About Holistic Cures for Depression

Holistic cures have become an increasingly popular alternative to the methods used by traditional medicine. The practice of treating the body as a unified system as opposed to the targeted treatment models used in traditional approaches is viewed as a natural alternative. Natural cures for depression are also designed to treat the body as a whole, with a reduced risk for side effects.

Identification

• Holistic treatment methods make use of a variety of plant and oil extracts. The theory behind this is that products derived from nature are the best antidotes for bodily ailments. The use of natural extracts relies on the holistic properties of the plants themselves as best suited to heal the whole body, as opposed to a targeted, traditional treatment method. The use of antidepressants in the treatment of depression poses a number of risks in terms of potential side effects that result from treating the disorder rather than the body and mind as a whole.

Function

• The effects of stress, poor nutrition and environmental pollutants all take a toll on the body's ability to heal and repair itself. The absence of essential minerals and nutrients eventually leads to chemical imbalances within the body, which can significantly affect a person's mental functioning. Natural supplements may be used as a way to reestablish the body's normal chemical balance. Amino acids, minerals and vitamin supplements can help in the treatment of depression in cases where a person knows which component is lacking in his system.

Herbal Formulas

• Holistic cures for depression can be found in formulated herbal mixtures like St. John's Wort, 5-HTP and Sam-E. As definite chemical imbalances within the brain are associated with degrees of depression, formulated mixtures have been shown to target certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and GAMA. Unlike prescription medications, these formulas are not regulated by the FDA, so dosage strengths may vary from formula to formula. It's always best to first consult with a physician when considering herbal remedies as a form of treatment.

Alternative Treatments

• In addition to the medicinal alternatives available, a number of holistic, new age-type methods have been found to be helpful in the treatment of depression. Reflexology and magnet therapy can help with alleviating symptoms of depression. Reflexology is based on pressure points along the soles of the feet and hands. Massaging these points is said to relieve stress blockages within the body, as well as reestablish the body's energy balance. Magnet therapy involves applying a magnetic material to specific areas on the body. The effect of the magnets works to realign energy fields and correct chemical imbalances within the body.

Considerations

• Because stress is a constant within today's lifestyles, its role as a precursor to depression is common. Proper nutrition, adequate rest and stress management practices all work as holistic approaches to alleviating the symptoms of this condition. Also of significance are the thinking patterns that reinforce the feelings associated with depression. In cases of mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy is an effective treatment for replacing unhealthy thought processes with a healthy outlook on life.