Alternative Medicine for Depression

What Works?

Depression is among the most difficult medical problems to solve because emotions are involved. Depression often plays catalyst to other medical problems like obesity, back pain and digestive trouble.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. However, these do not combat the problem; they only suppress it. To tackle depression, you must deal with the root problem and the associated deep-seated emotions. Alternative medicines for depression offer only external help -- that too, to a limited extent.

The only cure for depression is to confront the cause and gather social support. Only then will there be a chance of permanent healing. Alternative medicines are not the cure. But they can raise spirits and provide temporary assistance. The following alternative therapies have proved helpful.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

What Is It?
Aromatherapy is the use of oil extracted from plants to ward off disease, fumigate the air and induce relaxation.

Aromatherapy oils are used in various ways. Sometimes, they are heated to release their fragrance. At other times, the oils are used in candles or massages. Writings from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China and Persia reveal that plant essences were highly valued by priests, physicians and traditional healers.

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Depression?
A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, '96 reported that aromatherapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG patterns associated with positive mood and alertness. The study found that adults exposed to lavender oil showed increased beta power, suggesting higher relaxation.

Another study conducted in Britain during 1995 found that Roman chamomile oil massages reduced anxiety among cancer patients.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is an alternative medicine technique that touches the skin and affects the muscles directly beneath it. Massage oils are often used. Massage therapy helps improve blood flow through the body. Although it is usually used to induce general relaxation, massage also helps treat conditions like high blood pressure, sinusitis, headache and insomnia.

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Depression?
A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience '84, examined the effects of massage therapy on HIV-positive adults. The study focused on the impact of the therapy on subjects' anxiety or depression as well as on their body immunity. The subjects received a 45-minute massage five times a week over a month. The researchers found that anxiety, stress and cortisol levels reduced significantly while the number and activity of natural killer cells increased.

Based on this study, it is safe to conclude that massage not only reduces depression but also strengthens the immune system.

Music Therapy

What Is It?
Music therapy is the use of specific music to induce certain feelings in patients. Research shows that different kinds of music provide varying results and influence emotions. Music has been used to assist children with learning difficulties, relieve stress and aid faster recovery.

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Depression?
A controlled trial published in the Journal of Gerontology in 1994 demonstrated significant differences in the anxiety, distress and depression levels of a control group and a group that received music therapy.

Adaptations of music therapy techniques have provided necessary distraction for people in crisis, helping them focus on the positives.

Other studies in USA, UK and Germany in 1992 showed that patients who listened to music recovered faster than patients who did not. Patients that were exposed to music also felt less anxiety and discomfort.

Helpful Herbs/Supplements
St. John's wort: This has fewer side effects than antidepressants. Clinical trials have shown this herb to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

Folate: There is promising evidence that folate is an effective treatment for depression. There are claims that other vitamins could also help. However, there is not enough evidence to back those claims.

People can also benefit from avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol.

In Conclusion

Go jogging to a nice park, or get some other physical exercise. Physical activity and keeping busy reduce depression. Also, get more sunlight. Research shows that sunlight is an effective (and free!) antidepressant.

Whatever you do, keep your doctor informed before trying any alternative treatments.