Holistic medication treats patients as a whole instead of as disease that a person may be carrying. According to Alternative Depression Therapy, "Any treatment that is in harmony with life will benefit the individual on multiple levels---even far beyond what the target symptoms may be." Holistic treatment for depression includes therapy that benefits the mind, body and spirit.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Although not all approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are various nutrition and dietary supplements that are used as holistic medication to treat depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. St. John's Wort is one example of an herb used to treat mild or moderate depression. This herb can be found at most health food or grocery stores. SAM-e, according the Mayo Clinic, is another holistic medication that is classified as a dietary supplement. And holistic physicians suggest individuals suffering from depression consume omega-3 fatty acids to treat depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fish, walnuts, soybean oil and flaxseed.
Exercises
Holistic physicians may treat depression by recommending patients undergo an exercise therapy routine, according to Alternative Depression Therapy. Exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Aikido or even dancing may be effective These exercises place emphasis on the individual's body, which helps to connect the body, mind and spirit as one.
Mind-Body Connections
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of depression include fatigue, headaches and body aches and pains. Holistic physicians believe that the mind and body must be in sync in order to become healthy or heal. Some holistic medications or treatments includeacupuncture, meditation, guided imagery and massage therapy.
Mental Health
Holistic treatments for depression include therapy that helps to improve the patient's overall mental health. According to Alternative Depression Therapy, some examples of this particular type of holistic medication can include journal writing, prayer, psychotherapy, art therapy and music therapy.
Other Holistic Medications to Treat Depression
According to Alternative Depression Therapy, other common holistic treatments include body detoxification from chemicals and simple treatments such as taking vitamins or amino acids. If holistic medication does not work with a patient's depression, it may be beneficial for the individual to seek help by a conventional doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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