Using complementary therapies to treat depression
Try some or
all these therapies below to find out if an invigorating or relaxing
therapy works best for you. Don't abandon the therapy you have chosen
when your depression eases. Keep it as a lifestyle therapy to help
prevent recurrence.
The
Alexander Technique
Mastering this gives you a powerful tool for dealing with anxiety and
depression. The technique teaches people how to adopt the correct posture
for all daily activities, which helps them develop an awareness of their
bodies and how they move. By correcting their posture, they can avoid
some of the aches and pains that are common in depression. Lessons in the
technique are usually given individually and you can then use it on your
own.
Massage
This is probably one of the most deliciously luxurious complementary
therapies - even more so when combined with the aromatherapy oils of your
choice. You can learn the chief techniques at evening classes or have
massage therapy in some beauty salons, homeopathic clinics, naturopathic
clinics and health spas. Professional massage is deeply relaxing and at
the same time profoundly invigorating for it helps eliminate toxins
through stimulating lymph drainage channels.
If you are going to use essential oils, choose soothing ones such as
frankincense, geranium, lavender, neroli, rose, violet or ylang-ylang.
Dilute them well with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or safflower.
Color therapy
It has been well documented that certain colors bring out certain moods.
The theory of color therapy is that the body absorbs color in the form of
electromagnetic components of light and then produces its own aura of
electromagnetism. This gives off a pattern of vibrations that can be
discerned by a trained color therapist. An unhealthy body and mind
produces an unbalanced pattern of vibrations. The color therapist seeks
to administer the color or colors that the sick person lacks in order to
restore balance and harmony. Both depression and anxiety in its many
forms can respond well to color therapy.
Chiropractic and osteopathy
These manipulative therapies are especially valuable for treating not
only depression and anxiety but also their physical manifestations, such
as headache, neck ache and back pain. Both manipulate the spine in order
to alleviate physical stresses, eliminate toxins and boost flagging
energy levels. Both these therapies often create a deep sense of
well-being and relaxation.
Hydrotherapy
Any therapy associated with water is likely to benefit people suffering
from depression for water has uniquely calming properties. Hydrotherapy
techniques boost circulation, which increases energy levels and rids the
body of the toxins acquired through the erratic eating habits and
sluggish lifestyle characteristic of depression.
Dance therapy
Research into which types of exercise most benefited by people who suffer
with depression shows Scottish country dancing at the top of the league.
Psychologists believe that the combination of vigorous exercise, music
and smiling combine to raise endorphin levels to an enviable high. It is
very likely that other types of dance, notably South American dance, jazz
dance and jive, will bring about similar benefits.
Acupuncture
One of the chief elements of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is
now increasingly accepted in the West. It is an excellent treatment for
stress and anxiety, and tends to make people feel better. The
acupuncturist painlessly inserts small sterilized needles - they range
from 7 mm to 50 mm long - at key points on your body, situated along 12
meridians.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of specialist food massage. With firm pressure from
the thumb, the reflexologist stimulates specific points on the sole of
the foot that are connected via the nervous system to the body's major
organs. The practitioner works on the relevant meridian points in the
feet for depression and anxiety, so that you feel lighter and more
relaxed in mood, more energetic and free from aches and pains.
Herbalism
A medical
herbalist can decide which herbs will benefits you and may prescribe an
infusion, decoction or tincture.
Herbs used for
depression and anxiety:
-
St. John's
wort (Hypericum perforatum)
-
Borage and
vervain teas
-
Infusion of
lavender tops
-
Tea of finely
chopped poplar bark and gentian root with a little added agrimony and
centaury
-
Rosemary tea
-
Infusion of
lemon balm leaves
-
Infusion of
equal parts of skullcap and vervain
-
Ginseng tea
Key Facts:
Complementary therapies share the ability to reduce anxiety, boost
flagging energy levels and induce a profound sense of well-being. There
are other alternative therapies which may be helpful, such as
acupressure, autogenic training and art therapy. The spine holds our
skeleton together and when it is out of alignment or in pain, our
emotional and physical health are compromised. Mind and body are
inextricably linked.
