Alternative Treatments for Depression

What Is an Alternative Therapy?

A health treatment that is not classified as standard Western medical practice is referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM encompasses a variety of approaches. They include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of CAM therapies include:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic treatments
• Guided imagery
• Dietary supplements
• Hypnosis
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Yoga

Which Herbal Supplements Can Help Depression?

There is a wide variety of herbal supplements that people believe can treat many illnesses. For depression, St. John's wort is a common herbal supplement that is used.

St. John's wort has been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. But research findings have been mixed.

Using an herbal supplement requires caution and should be taken only after consulting your doctor. This is because supplements could interact with medicines that you are also taking, and use could be dangerous for people with certain conditions. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and potential benefits. That way, you can make an informed decision.

Is Meditation or Yoga Helpful for Depression?

Meditation is sometimes described as an altered state of consciousness. Meditation can help promote relaxation, which has been found to be helpful for depression. 

There is some evidence to suggest that yoga may be helpful for depression, but the evidence is not conclusive. Yoga involves meditation with physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Yoga practices vary, and some may not be recommended to people with certain medical conditions. In addition to meditation and yoga, you can use a number of other approaches such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or music therapy.

How Does Massage Therapy Boost Relaxation?

Massage uses touch to help provide relaxation. Most touch therapies are based on the premises that the mind and body are interconnected and that physical health and emotional well-being are closely linked. The belief is that, when the body is relaxed, the mind contributes to better health, less depression, and overall well-being.

There are also reports that mind/body exercises used with various types of bodywork can boost feelings of calmness.

How Does Exercise Help Ease Depression?

Different forms of exercise can lower stress, relax you, and help reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise can also increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. In general, exercise is a safe, effective, and easy way to improve your well-being. Check with your doctor before starting a new program.

What Is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is also called visualization. It is a method of communication between body and mind that utilizes perception -- vision, smell, taste, touch -- along with position and movement to produce a relaxation response. Guided imagery involves mentally seeing pictures of relaxing situations, such as a sunset on the beach, a flowing mountain waterfall, or a brilliant mountain sunrise.

As you use all your senses during imagery, you will actually make an effort to:

• Smell the flowers and trees.
• Feel the breeze or temperature.
• Feel the texture of the surface under your feet.
• Hear all the sounds in nature.

While some people are better at imagining than others, anyone can master this simple relaxation technique. You can use guided imagery during massage or another touch therapy to boost your relaxation and your feelings of serenity and peacefulness. Much like learning to play the piano or tennis, becoming skilled at guided imagery involves time, patience, and practice. It is one relaxation skill that cannot be rushed or hurried.

Can Music Therapy Lift Moods?

Music therapy has been shown to be an effective non-drug approach for people of all ages that assists in reducing fear, anxiety, stress, or grief. Music can be thought of as a natural tranquilizer for the human spirit.

Pythagoras, the sixth century B.C. philosopher and mathematician, is thought to have been the founder of music therapy. During World War II, the Veterans' Hospitals had volunteers who played their music for the wounded soldiers. The results were so positive that the VA added music therapy programs.

In its simplest form, all you need to incorporate music therapy is a CD player or mp3 player with headphones. Then choose music -- from New Age "mood" music to rock to classical -- that matches your personal needs, moods, and tastes.