Alternative Treatments for Depression

Clinical Depression is quintessentially described as the state of feeling sad, angry and frustrated with routine life for weeks or maybe months. It is said that almost 2 in every 10 North Americans fall under the category of clinically depressed.

While psychological counselling and medications are available to get you or a family member treated; natural remedies have also shown positive effects with the added benefit of minimal or no side effects.

Before you pursue any alternative or complementary treatment for your depression it is important that you approach a qualified healthcare provider for recommendations. Alternative treatments typically also include mental conditions and lifestyle changes. Some popular treatments approaches include ?

1. Acupuncture

2. Biofeedback

3. Chiropractic therapies

4. Dietary programs

5. Aromatherapy

6. Massage Therapy

7. Yoga & Meditation

8. Guided Imagery

Herbal Supplements

In addition to this, there are also a number of herbal supplements that are often prescribed to patients who need help coping with depression. Just like any other alternative or complementary treatment, it is important that you run your regimen through your doctor to make sure none of the supplements interact with your ongoing medicines to result in any dangerous interactions.

Yoga & Meditation

While these techniques definitely help in encouraging mental and physical relaxation, it cannot be the only method to treat depression.

With the use of breathing techniques and physical postures it allows individuals to attain new levels of consciousness which definitely benefits in the goal to cure depression. At the same time, some forms of yoga are not recommended to individuals with certain health conditions. In these situations, consider massage techniques, guided imagery and music therapy.

Massage Techniques and Muscle Relaxation

In these techniques you can make use of touch to facilitate physical and mental relaxation. These therapies are primarily designed on the basis of the fact that the body and mind are connected at various levels, and the emotional state of an individual is directly correlated to his or her physical health. Muscle relaxation techniques combined with mind and body exercises have shown considerable results in helping patients with depression.

Guided Imagery

Also known as visualization, this method involves communication between the mind and body. This technique makes use of human perception of touch, taste, vision and smell combined with movement and position to create relaxation within an individual. By urging patients to mentally view pictures of situations that they find relaxing, one can use situations such as flowing waterfalls in lush green mountains, serene lakesides and seaside sunsets to stimulate one?s imagination and relax his or her mind.

When effective, this technique has actually shown some fascinating results where patients can ?

1. Feel the cold breeze

2. Experience the texture of water, sand or grass under their feet

3. Smell the nature

4. Hear sounds

It is even possible for patients to combine one or more of these techniques to achieve better results. For example, many therapists urge patients to pursue guided imagery during a massage sessions or music and aroma therapy for enhanced results.

Source: http://technique.ezinemark.com/alternative-treatments-for-depression-7d3819d50632.html

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