Which Alternative Therapies Can Help Vancouverites With Depression?

Statistics indicate that depression affects nearly a million Canadians annually. The episodes are marked with long periods of loneliness, physical inactivity, and a reserved social life. Anyone depressed feels hopeless, worthless, and helplessness.  These feelings are recurring although they can last for up to two weeks. If left uncontrolled, these feelings can lead to self-destruction and in worst cases, suicide. It’s important to note that depression also affects the person’s family and friends.

While conventional medicine can help, you may have to deal with the side effects. Natural treatments for depression work well and may not have severe after effects. Here are some popular alternative therapies that Vancouverites can consider using for depression.

Green Light Therapy

Green light therapy is used to promote relaxation. The color green is beamed at specific points, meridians, and energy points on a patient’s hands and feet.  The patient’s body is then restored using different energies. The colour is used to alleviate depression and promotes a person’s mental well-being.  Green beams can improve appetite, stimulate your digestive tract, and improve memory.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese massage technique used to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.  With this technique, the practitioner places his hands above you to facilitate a faster healing response. While there are no specific studies on the effectiveness of Reiki, the practice may improve anxiety, depression, and pain.

Exercise

Exercise is excellent for rebalancing mental health as it stimulates the production of serotonin, a feel-good hormone, which is an enemy of depression. Aerobic exercises are perfect when dealing with mental health, helping to improve memory function and alleviate depression. You can also opt for circuit training and bodybuilding to lift up your mood.

Acupuncture and Tai Chi

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles at specific areas of the body, which helps to stimulate the flow of energy.  Unlike traditional medicine, acupuncture has fewer notable side effects. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines breathing, meditation, and slow movement to lift your spirits.  When combined with a talk therapy class, Tai Chi may provide greater improvement in the levels of depression.

Alternative therapies are excellent in the treatment of depression. However, it’s critical to talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment. Also, alternative therapies should be used as complementary and not as a replacement. Do not expect immediate results when using these therapies. I suggest you give each treatment at least a month or two.

 

Guest blogger: SallyWrites