Exercises and Techniques for Social Phobia?

by Ana Mariamuli
(Toronto, Canada)

Dear Matthew,

I have been suffering from Social Phobia quite a while now. I am quite curious if you would know of any Chinese Techniques to ease my phobia. Sincerely, Ana Mariamuli.

Matthew's reply: Hi Ana, some of the exercises and techniques on this site may well ease your social phobia. However, without knowing more about you and your particular problem it's hard for me to be very specific. In Chinese medicine, everyone is considered a unique individual - physically, mentally and emotionally - so even if two people have the same problem - for instance social phobia - it is unlikely that they will receive the same treatment.

If you are anxious and fearful, etc, then take a look at the Anxiety-Stress section of this site, if you haven't already. Look at all the exercises and techniques and choose a couple that you feel best match your situation. Follow the instructions for each one and do them for a few weeks at least. If any of them don't seem to help then try another one. I would also suggest you try the Forward-Backward Bend (Back-Neck section) - a superb, general exercise for improving and maintaining health by stretching the spine and the front of the body, and increasing blood flow to the head and brain.

Chinese herbal medicine may also help to ease - and possibly eliminate - your social phobia. For this you would need a consultation with a practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine. All the best. If you have questions about any of the exercises or techniques on this site feel free to post them.