Alternative Therapies?

[sliderslove]

Hi...I'm the new guy here. This seems to be one of the more active recovery forum sites that I've found. I'm grateful to have found it.

I am interested in trying out alternative therapies to help combat my clinical depression. I'd like to hear about anybody's experiences with acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, electro-brain stimulation, magnetic stimulation, herbal remedies, homeopathy, aromatherapy, etc.

I'd love to hear what anybody has to say.

Thanks!

[pedagogue]

I admittedly subscribe to a more traditional clinical approach, but I definately see the benefits of certain techniques used in conjunction with therapy. I've seen some benefits with doing biofeedback to better understand how your body reacts to stress, depressive moods, etc.

As for acupuncture, magnets, etc....i am much less positive about them, but if it works for you.....I'm not going to say not to do it. I haven't read legit peer reviewed data that clearly proves some of those remedies work, so I am very skeptical.

Herbal remedies....I plead the 5th. I don't believe in them, outside of maybe taking some ginseng for general health, but not to treat ANYTHING. Herbal supplements are not a replacement for medical treatment, and they aren't a miracle solution.

-p

[shutterbug]

All I really know is that if i still had insurance, i would do ECT in a heartbeat. An ECT psychitrist ran the day treatment facility I attended for around 3 months or so and before that i had only known of an aquaintance who told me her sister underwent ECT.

Anyway, I (surprizingly) trust this doc pretty well and every time he discussed ECT in a seminar/class I took notes so that i could take time to contemplate his words later. I for one trust him....there's only about 5 who do it in my state. But they put you under anesthisia and there are very minimul risks to it now-days. 14 months of this major depression crap and i'm saying "bring on the voltage!" .....lol....

Seriously though....same doc also said NO to any herbal remedies (mainly because of the risk of reaction with the meds being taken for bipolar and or depression)

That's all I know....but i'm interested in finding out more about the other stuff you mentioned.

[shutterbug]

To the surface...

[shutterbug]

Here's a link to Bozo's thread about "Bach Flower Essences" that has some good alternative therapy stuff by Splendra and such...

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ces-76059.html