more information on depressionarticles & inspiring storiesbooksjournals support groups links shop online clinical trials who's who in integrative medicine CAM research centers

What is Depression?

Over a lifetime, nearly half of us will experience one or two episodes of depression with women twice as likely to experience depression than men. Depression is a condition that requires an accurate diagnosis. We all have days when we feel “depressed” but in a day or two later, we’ve bounced back to normal and all is well. It’s when people experience extreme sadness, irritability, anxious or withdrawn behavior, loss appetite, insomnia, physical inactivity, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide and these feelings persist or appear for no reason at all that medical attention is required.

The causes of depression are not completely understood but there is a familial tendency. Reactions to certain medications, hormonal imbalances, an introverted personality, an emotional or difficult event such as a loss of a loved one or living with a serious medical illness can all trigger depression. More Information on Depression Click Here

Treatment

The conventional treatment consists of drug therapy, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy.

Depression can be difficult to treat and any complementary and alternative treatments you are considering should be discussed with your physician as there are some negative effects that can occur from some of the treatments.

The Best Combination

The best treatment for depression has been the best of both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. We strongly recommend that you do not abandon conventional medicine in favor of an unproven complementary or alternative health practice.

CAM Therapies That May Be Helpful for Depression

Acupressure Acupuncture Aromatherapy Art Therapy Ayurveda Biofeedback Chiropractics Counselling/Psychotherapy Cranial Sacral Therapy Exercise Guided Imagery Healing Touch Herbal Therapy Homeopathy Humor Therapy Hypnotherapy Journal Therapy Magnet Therapy Massage Therapy Meditation Music Therapy Naturopathy Nutrition Qi Gong Reflexology Reiki Relaxation Therapy Rolfing Shiatsu Spiritual Support Support Groups Tai Chi Therapeutic Touch Traditional Chinese Medicine Vitamins/Supplements Yoga

Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for information purposes only and one should discuss treatment options with their physician.

Important: Whatever CAM treatment you opt for, it is important that you share the information with your physician. It is important that we begin to start talking about the many therapies available and begin to determine which practices are the most helpful.

Copyright ©2001 EnerChi Health Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.