Depression is a serious condition that affects the physical and mental health of those suffering from it.
alternative methods for managing depression:
- Music Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage Therapy
- Meditation
Music Therapy
In music therapy, music is used to address the physical, emotional and social needs of the person. Creating and listening to music allows the person to express themselves in nonverbal ways. It can provide a sense of passion and pleasure and gets people moving, all of which help with depression.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is using the aromatic, essential oils from plants, flowers and herbs to improve a person’s well being. The oils can be inhaled, sprayed into the air or applied directly to the skin.
Each individual oil has a different effect on the body and emotions, and certain essential oils can help to relieve stress and promote relaxation. The oils most commonly used to help relieve the symptoms of depression are Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang. Essential oils are generally safe for most people to use.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is where fine needles are inserted into the skin onto acupuncture points.
According to traditional Chinese beliefs, Depression is a result of the imbalance of the energy flowing through the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases endorphins, activates the body’s natural painkillers and helps to regulate emotions and moods.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been used as a form of healing for thousands of years and recent studies have shown that it can reduce the symptoms of depression.
Massage therapy also provides a safe nurturing place to totally relax and rest both physically and emotionally and fulfil our need for comforting human touch.
Meditation
When you are in a meditative state you are completely in the present moment. Therefore, you are not attached to your thoughts of the past or future which can fuel a person’s depression.
These treatments are a great options for people looking for alternatives to the traditional treatments for depression.
*Based upon a client self-assessment survey, results may vary from person to person
**Note that the advice given in this article should never be viewed as a replacement for medications or other recognised methods.