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Coping with depression - alternative therapies and treatments

Coping with Depression can be an exceptionally difficult task both for those who are depressed and those around them. Alternative therapies such as Reiki, acupuncture and yoga can all compliment conventional methods of treatment, as well as help individuals to wean themselves off antidepressant medication should the need have arisen for them to do so.

Reiki is a healing treatment that involves the unblocking of the energy channels of the body in order to promote relaxation and wellbeing. Typically, Reiki masters do not ever make direct contact with the bodies of their patients, but rather stimulate the energy flows that emanate from the surface of the body.

The effectiveness of Reiki may be improved through the combination of Reiki treatments with other healing therapies such as Bach remedies, aromatherapy and homeopathy.

Acupuncture was first used in the east over 2000 years ago and involves the stimulation the various pressure points around the body through the use of fine needles. The needles connect with the energy conductors or meridians of the body and regulate energy flows. This in turn restores balance to the systems of the body, thereby improving general health and promoting healing within the body. Typically the treatment is not painful and most patients report feeling only a tiny prick.

A number of studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of acupuncture in the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Whilst results are not yet conclusive, evidence suggests that regular acupuncture sessions may curb depression by as much as 50%. The treatment is thought to promote the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby regulating brain chemical levels and reducing depressive symptoms.

Like Acupuncture, Yoga also has eastern origins. The practice has its roots in the Hindu and Buddhist religions and over the centuries various different styles of Yoga have evolved. These include "Hatha" or gentle yoga, "Kundalini" or "chakra" yoga and "Vinyasa" or power yoga. During a yoga session, breathing and meditative techniques are combined in sequence with various poses and movements. This is believed to gently stimulate the organs of the body, clear the mind and restore spiritual balance.

A certain branch of Psychology known as Yoga Psychology promotes the use of yoga principles in conjunction with psychotherapy. This type of psychology seeks to empower depressed individuals to deal with their emotions and problems in an effective and constructive way. In relation to depression, yoga is thought to promote chemical balance, reduce anxiety and clear the mind of negative thoughts.Certain yoga positions are believed to arouse the Sympathetic nervous system thereby uplifting the mind, body and spirit. Yoga poses that are particularly effective in the easing of depressive symptoms include twisting poses, certain standing poses, backbends such as the camel and the backward bow and the majority of the Dynamic postures.

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