STRESS & DEPRESSION: Some Thoughts on Non-Prescription care
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
As some of the world's staunchest proponents of holistic health care would say, "If I have a gunshot wound--get me to an ER." But in the case of day-to-day stress, mild to moderate situational blues, fatigue, muscle ache, headache, irritability or sleeplessness, there are many roads to Rome. Without question, in instances of trauma or life-threatening infection,few would argue that the place to be is in a state-of-the-art hospital,in the hands of skilled physicians and nurses who may employ surgical procedures, powerful medications and techniques that save lives,limbs, and psyches. But there is a whole world out there of health care practices and healing arts referred to by some as "complementary" or "alternative" to conventional western medicine. I like the concept of "integrative medicine" employing the best of whatever works to help or heal and does no harm.
STRESS: MANY ROADS TO ROME
Off the top of my head: (in no particular order) vitamins..minerals..acupuncture..herbs..enzymes..Tai Chi..breathwork..massage.. mindfulness meditation..visualization & multi-sensory imagery..talk therapy.. yoga..reflexology..reiki..shiatsu..cranio-sacral work..myofascial release.. energy medicine..drumming..chanting..shamanic healing..virtual reality.. aromatherapy..aerobic activity..prayer.. placebo effect..regression.. dreamwork ..psychodrama..Pilates..Feldenkreis..neuromuscular therapy..magnets.. moxa.. spinal manipulation..kineseology..art/music/dance/sound therapy..rolfing.. Bach flower & subtle energies..hydrotherapy..crystals..iridology..naturopathy..teas & tinctures.. homeopathy..rapid-eye-movement..stool analysis..("Plan B" may be a good night's sleep or a good laugh..( or cry..) a warm hug..a round of golf..playing with a baby..or a pet. The list is endless of, "that which helps or heals" an individual.
HIPPOCRATES: "FIRST, DO NO HARM." (I know he was in Greece--not Rome.)
The world of non-prescription therapies is a realm of healing potential in which many find help for stress, tension and depression-related symptoms, and millions of cultures the world over have used botanical medicine, breathwork, sound, touch, meditation, ritual, shamanic medicine, dreams and spiritual practices for centuries with some remarkable, (even if not entirely scientifically explicable) success. There is exciting research being done on how the body-mind-spirit heals, but in many circles there is still much unknown about some of the effects of over-the-counter (OTC) preparations people are using to self-medicate without professional supervision, and that is a matter of concern. I do not by any means discourage informed, supervised use of supplements, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and herbs. I have used some of each myself with great success, but always with professional guidance, and ongoing personal re-assessment of how they affect me.
If chemical support is indicated, there are several supplements and herbal preparations recommended for stress or depression by well-informed health care professionals. But as with prescription medications, depending upon the source of stress, type of depression and innumerable other factors, what is an excellent therapy for one person, may harm another. We have all read about a few lately including, but not limited to, Kava-Kava, Sam-e, St. John's Wort, Valerian, Chamomile, Lavender. But you will be far better-served by a skilled professional who can work with you over time based on body-chemistry, history, age, weight, lifestyle, belief systems and what else you're taking. It is essential that we recognize them as active chemical compounds that may indeed produce powerful positive outcomes, but may also, a) carry side-effects, b)interact with foods, alcohol or other medications, or c) be contraindicated for you based upon body chemistry, age, sensitivities, etc.
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com