According to the non-profit group Depression Support, statistics show that by the year 2020, depression may rise to be the second highest health issue in the world. Also, over half of people view depression as a weakness or feel stigmatized. Often people with depression feel they have no control over reactions to medicine and symptoms of the condition. There are natural alternatives for people with depression who seek empowerment.
Naturopathy
According the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, Naturopathy is a growing practice that implements a holistic philosophy to treatment. In essence Naturopathic practitioners operate under the belief that nature is a source of healing and that all living organisms have the capability to heal on their own. Common treatments in this field include:
• Hydrotherapy (application of hot then cold water).
• "Return to nature" (increased ion exposure in purified air; exposure to sunlight)
• Herbal medicine
• Homeopathy
• Body-based therapies (manipulation and mobilization)
Mind-Body Approaches
Commonly known mind-body approaches include yoga and meditation. These offer focused relaxation and attunement with thoughts and body sensations.
Reiki for healing is based on balancing energy systems, or chakras, in the body. Spirituality is a key component of this approach obtained through guided imagery and light hands-on healing by a Reiki practitioner.
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) employs tapping on various points of the body often associated with acupuncture points to stimulate a shift in subtle energies of the body. EFT incorporates a Cognitive Therapy element, affirmations. Combining the physical act, tapping, with verbal affirmations facilitate a mind-body connection with calming or healing effects.
Guided imagery offers a means to imagine a different state of being through deep relaxation, sounds and visualization techniques. In this deeply relaxed state the person becomes more open to creativity and sensations, freeing them from negative feelings and anxieties.
Sound Therapy
According to Dr. John M. Ortiz, author of "The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology," sound or music therapy can change a person's state of mind as well as increase physical health. This therapy takes into account that hearing higher-frequency sounds or listening to various types of music impacts a person's well being. Exposure to loud music or city noise decreases people's ability to distinguish the high frequencies. This contributes to decreased energy, increased irritability and sometimes withdrawal from social settings.
Sound psychology draws on "psychomusicological" ideas and techniques that combine music and sound to restore a person's internal and external level of functioning.
Examples of sound psychology techniques include listening to music that energizes or motivates one to move. Paying attention to the vibrations, rhythms, and melodies versus the lyrics can alter the way a person's brain organizes thought processes and emotions creating an elevation in mood.
Herbal and Vitamin Remedies
Sam-e, St. John's wort, and a lesser-known option called Happy Camper can be found in almost any pharmacy or vitamin store. These nature-based medicines are comprised of flower and root extracts. If you already take prescribed medication, consult a physician before incorporating herbal remedies into your treatment.
According to remedies offered on Holisticonline.com, deficiency in the following vitamins contributes to behaviors and feelings associated with depression:
• Thiamin (B1)
• Riboflavin (B2)
• Niacin (B3)
• Biotin Pantothenic acid
• Pyridoxine (B6)
• Folic acid
• Vitamin B 12 Vitamin C
Maintaining healthy levels of these vitamins might help combat depression.
Laughter
"Laughter is the best medicine" might actually be true, according to Holisticonline.com.
Laughing has been found to alter body processes such as a release of endorphins, which are the body's way of combating pain and increasing a general good feeling.
In fact, some health care programs include "laughter therapy" as part of treatment. Holisticonline.com states that in India laughing clubs are growing in popularity. These clubs meet for the specific purpose of laughing at the start of the day.
References
- Depression Statistics
- NCCAM: Naturopathy
- Ortiz, JM. The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology; Using Music to Change Your Life. Weiser Books, CA. 1997
