What Causes Phobia of Heights, and How Can It Be Overcome Naturally?

Question

I’ve always felt uneasy when looking down from high places, but recently, my fear has become much worse. Even standing on a balcony or crossing a bridge makes me feel dizzy and panicked. Now I’m wondering—what causes phobia of heights, and how can it be overcome naturally?

From what I understand, the phobia of heights (acrophobia) is an intense fear that can trigger physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. But why do some people develop it while others don’t? Is it linked to past experiences, genetics, or something else in the brain?

I also read that exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are common treatments for the phobia of heights. But are there self-help techniques, breathing exercises, or mental tricks that can help manage the fear without therapy?

Since I prefer natural methods, I looked into Ayurveda’s approach to managing anxiety and phobias. Are there Ayurvedic herbs, relaxation techniques, or breathing exercises that can help overcome the phobia of heights? I found that Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and meditation are often recommended—do these actually help in reducing fear and anxiety?

For those who have struggled with phobia of heights, what methods helped the most? Did therapy, self-exposure, or natural remedies make the biggest difference? I’d love to hear real experiences on overcoming the phobia of heights naturally.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Acrophobia, or the intense fear of heights, can trigger symptoms like dizziness, sweating, nausea, and a racing heart. It varies in severity, with some people feeling uneasy at high places and others experiencing full-blown panic attacks. The causes of acrophobia are complex—some researchers believe it may stem from past traumatic experiences, while others suggest genetic factors and an overactive amygdala (the brain’s fear-processing center) play a role. Evolutionary theories also suggest that humans may have an innate fear of heights as a survival mechanism.

Exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in treating acrophobia by gradually desensitizing the brain to height-related fears. Self-help techniques like controlled breathing (deep belly breathing), grounding exercises, and positive visualization can help manage anxiety when faced with heights. Practicing gradual exposure, such as looking at photos of heights, standing on a low balcony, or using virtual reality, can also help retrain the brain’s response over time.

Ayurveda offers natural approaches to managing fear and anxiety. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi support the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting mental resilience. Meditation, Pranayama (breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom), and Shirodhara (a calming oil therapy) can help balance Vata dosha, which is associated with fear and instability. A warm, grounding diet with nuts, milk, and ghee can also help soothe anxiety. While these methods can aid relaxation and emotional stability, overcoming phobia often requires a combination of mental training, gradual exposure, and relaxation techniques. Many people find that a mix of therapy, self-help strategies, and holistic approaches works best in reducing their fear of heights.

What Causes Phobia of Heights, and How Can It Be Overcome Naturally? - #15814

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions