Holistic Help for Depression

I have noticed a large number of my clients who come for treatment have had or are experiencing depression.

" Depression is one of the most common conditions in the UK, affecting one in five people at some stage in their life. It is also one of the most misunderstood. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2020 depression will be the biggest global health concern after chronic heart disease." (Source: Depression Alliance)

Antidepressants are usually offered by the medical profession, however in addition to taking these, complementary therapies can also offer some relief from the large variety of symptoms of depression.

I am neither a doctor nor a nutritionist so I won't comment on how antidepressants work, nor how your diet can affect your physical body. However I do know that long term, chronic stress may affect the Cortisol hormone in your blood stream which can then bring symptoms of depression. Also that using relaxation methods and complementary therapies to reduce stress, can help reduce your Cortisol levels and thereby help alleviate some of the symptoms of stress.

From a physical viewpoint, some aromatherapy oils can affect the nervous system and therefore the brain to help reduce your states of anxiety and aid relaxation - so it isn't just the massage that it is relaxing your body and mind but the aromatherapy oils which help too. I've been taught that Jasmine is an oil which (although expensive) does have a certain chemical structure that helps to bring a sense of 'euphoria' or help lift depression. However remember that you are an individual and your biochemistry is uniquely yours so if you don't like the smell of Jasmine - don't use it as it's your body's best way of letting you know what it does and doesn't need. (Please note that Jasmine must only be used in consultation with a trained Aromatherapist).

Holistic View of Depression

It is noted by researchers that people who have a spiritual connection or are aware of their spirituality tend to suffer less from depression than those who don't. From the complementary therapy perspective this could be linked to the crown chakra - an energy centre at the crown of the head which is responsible for your spiritual energy connection. If our thoughts, experiences and actions slow down this chakra so that the energy here can't move as easily into the rest of your energy centres and system, then the spiritual energy that is needed to support your physical, emotional and mental self will also function less too. 'You'll be calmer and more peaceful when you arrive at your destination.

Interestingly it is noted that if the Crown chakra is overworking some of the symptoms are a sense of frustration, depressed, manic depressed, lots migraines and if under working there is no spark of joy, feeling catatonic, or can't make decisions

It is located at the crown of the skull and connects with the Pineal Gland in the brain. The colours most associated with this energy centre are violet or white. When this chakra is functioning healthily, there is an understanding and appreciation of your spirituality. You accept that there is a bigger picture and that you are learning through each experience - good or bad.(see 'chakras' for chart and diagram)

The Crown Chakra brings us spiritual insights and a greater sense of what we are capable of accomplishing and what our higher purpose may be. For some, this can be seen as a “mid-life crisis” because enlightenment often leads us to reject what we have been and pursuit of what we want to become. In order for the Crown Chakra to be healthy we don't need to deny our world and material goods but to see the spirit in all life and understand how it affects us and our world. With this comes a sense of deep peace and what you could call 'enlightenment'.

Helping the Crown Chakra to stay or become balanced, we need rest, tranquility and peace which is why meditation and Reiki are just two of the methods which can help bring that spiritual insight into your physical world. By balancing your life between an acceptance of your spirituality whilst grounded in life, you can help bringing healing and transformation in subtle ways to your immediate world.

Visualisation for Crown Chakra

Each morning whilst in the shower - try to imagine that just above your crown there is a ball of white light - or a spotlight. Try to imagine this light touching the crown of your head in conjunction with the sensation of the water - then imagine the water/light flowing down around and through you ... cleansing, balancing and healing your energy. Do this every day and see if you start to feel a little bit different!

What to do Next...

Feel Good Therapies also runs meditation and relaxation classes/workshops which includes information about these techniques and the opportunity to practise, learn and ask questions. If you want to know more about the workshops please visit the 'workshops' section on the website.

To book online please use the Ready to book? button on the right of this screen.

CD for home practise - We also offer a beginner's CD for home practise. For more information, please click here.