TEL: 07366693154
Get to the root cause
Heal with confidence
TEL: 07366693154
As Holistic Mind-Body-Soul Therapists, we look for the root causes of health on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. Using our own unique healing methodology, we assist our clients back to health and wellbeing.
Our goal for this article is to provide an overview of the physical, mental and spiritual causes of anxiety that go beyond conventional thinking. Our hope is that it will help you understand the condition better, ultimately with the objective of getting to the root cause of the issue(s).
Whether you are someone diagnosed with anxiety, a supportive parent, friend or relative, or a curious seeker of holistic wellbeing and health, this information is designed to provide a thoughtful exploration and our hope is that it will help connect the dots to the different areas that require support when dealing with anxiety.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, designed to help the body react to danger. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily life and develop into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, characterised by intense, uncontrollable feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness that can arise in everyday situations.
These disorders can manifest in various forms, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic anxiety often requires support, as it can significantly impact both mental and physical health. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of anxiety is essential for managing this condition effectively.
Anxiety can be caused by an imbalance of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and norepinephrine. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood, stress responses, and feelings of calmness. When their levels are disrupted, it can lead to heightened anxiety and nervousness. Low levels of serotonin and GABA, for example, are associated with increased anxiety, as these neurotransmitters help regulate mood and promote relaxation. This imbalance can make it difficult for the brain to manage stress effectively, leading to anxious feelings.
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline, are linked to anxiety. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is released during periods of stress and anxiety. Chronic stress can cause elevated cortisol levels, which can disturb mood regulation and increase anxious feelings. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can trigger or worsen anxiety. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, particularly hyperthyroidism, can also lead to heightened anxiety, agitation, and restlessness.
The amygdala, a region of the brain responsible for processing fear and emotional responses, plays a key role in anxiety disorders. In individuals with anxiety, the amygdala may become overactive, leading to heightened fear and stress responses even in non-threatening situations. This overactivity triggers the “fight or flight” response more frequently, making everyday situations feel overwhelming or threatening. The heightened alertness caused by an overactive amygdala contributes to feelings of constant worry and unease, which are hallmark symptoms of anxiety.
Low levels of essential nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, are also associated with anxiety. Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system, and a deficiency can lead to increased tension, stress, and anxiety. Similarly, vitamin D plays a role in mood regulation, and low levels are linked to anxiety and depression. B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, are crucial for producing neurotransmitters that help manage stress. Deficiencies in these nutrients can impair brain function, contributing to feelings of anxiety.
A poor diet can contribute to anxiety by negatively impacting brain function and mood regulation. Diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats may lead to inflammation in the body and brain, which is linked to increased risks of mental health issues, including anxiety. Additionally, a lack of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, deprives the brain of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal function. A poor diet can also cause blood sugar fluctuations, which may lead to irritability, fatigue, and mood swings, further exacerbating depressive symptoms.
Chronic stress is a major physical cause of anxiety. Prolonged exposure to stressful situations leads to the continuous release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can over-activate the body’s “fight or flight” response. This constant state of high alert puts strain on the nervous system and can make an individual more prone to anxiety. Over time, chronic stress can alter brain function, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation and fear, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, further exacerbating anxiety symptoms.
Genetics play a substantial role in the development of anxiety disorders. Individuals with a family history of anxiety are more likely to experience it themselves. Genetic factors influence how the brain responds to stress, how neurotransmitters function, and the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. While not everyone with a genetic predisposition will develop anxiety, it increases the risk, especially when combined with environmental stressors or other triggers.
If you are new to understanding the mind-body-soul connection and how our thoughts and emotions impact our physical health, then please read the following article we have created: Understanding the Mind-Body-Soul Connection and how it impacts health.
To provide a quick summary, the mental wellbeing of an individual plays a crucial role in the manifestation and progression of physical symptoms as the mind cannot be separated from the body. Mind, body and soul are one and the same system.
Understanding the emotional themes associated with heartburn is vital for getting to the deeper holistic root cause of the issue. This can often be due to significant life events at any life stage, even going all the way back to being in the womb. These experiences are stored energetically in the body and subconscious mind.
Understanding the emotional causes and themes associated with anxiety is vital for getting to the deeper root cause of the issue.
Here’s a general overview of the themes:
Anxiety tends to be linked to thinking about future events whereas depression is often linked to thinking about the past. Based on traumatic or stressful events you have experienced, your mind is busy trying to anticipate, prevent or resolve future scenarios where you may feel this way again. Typically what the mind is trying to avoid is being faced with a fear and a sense of powerlessness.
With anxiety the mind is scenario planning thinking of what might happen, who will be involved, how will you deal with the situation, are you capable enough to deal with it, are you going to feel the same way as we did in the past. In this process, the mind will often go to the worst case scenario. People who experience high levels of anxiety or panic attacks may tend to go to the worst case scenario straight away.
