18 Best Alternate Healing Methods to Treat Depression

Alternate Healing methods to Treat Depression are many and effective. Depression can hit anyone be it an adult male or female, adolescent, or child and there are alternate healing methods for depression.
I am giving a list of Best 18 Alternate Healing Methods for Depression. I have successfully used a number of Alternate Healing Methods for my clients at my Alternate Medicine Centre in Chennai and was successful. There are many Alternate Medicine Courses in Chennai for Alternate Healing Methods for Depression

All these Alternate Healing methods for Depression could be tried out along with regular medication especially in cases of severe Depression.

However first let us understand what is Depression?
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about one self, and thinks about things. Depression is a persistent problem not a temporary phase. Temporary emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life do not constitute depression. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be done away. People with depression cannot merely ‘snap out of it ‘ and get better. The average length of a depressive episode is 6 to 8 months. Without treatment the symptoms can last for years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
The signs and symptoms of depression are: loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex; loss of appetite, with weight loss or overeating, with weight gain; loss of emotional expression (flat affect); a persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; social withdrawal; unusual fatigue, low energy level, a feeling of being slowed down; disturbed sleep and insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping; trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; unusual restlessness or irritability; persistent physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain that does not respond to treatment, and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.

The Best Alternate Healing methods for Depression are:

1)    Psychotherapy as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression

Psychological or talking therapies for depression include cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT), Neuro Linguist therapy (NLP), interpersonal
psychotherapy, and problem-solving treatment. In mild cases of depression,
psychotherapies are the first option for treatment; in moderate and severe
cases, they may be used alongside other treatment.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/depression-causes-symptoms-treatments-8933

2)  Bach Flower Remedies as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression Depression can be cured with the help of Bach Flower Remedies. The Bach Flower Remedies work on the emotional level, removing emotional imbalances such as, depression, anxiety, jealousy, fears, trauma, self-confidence and impatience as an example.The Bach Flower Remedies are 100% safe with no side effects and when you feel fine again you stop taking the remedies and you will remain fine. The Bach remedies one can take depending on the mood state are: Gentian, Pine, Mustard, Elm, Larch, Cherry Plum, Hornbeam, White Chestnut and Aspen.

http://www.bachflower.com/symptoms-of-depression/

3) Guided imagery and relaxation an Alternate Healing Method for Depression

Guided imagery is an alternate healing method for depression. This is a form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided imagery coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind—a “mental escape” for therapeutic purposes. It can be a powerful psychological strategy to enhance a person’s coping skills. It can help people cope with—and possibly overcome—stress, anger, pain, depression, and insomnia with or without associated physical illness.

4) Mudra treatment an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Mudra therapy works according to the principles of Ayurveda. It is very easy and efficient to manipulate Doshas. Just thirty to forty-five minutes of regular practice is enough to get good results and is very useful to prevent depression.The types of mudra that are useful to prevent depression are Gyan mudra , Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra
https://www.completenaturecure.com/mudras-to-over-come-depression/

5) Acupressure therapy an Alternate Healing Method for Depression Acupressure is a fast way of treatment .Through Acupressure and massage therapy you can overcome depression if you continued it for few days.
First relief another hand whole length of inner wrist fold to rubbed with thumb of other hand.
Second relief point: Portion of stomach between navel and back of ribs along the mid line about 4 AIs in length upward from navel.
After this a whole body massage or back and head massage are very useful.
https://www.completenaturecure.com/major-depression-treatmentyogamudraayur/

6) Herbal remedies an Alternate Healing Method for Depression

• Before recommending any substance to treat reported depression or mood imbalance, providers will take detailed medical history to look for biochemical causes that may contribute to mood imbalance. The blood tests may check levels of certain substances, such as Vitamin D and folate, which may play a role in mood imbalance.
  Of the wide variety of available herbal therapies, St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba are the products most often used for treating depression.
• St. John’s wort has been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years, despite the fact that it has not been scientifically proven to treat moderate to severe depression.
• Ginkgo biloba is thought to improve memory and other intellectual functions, although the evidence is not consistent.
• Ashwagandha works as well as, or better than, antidepressant drugs at relieving anxiety and treating depression symptoms. And ashwagandha naturally prevents stress- induced damage without causing harmful side effects.
• Any herbal supplement requires caution and should be taken only after consulting your doctor. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and potential benefits so you can make an informed decision.
• 
• 7) Acupuncture an Alternate Healing Method for Depression.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing that prevents and cures specific diseases and conditions by sticking very fine, solid needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to resist or overcome illness by correcting imbalances. It also prompts the body to produce chemicals that decrease or eliminate painful sensations.
In a recent clinical study, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in decreasing depression earlier when compared to usual methods. For people who suffer from both pain and depression, acupuncture is better than counseling and standard of care at reducing both symptoms.

8) Switch Words and Mantras an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
CHIN MUDRA will remove depression. Be in Chin Mudra and chant the Switch Words ‘MOVE ON’.
You can also chant the following Switch Words to come out of depression:
“OVER MOVE ON” – when you are depressed
“FIND” – an anti-depressive word
“FIND CLEAR” – it is similar to the mantra LALITHAM BASKARAM.
When you say FIND you will not be disappointed or sad. It is an anti-depressive word. What is depression – it is only sadness. FIND is a first class mantra for depression.
Chant NAMASHIVAYAM regularly to be happy and “GURU GUGAN KODI KODI LAVANYAM” to come out of depression, sadness and any type of negative thinking.
To get relieved from Sadness or Grief chant “SUM JUM MUM”.
http://www.reachnaran.com/?s=Switch+words+for+Depression.

9) Reflexology as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Reflexologists believe that the body has the capacity to heal itself. The nerves in the hands and feet are related to various parts of the body. Reflexologists believe that the healing process is stimulated by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet.

10)  Exercise as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It also has long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways. Different forms of exercise can lower your stress; reduce depression; and increase your energy level, balance, flexibility, and ability to relax. In general, exercise is a safe and easy way to improve your well-being, but always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Just 15 minutes a day will do the trick. Aerobic exercise may help against mild depression since it raises endorphin levels and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is related to mood.

11)  Essential Oils as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Essential oils are primarily recognized for their aromatic effects on depression and its symptoms. Whether you choose to inhale the scent directly or allow it to disperse into the area is up to you. You should still be able to benefit from its effects either way. Essential oils can be used as a complementary treatment for depression. It’s important to note that essential oils aren’t a cure for depression. They’re a drug-free option that may help relieve some of your symptoms and help you manage the condition. In most cases, essential oils are safe and free of side effects.
Some of the essential oils that can be used for treatment of Depression are: Lavender, Wild ginger, Bergamot, chamomile, sweet orange, grapefruit, neroli, frankincense, jasmine and sandalwood.
Note: Only buy oils from a reputable manufacturer. If possible, ask a trained aromatherapist for a recommendation.
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/essential-oils-for-depression#risks-and-warning.

12)  Yoga as an alternate healing Method for Depression
Yoga “meets you where you are,” even when you are depressed. Practicing yoga teaches you breathing techniques that can help to energize you when you are feeling down or to help calm you at the times you may be feeling anxiety. The breath is the link between your mind and your body. Changing your breath can help you feel better mentally and physically. The postures and movements in yoga teach you how to hold your body in a way that can make you feel stronger, better able to breathe and function, and to create an improved sense of overall well-being. Depression can overcome through yoga and pranayama. Shir asana or sarvanga asana is best to overcome depression, but this asana is tough to perform for a common man, vajrasana.  Vajrayana is also beneficial for the treatment of depression. Any physical exercise is useful you can select one of any asana or any other exercise.

13) Crystal Therapy as an alternate healing Method for Depression
Crystals are transmitters and magnifiers of energy. They absorb negative energies that are negatively affecting your quality of life. Their job is to protect your energy and absorb the negativity being directed at you and release the sadness coming from within you. Thus they are great in assisting in treatment of Depression.
Some of the crystals to be used are: Carnelian, Shungite, Citrine, Aventurine, yellow Gold, Tiger’s Eye, Agate, Amzonite, Charoite, and Emerald. You need to check if the crystals resonate with you before you start using them.
Please remember, although the powers of crystals and stones are well documented and have been proven to help bring positivity into people’s lives they are never a substitute for medical advice.

14) Pranayama as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Pranayama has a direct effect on the mind, Kapalbhati, Anuloma-viloma pranayama is best for treating major depression.

15) Kundalini awakening as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Kundalini awakening is very effective way to overcome depression.

16) Diet therapy as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
If you feel you are in a depressive mood then it is best to change your diet immediately. Completely exclude coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. It is better to take only three meals, Fruits and nuts along with milk are preferable for breakfast. Lunch and Dinner should be light include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

17) Brain Stimulation Therapies as an Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Brain stimulation therapies – including electroconvulsive therapy – are also used in depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic pulses to the brain and may be effective in major depressive disorder. Severe cases of depression that have not responded to drug treatment may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); this is particularly effective for psychotic depression.

18) Other Alternate Healing Method for Depression
Get in a routine: If you’re depressed, you need a routine. Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.
Set yourself a goal: When you’re depressed, you may feel like you can’t accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself. Start very small. Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day. As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals .When you accomplish your goal reward yourself with something small you love.
Get enough sleep. Depression can make it hard to get enough shut-eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse. Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom — no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.
Take on responsibilities. When you’re depressed, you may want to pull back from life and give up your responsibilities at home and at work. Don’t. Staying involved and having daily responsibilities can help you maintain a lifestyle that can help counter depression. They ground you and give you a sense of accomplishment. If you’re not up to full-time school or work, that’s fine. Think about part-time. If that seems like too much, consider volunteer work.
 Challenge negative thoughts. In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is
mental — changing how you think. When you’re depressed, you leap to the worst
possible conclusions.
Do something new. When you’re depressed, you’re in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer at a NGO helping them out. Take a language class.
Try to have fun. If you’re depressed, make time for things you enjoy. What if nothing seems fun anymore? That’s just a symptom of depression. You have to keep trying anyway.
Expose yourself to sunlight, which can boost mood and increase Vitamin D
levels. If you live somewhere that gets little sun, invest in a therapeutic light
box.
Avoid stress inducing situations. Stress is also known to induce or prolong depression in an individual. We have all heard of laughter club, it works wonders to combat stress.
Caring for a pet / an infant brings about a sense of responsibility, belongingness and companionship. It also makes you feel needed / wanted and in charge / powerful contributing to someone apart from yourself. This can serve as an antidote to depression.
Reinventing ones hobbies or art is a great way not only to experience happiness but also to express your inner most self and is widely used as a therapeutic and analytic approach in many forms of mental illness.
Step out of your comfort zone to meet people and make outings.
Make routine programs with people or self even if you may have to push yourself initially. Once you are absorbed in an activity you will realize how much you actually enjoyed it.

 

Now take the first step to heal through these Alternate Healing Method for Depression
and if you have any comments, please feel free to send me them to me, or if you find  any other Alternate Healing Method for Depression and find it effective, please let me know, so that I can add to the list.