The Effective and Curative Alternative Treatment for Depression

Table of Contents

Depression is a clinical condition in which a person suffers from feelings like sadness, melancholy, anxiety, restlessness and hopelessness. Lost of interest in work, detachment, low mood, inability to sleep well, lack of energy and suicidal tendencies are some of the other symptoms that are linked to depression. For those who are not benefited by general medical treatments, alternative approach may be beneficial.

Meditation:

One of the safest approaches to mitigate depression is meditation. It has a soothing effect on one’s mind and body. It helps a person to nullify negativity and helps in reducing stress hormone. If practiced on regular basis, it leads to improved psychological system. An excellent way of relaxing nerves, meditation leads to the over-all well being of a depressed person. Clarity, attentiveness, and grasping abilities of the mind improve to a great extend. Do meditation daily for 10 minutes; you can also combine it with music therapy.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone):

Being the precursor of stress-related hormones like adrenalin, DHEA is considered vital in controlling stress-related issues of the body. Depressed persons have, usually, low levels of this hormone. Studies have shown that a small amount of it, when administered daily into the bodies of patients, resulted in improved psychological and physical conditions. Ability of these people to deal with day to day stress improved to a great extend. DHEA intake can lead to improved mood and increased ability to carry put daily tasks. It affects the body by improving the overall immune system of a person.

Addition of Tryptophan:

It has been proved that tryptophan works as an anti-depressant. Those suffering from depression and mood disorders are known to have inadequate levels of serotonin in their brains. Tryptophan alleviates the mood by raising the levels if serotonin. Food rich in this essential amino acid are mangoes, dietary products, chicken, spirulina, dates, and oats.

Exercise:

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Brisk exercise has been considered useful in treatment of depression. Vigorous exercises have a positive effect over mind and body mechanisms. They boost self-confidence of a person, thereby enabling him to deal with stressful situations.

CBT:

It stands for Cognitive Stress Behavioral methods to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety. Different from other psychotherapies in that it lets people practice patience and avoid over reacting in every situation. CBT is a constructive approach towards the problems of life and if practiced properly can relieve you of depression.

St. John’ Wort:

This herbal medicine has been found effective in curing sadness, low-mood, and depression. This antidepressant is found in mild cases of depression. The medicine starts showing its effect after about a month. Though it comes with many side effects like indigestion and dizziness, it has been proved to work much more effectively than other medicines. For those suffering from liver ailments or having bipolar disorder must avoid John Wort. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.

Omega-3:

These fatty acids aid in the proper brain functioning and need to be taken form outside as out body is unable to manufacture them on its own. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 and those who rely heavily on salmon and sardines have less chances of suffering from depression-related diseases. As fish have high levels of mercury, you can take omega-3 in the form of capsules. EPA i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid is the main component of omega-3 and researches have proved that EPA has ameliorative effect on one’s mood.

Aromatherapy:

This alternative treatment is employs either massage or inhalation of some aromatic essences derived from plants. Many of these aromatic substances need to be mixed with other creams before application on skin as they can be too harsh.

If you have mild depression, aromatherapy can be effective for you. Oil of basil, lemon, jasmine, bergamot, orange, sandalwood, lavender, chamomile, cedar wood, and germanium can be employed in this technique.

Acupressure:

This age-old technique is based on the principle of applying pressure on specific points of body with the help of needles and releasing the blocked energy. There are many vital points that need to be stimulated for doing so. Deep breathing along with acupressure can be more effective.

Magnet Therapy:

Earth’s magnetic field is known to have positive effects on one’s general health. This is the base of electromagnetic therapy which is utilized for stimulating brain waves; it helps in increasing serotonin levels. Recently, scientists have devised a new RTM stimulation technique; it calls for focused stimulation and treat only those portions of brains that show abnormal activity.

Mineral Intake:

Minerals are vital to the normal brain functioning. Zinc, for example, is a good antidepressant that effects cerebral cortex area. Patients with low zinc levels develop mood disorders, improper mental balance, and cognitive disabilities. Lithium, another useful mineral for curing depression, effects mood-related ailments. Magnesium, the main component of red blood cells, is also plays a vital role. Green leafy vegetables and whole grains are its main source.

Massage Therapy:

It is a touch therapy that not only aids in physical health but also has soothing affect on mind. These days, it is used in different forms like neuromuscular therapy, shiatsu etc. Normally, touch through massages increase the level of endorphins and the patients feel an effect of calmness. It also balances physiological reactions, thereby enabling the depressed ones to control their emotions.

Kanna:

This South African herb lessens the anxiety levels and shows marked improvements in mood. The main component in Kanna which is responsible for increasing serotonin levels of brain is alkaloid. Mesembrine, another active ingredient is also responsible for bringing relaxation.

Music Therapy:

Scientists have demonstrated the soothing and balming effects of music on one’s soul and body. Listening to music of one’s choice lets a person bear the emotional disturbances of life. It is quiet useful in bearing hardships and alleviates the mood by interacting with brain’s cortical centers. Rhythmical and soft music has a therapeutic effect on body.

Guided Imagery:

Last but not the least is the guided imagery. It is known to work quiet well in mild cases of depression. This visualization method employs the use of one or more senses and affects them positively. Feeling a texture, viewing picturesque sceneries, smelling pleasant smells, and hearing sounds of nature are all included in guided imagery.

These alternative techniques can be useful in counteracting the negative effects of depression ion our body and let us lead a normal life.

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