Treating depression holistically and sustainably requires a multifaceted approach that addresses it in all the areas in which it exists. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative depression treatment techniques available for doing just that. Here’s a look at a few with proven-successful results:
1. Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach to healing disorders like depression. That is, it acknowledges that there can be multiple causes of depression and focuses on finding out what those are and how to heal them using different techniques. Factors like inflammation, medication use, low thyroid, omega 3 or vitamin D deficiency can all be hidden contributors to your depression.
Antibiotics, for example, are a commonly unknown culprit. “An underestimated cause of depression may be medications that people are taking for physical ailments,” says UK General Medical Council physician Dr. Rajendra Sharma. “Antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome in the gut and kill off good gut bacteria, leaving a void which can be colonized by pathogens.”
While most conventional medicine focuses on suppressing symptoms of depression, unless its causes are investigated and addressed, your depression is likely to persist.
2.Acupuncture
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), “Evidence for the use of acupuncture . . . to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.” Many acupuncturists say they notice significant changes in their clients’ depression and anxiety levels within just a few sessions.
Acupuncture works by releasing energy blockages in your circulatory system, allowing your qi to flow correctly and restoring balance to your organs. Western research explains acupuncture’s benefits as releasing endorphins in the brain. In either case, its depression-reducing outcomes are proven. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that electroacupuncture was as effective as Prozac in treating depression symptoms.
3. Music Therapy and Sound Healing
Another safe and effective depression intervention involves the meditative qualities produced by music. Studies have found depression treatment supplemented with music therapy to be more beneficial than what the medical community terms “treatment as usual.” Music therapy can take on a wide range of forms, including vibroacoustic therapy, guided meditation, singing bowls or instrumentation, all of which help you transition into a more relaxed, harmonious state.
The self-discoveries and abilities gained in music therapy sessions can be transferred into your overall treatment process and day-to-day life. This technique is proven to help with depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, sleep disturbance, pain management, and more. It can be especially beneficial for people who struggle to communicate their feelings verbally.
Holistically Heal From Depression at a Beautiful Retreat in Sedona
Here at The Sanctuary, we’ve helped many people who thought they would never be free from depression reconnect with themselves and the joys of life. We understand that depression can feel like it’s completely consuming your life, making each day feel like an uphill battle. But we want you to know that there’s hope: it’s absolutely possible to overcome depression, and we’re here to offer the tools, guidance, and support you need to do it.
To learn more about little-known causes of depression, see our article: The Link Between Depression and False Beliefs.
For more information on our comprehensive, alternative depression treatment program, call us at (866)668-7987 or email us at [email protected] today.
He is the Founder, Administrator, Counselor at the Sanctuary at Sedona.
He has a BA in Political Science and is currently Senior teaching staff at Four Winds Society, an international school of energy medicine. His credentials also include being an Ordained Minister; a Certified Shamanic Breathwork® Facilitator; a Founding Member Society for Shamanic Practitioners; a Member of Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology; a Member of the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies. [email protected]