Essentially the body is using anxiety and cautiousness to safeguard them from experiencing any new bad experiences. However, when an individual becomes consumed with anxiety and the accompanying thoughts it becomes counterintuitive.
Powerlessness is a significant emotional state that can be deeply intertwined with anxiety, often exacerbating its intensity and duration. When individuals feel powerless, they perceive a lack of control over their circumstances, leading to heightened feelings of vulnerability and fear. This sense of helplessness can trigger or amplify anxiety symptoms, as individuals may worry excessively about their ability to cope with challenges, make decisions, or influence outcomes in their lives.
The connection between powerlessness and anxiety can create a vicious cycle. As anxiety increases, individuals may feel even more powerless, leading to avoidance behaviours that limit their ability to confront and manage stressors. This avoidance can reinforce feelings of helplessness, as they may start to believe that they cannot handle situations effectively. Breaking this cycle often requires addressing the underlying feelings of powerlessness, which may involve building self-efficacy, developing coping strategies, and reframing negative thought patterns.
Embracing spirituality or connecting with your higher self can be the most powerful healer of all. From a spiritual perspective, feeling disconnected to a higher power whether that be God, the Universe, All That Is, the Divine, or to your higher self, is considered to be at the root of ill-health.
From a spiritual perspective, anxiety is often seen as a disconnection from one’s true self or a higher power, resulting in a sense of fear, uncertainty, and lack of inner peace. In many spiritual traditions, anxiety is understood as stemming from an over-identification with the ego—the part of us that feels separate, vulnerable, and controlled by external circumstances. This ego-driven fear can lead to constant worry about the future, fear of the unknown, or a sense of not being “good enough.” Spiritual teachings encourage individuals to look beyond this ego-based fear and connect to a deeper sense of purpose, trust, and divine guidance.
Spirituality also encourages surrender to a higher power — trusting that there is a greater plan or higher wisdom at work, even in difficult times. This sense of trust can help dissolve feelings of powerlessness and anxiety, replacing them with faith, calm, and a deeper understanding of life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. Through this lens, anxiety becomes not just a mental or emotional struggle, but a call to deepen one’s spiritual journey and reconnect with a higher consciousness.
Viewing anxiety as a potential teacher, individuals may find spiritual meaning in the lessons and opportunities for why this health condition arose. Based on the emotional themes of anxiety, this mostly likely revolves around aspects such as discovering how to connect to your higher-self, connecting and trusting a higher power, feeling connection and security, shifting your perspectives and limiting beliefs, finding an inner-strength and embracing love.
Remember, there is no separation between the body, mind and the soul, they are all connected, and are reflections of each other. As a perspective shift, try to think of the body as simply the densest reflection of the soul.
Adopting the perspective that considers the body as a messenger, conveying insights and reflections from the spiritual realm helps you to discover your own inner truth which is incredibly powerful and healing.
From reading the information in this article, we hope you can appreciate the emotional and spiritual themes that are intertwined with physical aspects of health. Therefore, a holistic approach to health that integrates emotional strategies with naturopathic treatments, nutritional recommendations, and spiritual practices is always our recommendation.
This triad of well-being forms the foundation for navigating the challenges of anxiety and getting to the true root cause.
We encourage all individuals who have been suffering with anxiety, who are struggling to get better or who haven’t discovered the root cause of their condition to really consider and embrace a holistic approach to their health.
It not only can transform your health but can transform your life too.
As holistic mind-body-soul therapists, we understand the powerful connection between your mind, body, and soul.
Nutritional deficiencies, unresolved negative emotions and limiting beliefs often rooted in childhood experiences, a disconnection to a higher power, may have built up in your being, and they are now affecting your health and happiness.
Your soul is your inner truth and strength, and it flows through your mind and body. When you disconnect from your truth or ignore its messages, it can manifest as pain, discomfort, or ill health. It’s your soul’s way of getting your attention! It’s sending you a message.
With years of experience, in Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Medical Intuition and Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing modalities, we’ve developed a unique approach, Higher Healing, that focuses on healing all aspects of your being:
Through this approach, we’ll work together to uncover the holistic root cause(s) of your health, specific to you and your life story, clearing any blockages hindering your wellbeing. We help awaken the incredible healing power within you.
Ready to learn more about aligning your mind, body, and soul? Book a Discovery Call so we can have a friendly conversation on how we can support you.
Let’s work together to unlock the innate healing power within you to lead a healthier, happier, more empowered life!
HEALTH DISCLAIMER – While energy-based healing is not intended to substitute conventional medical treatment, it frequently serves as a supportive adjunct. Holistic body-mind therapy has demonstrated efficacy for numerous individuals, who haven’t found success through other modalities. It is, however, imperative to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any physical or mental health concerns. Please read the MEDICAL DISCLAIMER at the bottom of this page.
Image Credit:
