Alternative Clinical Treatment for Depression
Treatment & Care ›› Depression Treatment
Complementary or alternative medicine is considered anything that is outside of traditional Western medical practices such as the use of pharmaceutical medicine like antidepressants.
Alternative medicine can help relieve depression symptoms and can be used alone or in combination with traditional therapies.
They are recommended only for those individuals with mild depression and not recommended to be used alone for those with severe or major depression.
There are a variety of alternative therapies that are practiced by clinical psychologists, chiropractors, licensed massage therapists and other licensed professionals. Many of these therapies may be covered by health insurance, also. A few alternative clinical treatments include:
- Acupuncture – The use of sterile, thin needles placed in particular areas of the body. This technique originated in China and it is known to bring anesthetic relief to areas of the body, provide pain relief and relaxation.
- Biofeedback – A behavioral therapy program used to teach individuals how to regulate involuntary responses of the body such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. This therapy shows a patient how the body responds to the stress and teaches how to voluntarily change their reactions to stress.
- Guided Imagery – A therapy used to teach individuals how to use positive images and thoughts to promote relaxation within their body and mind.
- Counseling – Therapy provided by a professional licensed social worker, counselor or psychologist who uses psychological methods to clarify thinking, teach behavior modification and assist with issues that are disrupting an individuals life to lessen the severity of depression. This is also known as psychotherapy.
- Chiropractic care – Clinical healing through adjustments of the spinal column as chiropractors believe disease and illness stems from a disruption of normal nerve function. Chiropractors also offer other clinical services such as massage to provide relaxation.
- Hypnosis – A method of placing an individual in a trance-like state to help modify behaviors, uncover suppressed memories and provide relaxation through the power of suggestion by a trained professional. This method has become recognized by medical professional and psychologists as a useful tool in therapy.