Depression is a serious ailment that 19 million Americans are
currently experiencing. Many people have turned to
antidepressants to treat their symptoms. While there are
certainly many success stories regarding these medications, many
people have not found them to be helpful. This is because the
medication had no apparent effect, made the person emotionally
flat, or caused various side effects that did not make it worth
pursuing any further. Unfortunately, there are probably millions
of Americans who feel enslaved by their depression, convinced
there is no way out. People have suffered from depression
throughout human history. Before we had pharmaceutical companies
offering various drugs to help us cope, our ancestors used
natural methods such as plants, food, meditation, and yoga to
cure their mental imbalances. This was done for many centuries,
which attests to the effectiveness of natural methods. Below is
an overview of a few natural treatment options for depression
that can offer hope to those who are caught in its web.
* Acupuncture: Practiced for over 2,500 years in various Asian
cultures, acupuncture has made its way West where it is soaring
in popularity. This safe and powerful system has been shown to
boost serotonin levels and release endorphins. 5 Element
acupuncture offers profound support for healing depression. I
recommend getting one treatment a week for several weeks.
* Chinese Herbs: There are a variety of herbal formulas that can
have a positive effect on the mind. Many of these formulas
tonify one's Qi, or vital energy, to create more vitality and
spirit.
* Meditation: I recommend using mindfulness meditation, which
has been practiced for thousands of years, on a daily basis for
several weeks. This practice cuts through the judging mind and
creates space from depression. If you need help with starting a
practice, I recommend my guided CD, Meditation: Mindfulness
Practice for Beginners. Go to
http://www.havinghealthnow.com/meditationcd.html
* Yoga: Another ancient practice that is a virtual panacea for
all stress related complaints. Yoga can have a profound impact
on one's state of mind.
* Exercise: Get 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of
cardiovascular exercise. This has been proven to boost serotonin
and norepinephrine levels.
* Eat well: Give up refined sugar and caffeine, drink a lot of
water, and eat mostly whole foods such as fish, fruits and
vegetables.
* Supplement your diet: Take 3,000 mg of fish oil a day and
consider taking 150mg of 5HTP a day. Fish oil contains essential
fatty acids which are usually deficient in depressed people.
5HTP is a natural precursor to serotonin and can have many of
the same benefits as antidepressants without the side effects.
Do not combine 5 HTP with antidepressants.
Indeed, there are numerous alternative strategies for treating
depression that are safe, balanced, and have stood the test of
time. These therapies should only enhance your overall health
and wellbeing without creating unwanted side effects that weaken
certain systems of the body. If you follow even one or two of
these guidelines for a period of 2 months, you will most likely
feel lighter, more optimistic, and more in control of your life.
Good luck!
About the author:
Kevin Doherty, L.Ac., MS is a licensed acupuncturist in private
practice in Superior, Colorado and the staff acupuncturist for
the integrative care department at Exempla hospital in
Lafayette, Colorado. Kevin has helped many of his patients get
off of Western medications including antidepressants. For more
information, please visit
http://www.havinghealthnow.com
