While depression is commonly known as a clinically diagnosable illness, it wasn’t always perceived this way. In fact, the term “depression” wasn’t used to classify this condition until the mid-1800s. Rather than viewing depression as a set of symptoms that we should alleviate, perhaps it would be more constructive to see it as an informative part of our journey – the journey that leads us to our true selves.
Contemporary Western medicine overwhelmingly treats depression using prescription drugs. While this may serve some people on an interim basis, it doesn’t offer a sustainable cure – and it throws your brain chemistry severely off balance in the process. Here’s a look at some safer, more effective alternative treatments for depression.
Herbalism for Depression: Harnessing the Power of Plants
Herbs have been used to treat conditions like depression for centuries, beginning among doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). And unlike the falsely held belief that chemical imbalance causes depression, herbs are proven to offer measurable benefits.
A recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found Chinese herbal medicine to be safer and more effective than prescription antidepressants: “As we know, Western medicines for treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia are widely available, they are often ineffective and commonly associated with side effects, which could be severe in some cases. Comparing with Western medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is generally more effective, better-tolerated with fewer side effects.”
Not only do herbs help ease the symptoms of depression, but plant spirits themselves can be employed by herbal therapists to work on the energy-flow issues underlying it. Some examples are anemone pulsatilla, which helps ease fear and allows a broken heart to reopen in a protected way; Reishi, which highlights parts of our lives that are out of alignment with our soul’s purpose; and lemon balm, which uplifts us and allows us to let go of unhealthy attachments.
Energy Medicine for Depression: Reconnecting With Self
Energetically speaking, says alternative psychotherapist Carol Tuttle, depression is “the experience of being in a vibration of very low, uncomfortable energy that has little or no relief.” Knowing this, you can work on an energetic level to relieve it.
Energy medicine is an umbrella term for practices like acupuncture, Reiki, Healing Touch, Qi Gong, and other techniques that have a healing impact on your energy. Your thoughts, feelings, and physical being are comprised of energy, and the state of your energy has a profound impact on the way you feel. Depression often involves a disconnection from your life flow, which can be reestablished with therapeutic energy work. This can also involve practices that encourage reconnection with your natural rhythms, such as grounding (walking barefoot on the Earth) or eating raw foods.
What Lesson is Your Depression Trying to Teach You? Find Guidance at The Sanctuary at Sedona.
While not an easy process, depression can be the universe’s way of illuminating what’s not serving you in your life.
The Sanctuary at Sedona is here to guide you on an inward journey to your true self. Our expert team of alternative therapists and behavioral health professionals offer a variety of therapies for easing your depression’s symptoms and healing its core causes in a safe, supportive, and naturally beautiful environment.
For more on holistic treatment methods, see our article: The Beginner’s Guide to Alternative Depression Treatment Options.
To learn how you can get started on your healing journey, call us at (877) 710-3385 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]