Why do I experience extreme anxiety when looking down from heights?

Question

I’ve always struggled with going to high places, but lately, it’s gotten worse. Last week, I visited a friend who lives on the 10th floor of an apartment building. When I stepped onto the balcony and looked down, my heart started racing, my legs went weak, and I felt like I was about to fall even though I was standing still. I grabbed the railing tightly and had to take deep breaths to stop myself from panicking. This isn’t the first time—whenever I’m on a tall building, a bridge, or even watching videos of people on skyscrapers, I feel the same way. I looked it up and found that fear of heights is called acrophobia.

I don’t know when this started, but I remember as a child, I avoided climbing trees or standing near railings in malls. Now, even escalators make me nervous. Some people say exposure helps, but when I try to force myself to face heights, I just freeze and get dizzy. It’s not just discomfort—it’s actual fear, like I might lose control and fall.

I read that Ayurveda can help balance the mind and emotions. Is there a natural way to reduce this fear? Are there specific herbs or practices that can calm the nervous system and lessen this reaction? Would meditation or breathing exercises help? I also heard about therapies like Shirodhara—can they help with this issue?

I want to overcome this without depending on medications. Have you treated anyone with similar issues using Ayurveda? What’s the best way to start healing naturally?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, acrophobia can be linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system and can lead to heightened fear and anxiety. To address this, calming and grounding therapies are key. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi can help soothe the mind, reduce anxiety, and stabilize the nervous system. Additionally, practices like meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) can be very effective in calming the mind and reducing fear responses. Shirodhara, which involves a steady stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead, can also help balance Vata and calm the nervous system, making it beneficial for emotional instability. Regular practice of grounding yoga postures, along with a calming, sattvic diet, can also help reduce overall anxiety and improve emotional resilience. Taking small, gradual steps to face the fear while using these natural therapies can support long-term healing.

Why do I experience extreme anxiety when looking down from heights? - #16741

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