety about recurrence. In severe cases, it can lead to avoidance behavior regarding specific places or situations, significantly hindering daily life.

4. Various Factors Causing Panic Disorder

The causes of panic disorder are diverse. It is known to result from a complex interplay of factors such as excessive stress, irregular lifestyle habits, overwork, sleep deprivation, and genetic predispositions. In particular, individual personality traits, such as perfectionistic tendencies and insecure attachment, are closely related to the onset of panic disorder. Everyone experiences anxiety and stress, but when it persists for an extended period, the balance of the autonomic nervous system can be disrupted, leading to a vulnerable state prone to panic attacks.

5. Panic Disorder from the Perspective of Korean Medicine

In Korean medicine, panic disorder is viewed as a symptom resulting from the functional imbalance of the Heart (心), Liver (肝), Gallbladder (膽), and Kidney (腎). The Heart (心) governs mental activity, the Liver (肝) regulates stress, the Gallbladder (膽) represents decisiveness and courage, and the Kidney (腎) signifies congenital vitality. When the functions of these Zang-Fu organs weaken, frequent fright responses, anxiety, restlessness, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations can appear. Furthermore, impaired circulation of Qi and Blood can lead to chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic's Approach to Treating Panic Disorder

At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, our treatment focuses on strengthening the functions of the Heart (心), Liver (肝), Gallbladder (膽), and Kidney (腎) to stabilize the imbalanced autonomic nervous system. For cases of Yuan Qi (元氣) deficiency due to a deficiency pattern (虛證), we utilize prescriptions that tonify Qi (補氣). When Liver Qi (肝氣) is stagnant due to stress, we use prescriptions that soothe the Liver and relieve depression (疏肝解鬱). If the Gallbladder (膽) is weak, leading to a loss of courage, we employ prescriptions that tonify the Gallbladder (補膽). Additionally, we provide cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques for situations triggering panic attacks to help patients overcome their symptoms.

We Prioritize Extensive Clinical Experience and Communication with Patients

Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic provides personalized treatment tailored to each patient, based on extensive clinical experience. Our Korean medicine doctors, including Chief Director Yeon-Seung Choi with 16 years of experience, dedicate ample consultation time to each patient, conducting in-depth discussions. We not only aim for symptom improvement but also focus on identifying and resolving the root causes of anxiety. Furthermore, we strive to provide more effective treatment through the harmonious integration of classical formulas and modern Korean medicine.

People Who Overcame Panic Disorder with Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic

"Before, I couldn't ride the subway alone because I felt suffocated and dizzy. After 2 months of treatment at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, I can now ride the subway without anxiety. My life has become much more comfortable."

Mr. A, a mid-30s office worker, experienced panic attacks every time he had to give a presentation at work. His hands and feet would tremble, and he would break out in a cold sweat, making him dread attending meetings. After receiving herbal medicine treatment and relaxation therapy at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, the intensity and frequency of his panic attacks significantly decreased, and he can now approach meetings with confidence.

Essential Lifestyle Improvements Alongside Treatment

Improving lifestyle habits is also crucial alongside treatment for panic disorder. Regular exercise to relieve physical tension, a balanced diet for health management, and sufficient sleep are beneficial. It is also advisable to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation in daily life to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and proactively anticipating and preparing for stressful situations, are also effective in preventing panic attacks.

Visit Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic Right Away

What happens if panic disorder continues to worsen?

Are you currently struggling with panic attacks? Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, as if your daily life is crumbling? Please do not suffer alone; come visit Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. We will comfort your mind with safe and compassionate treatment. Together, let us walk the path of healing, overcoming anxiety to rediscover tranquility. Panic disorder can be fully overcome with appropriate treatment and management. We await your courageous contact right now.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung Choe Chief Director

Based on 15 years of clinical experience and precise data analysis, I present integrated healing solutions that restore the body's balance, covering everything from diet to intractable diseases.

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