Introduction To Alternative Treatments For Depression
Janie Jonah
There are a number of treatments available to sufferers of
depression who are looking for more help than using
antidepressants alone in fighting depression. Treatments
ranging from herbs and acupuncture to guided imagery are all
finding their place in an ever modernizing approach to treating
depression. Although this field of medicine is vast, it is worth
looking at treatments that are becoming increasingly popular
with those looking to help them deal with their depression.
There are a number of herbal treatments available all claiming
to relieve the symptoms of depression. Very few of them however
do as most are unstudied or have had limited studies into their
effectiveness.
Those herbs that are effective are just a few that have
undergone multiple clinical trials whose outcome provides
clinic proof backed by research. It is important to note that
these herbs have proven to be effective only when taking the
correct dosage of the herb and in a quality equal or greater to
that used in the studies. There is conclusive proof that
pharmaceutical-grade St John's Wort is very effective in
relieving the symptoms of depression. Studies have found that
high quality St John's Wort is just as effective as popular
anti-depressive drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. It also
causes less side-effects than the anti-depressive drugs. Studies
have thus indicated that high quality St John's Wort is the most
effect herbal treatment available for depression.
Ginkgo Biloba is considered to be the oldest living tree
species in existence. Ginkgo Biloba is affective in increasing
blood flow throughout the body. This includes the brain where
it helps increase memory function. Memory impairment is one of
the symptoms of depression and very prevalent in a major
depressive episode.
Meditation is the art of breathing. Maintaining a steady breath
while sitting relaxes the body and mind. You cultivate
mindfulness by concentrating on the present moment and what it
brings to you. Some say it is about clearing the mind of
clutter, but that is not the sole purpose of meditation. Daily
practice will promote relaxation not just during sitting but
throughout the day.
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to various
parts of the hands and feet such that it will stimulate the
body to heal itself. These various points are said to represent
various parts of the human body, and by applying pressure to
them, they induce healing in that particular part of the body.
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves
'puncturing' the patients skin with very fine needles into
carefully positioned points on the human body. Acupuncture
stimulates the release of chemicals that alleviate the
sensation of pain. It also corrects imbalances by stimulating
the body functions to fight illnesses and conditions such as
depression.
Massage is the art of using touch to promote relaxation
concentrating on the link between mind and body. When the body
is relaxed this is believed to promote relaxation and calmness
in the mind. This will lead to lowering symptoms of depression.
There are a number of massage therapies available such as
shiatsu, Swedish and spinal release therapy.
Guided Imagery uses powerful mental image techniques to promote
harmony between the mind and body. The patient is encouraged to
see peaceful mental images that create calm within the mind of
the patient. This is taught as a coping skill that can be used
to fight unhealthy negative emotions such as anger, as well as
helping relieving pain, stress and depression. It can also help
relieve insomnia which is a symptom of depression and anxiety.
Physical exercise produces endorphins which cause a natural
'high' felt by the person. Exercise is known to relax the body
and mind along with relieving stress and depression.
About The Author: Janie Jonah
http://www.perfectdrugrx.com (c)
2006, PerfectDrugRx. All rights in all media reserved.
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