Holistic Healing: 5 Alternative Treatments for Depression

In today’s society we lead very demanding lifestyles and too often are our bodies and minds neglected. It’s no wonder so many people are battling depression.

Though prescription antidepressant medications have been proven to assist the healing process, they address the effects rather than the cause. If you have struggled with the pharmaceutical route and find yourself relapsing then trying alternative treatments may work for you.

1. Homeopathic Remedies

There are so many different homeopathic remedies that the easiest way to navigate through your options is to find a good homeopath who can recommend what would be most suitable for you, based on your history.

Some of the top remedies include:

• Starflower/Borage ­ a natural sedative used to restore the adrenal glands to their natural balance, creating a calming effect to the body and mind.
• Sepia ­ this remedy helps to re-balance the body while recovering from experiencing exhaustion, stress and trauma.
• Ignatia ­ often referred to as the “Prozac” of Homeopathy, this uplifting treatment is used in cases of nervousness, depression and bereavement.

2. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation have been widely used to help alleviate depression by reducing the physical and psychological buildup of stress. These alternative treatments are most successful when used in conjunction with other therapies. When practicing yoga, the body’s level of endorphins are raised. (Endorphins are chemicals in our bodies that produce a feeling of positivity and renewed energy.)

The evidence that meditation is a useful tool to battle depression is fast growing; in recent studies mediation has proven to be highly successful in reducing the chances of people falling into relapse. Yoga and Meditation can be both cost-­effective and accessible, there are also little to no side­ effects that have been experienced, especially when complementary to other treatments.

3. Diet and Exercise

For many people, exercise has been a necessity when overcoming depression, various trials have shown that regular exercise can be an effective treatment by itself for mild to moderate depression. An exercise plan of a 30-minute workout 3 times a week is recommended to maintain a good level of fitness and endorphin\serotonin­-charged well­being, the exercises don’t have to be intensive, just regular and need to get your blood pumping.

Diet has been shown to have a strong influence over mood levels. Having a balanced diet is necessary to maintain a stable blood sugar level helping to create a calm mood and leading to a long­ term sense of stability. A balanced diet also dramatically reduces anxiety, improves sleeping patterns and boost concentration, all contributing to the alleviation of depression.  Researchers suggest that plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), flaxseed, nuts and soybeans are not only healthy but particularly useful when battling depression.

4. Kinesiology

Kinesiology is another complementary holistic healing therapy; a non­invasive process that promotes the body’s ability to heal itself. It can be used to help detect internal and external factors leading to stress and tension, a useful tool to manage and overcome depression. Kinesiologists use many techniques, including muscle testing to detect blockages and stresses that are prohibiting a smooth flow of energy through the body. By clearing blockages that affect your structural, chemical and emotional states, the body can retain its healthy balance, functioning at its maximum capacity.

5. Reflexology

Reflexology is a treatment involving therapeutic massage during which pressure is applied to specific points of the foot which correspond to body systems. When a person is experiencing depression, the glands that typically regulate emotional well­being do not function as they should and this causes an imbalance within the body. By massaging, stroking and applying pressure on the specific points, the buildup of tension and blockages within the body will be released and proper energy flow and circulation can continue to function. In Reflexology the feet and hands are viewed as maps to improve our physical and mental health.

The most important part of the journey to recovery is making sure that you feel safe and comfortable with the therapy you choose. Since there is such an array of alternative treatments available, doing your research will make the decision-making process far easier and you can take confident steps towards achieving your goal of emotional and physical well­being.