Anxiety attacks are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Anxiety was once considered just a mental disorder, however scientists are recently discovering that the causes are more hormonal and chemical than emotional. At present, it is impossible to completely cure panic attacks, though there are medications on the market that claim to do so. However, medication like Zoloft and Prozac carry with them some very unpleasant side effects. These medications can increase suicidal thoughts and tendencies, can cause sexual problems in women and men, and can leave panic attack sufferers feeling detached from the world, or very apathetic.

As someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder, I have found other ways to stop panic attacks. I try to cure anxiety now without medicine, and I have seen dramatic improvement over the last few years, completely drug free. So what are some natural ways to stop panic attacks from happening?

Go for a run - Sometimes anxiety attacks can make you feel as though you need an escape. An excellent solution is to run, or even run in place. The physical activity will help take your mind off the panic attack, and it works well as panic treatment.

Use pressure points - during a panic attack, your chest tightens up, and it may be difficult to breathe. You can alleviate some of this by pressing down on the base of your sternum, just below the xiphoid process (the same place you give a person CPR). This is a pressure point for the chest, and putting some pressure here will loosen up your chest and cure panic attacks.

Do something with your hands - some people can scratch themselves, or wring their hands raw during an anxiety attack. Keep your hands occupied. This will take your mind off your panic disorder, and will help keep you from harming yourself. Tossing a ball from one hand to another is a good panic treatment.

Breathe - It's easy to hyperventilate during a panic attack. A good way to stop panic attacks is to invest in a metronome. When you feel an anxiety attack coming on, turn on the metronome, and begin to breathe to a specific rhythm that feels comfortable for you. This beat will help regulate your heartbeat as well as your breathing.

Try something natural - There are many natural supplements that can help deal with panic attacks. St. John's Wort is a popular herb for depression, but it can also help with anxiety disorders too, as both problems often stem from chemical imbalances in the brain. Other traditional herbs can help alleviate the discomfort of anxiety attacks as well.

Look deeper - If your panic attacks aren't strictly due to a chemical imbalance, try to pinpoint what things in your environment trigger them. Do certain thoughts make you feel anxious or afraid? Smells? People? If you find a pattern in your panic attacks, you can seek therapy to help you encounter these things without an anxiety attack. If you see someone who recommends medication, remind them firmly that you would like a natural cure for panic attacks. Anxiety disorders can be handles quite well with some training and patience, and I will never return to the dull feeling of medicating myself after learning to manage anxiety without drugs.