Written by Bruce Eichelberger, OMD
Written by Bruce Eichelberger, OMD |
In the last 15 years, depression seems to be on the rise. Television bombards us with slick ads for anti-depressant medications and articles come out regularly addressing the issue.
There is no doubt that people experiencing depression need help. The deep, dark, hopeless feeling of being stuck is the opposite of quality of life.
Depression is described in two basic forms: endogenous (brain chemistry imbalances) and exogenous (reaction to events). There are other sub-divisions in each of these categories, but we won’t address them here. It’s enough to say that each type has similar symptoms, which include:
• Mood swings that interfere with daily functioning or reduce productivity
• Pessimism, hopelessness or despair
• Irritability or excessive anger
• Loss of appetite or excessive appetite
• Changes in sleep pattern or duration
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Loss of sex drive
• Increased fatigue
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Slowed thinking or poor concentration
• Difficulty making decisions
• Suicide attempts or thoughts
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Worrying or feeling guilty about the past
Many people have one or more of these experiences at various times in their life. It is a clinical problem only when at least three of them occur regularly on an ongoing basis.
Western medicine commonly treats depression of all types with pharmaceutical drugs. These drugs affect levels of various brain chemicals involved with changes in mood. These chemicals include Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Acetylcholine.
As with most pharmaceutical treatments, many drugs to treat depression have toxic side effects, some of which are:
• Amnesia, anxiety, confusion, drowsiness, forgetfulness (Benzodiazepines)
• Reduced libido and sexual performance (MAO Inhibitors, SSRIs)
• Heart arrhythmias, hypertension, blurred vision, weight gain (Tricyclic Antidepressants)
• Gastric bleeding, suicide (SSRIs)
Although if necessary, these drugs can be life savers, but there are more natural ways to reverse and even eliminate depression.
Natural Approaches for Depression Relief
There are several ways to relieve depression using natural methods; we will explore two methods: using Oriental Medicine and testing, then rebalancing brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) using natural supplements. They can be used individually or together.
In Oriental Medicine, depression symptoms come from an underlying pattern of imbalance. There are several of these patterns:
• Qi Stagnation – This is stuck or blocked vital energy in the body, typically associated with stuck energy in the liver. Symptoms include feeling withdrawn, irritable, reactive and hopeless.
• Damp Stagnation – Dampness includes a feeling of heaviness, lethargy and foggy-headedness. This often accompanies depression and corresponds closely to dietary choices.
• Qi Deficiency – When depression accompanies fatigue and loss of interest in normal activities, deficient vital energy can be to blame.
There can also be combinations of any or all of these three present in depression. It is important to have a clear understanding of what’s going on in the body before treating. Treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine and specific breathing and movement exercises (qigong).
The second approach, testing and then rebalancing neurotransmitters, can also be very effective. A simple urine sample sent for laboratory testing shows balance levels of seven crucial brain chemicals, including Dopamine, Serotonin, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, GABA, Histamine and Glutamate.
Once we measure high and low levels of these important brain chemicals, there is a two-step process for bringing them back into normal ranges. This involves taking specific combinations of amino acids, herbs and nutrients aimed first at increasing the brain-calming neurotransmitters, then balancing out the brain-focusing neurotransmitters.
Whichever approach someone takes, the result is a return to feeling happier and more productive. And most importantly, this is accomplished without concerns about unwanted side effects from powerful drugs.
References:
1. Hyperhealth Pro Science Based Encyclopedia of Nutrition & Natural Health, Version 8.0. In-Tele-Health-America: Hansville, WA 2004.
2. Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies. Eastland Press: Vista, CA 1990.
For more info, contact Dr. Bruce Eichelberger OMD of Reno Alternative Medicine at (775) 827-6901, specializing in Oriental Medicine.
