Vancouver Naturopaths treat depression
Depression affects nearly one million Canadians a year. Episodes can last for long periods of time and affect emotions, physical activity, and a person’s social life. Depression is the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. These feelings may last for two weeks or more and are often recurring. They are accompanied by a “down” mood and can tragically result in self-destruction or even suicide. Additionally, depression does not only affect the person with symptoms but also their family and loved ones.
Symptoms:
- Decreased interest in physical activity
- Constant sad feelings
- Significant weight changes
- Loss of appetite or increased hunger
- Insomnia or over-sleeping
- Loss of concentration
- Restlessness
- Feelings of self-worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression can be hereditary, however, it can also be caused by sudden life changes such as a death in the family, job loss, or an ending relationship. Certain diseases and their medication can also lead to depression. For example, feelings of depression are often side effects of cancer and HIV treatments.
There are many medication options prescribed to patients, but the most common anti-depressant prescribed in Vancouver is Paxil. Medications are commonly combined with counselling and psychology as this combination is believed to be more effective than medication alone.
Naturopathy believes that it is possible to treat depression without chemical drugs. Our downtown Vancouver naturopathy clinic specializes in natural treatments for depression and other medical conditions.
Naturopathic Treatments For Depression and Overall Natural Health
- Aromatherapy is a scent-inducing therapy used by Vancouver Naturopaths. It associates different smells with different emotions. Certain smells relieve certain feelings; for example, lavender can ease stress. Aromatherapy is often paired with massage or acupuncture to help alleviate stress and anxiety felt by patients who suffer from depression. This treatment promotes natural health without relying on pharmaceutical drugs.
- Bach Flower Therapy is another therapy used in naturopathy known to change emotional and psychological behaviours. The oil from a variation of 38 different flowers is added to a cup of water and consumed 4 times a day. It infuses different energies into the body to alleviate depression. Flower therapy is also used to promote general natural health and is available in our downtown Vancouver Naturopath Clinic.
- Colour Therapy is used in naturopathy to promote relaxation. Colour is beamed at certain points, or chakras (energy points) and meridians (acupuncture points), on the patient’s hands and feet. In response to different colours, different energies are restored in the patient’s body. Vancouver naturopathy uses the colour yellow to alleviate depression. The colour yellow is the “solar plexus chakra” and helps the patients’ mental well-being. As well as treating depression, yellow beams can energize, improve memory, improve appetite, and help stimulate the digestive tract.
