Treating Depression with Integrative Methods

Introduction. Integrative Treatment for Depression

Integrative medicine centres around the patient as a whole, using therapies that draw from both evidence-based and experience-based approaches. Integrative medicine shouldn’t be mistaken with alternative medicine which uses nonconventional (non-evidence based) approach.

By blending alternative and conventional Western medical therapies, integrative medicine offers safe and effective treatment that utilizes a variety of disciplines. Unlike alternative medicine, integrative medicine does not replace traditional medical care. Instead, it works hand in hand with the psychiatrists and psychologists.

The integrative treatment for depression follows the holistic approach considering emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and environmental factors that may be contributing to depression. After the initial assessment the integrative medicine practitioner develops a personalized plan based on the immediate health needs. The goal is to address the underlying causes of the illness and facilitating healthy behaviours and self-care skills supporting the psychiatric treatment plan. The practitioner also sends a summary of the visit and recommended therapies to the psychiatrist. The applied remedies and complementary therapies should not interfere with the traditional medication.

Certification in integrative medicine

Training and certification in integrative medicine is becoming increasingly popular among healthcare practitioners. In addition to their professional education and accreditation, physicians often pursue certification in this field. Obtaining board certification in integrative medicine requires rigorous training and testing. It ensures that practitioners possess a deep understanding of integrative medicine practices and principles.

Certified integrative medicine practitioners can offer a range of treatment options, such as acupuncture, relaxation technics, and mindfulness-based interventions. By combining conventional and alternative approaches, they can provide comprehensive care that addresses patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Integrative medicine professionals

Integrative medicine professionals are mainly medical doctors coming from distinct specialities. The integrative medicine practitioner must be fully accredited by the medical chamber of the country. In the US the training and certification proces are regulated by the American Board of Physician Specialties and in Germany by the German Medical Chamber. The certified practitioners are bound by the Medical Code of Ethics.

Integrative medicine addresses all aspects of a patient’s health, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental influences. Practitioners not only treat immediate health concerns but also focus on promoting overall health and well-being. While integrative medicine can be helpful in treating depression, it’s generally not enough on its own. It should be used in conjunction with medication and psychotherapy for optimal results.

Integrative medicine technics in treatment for depression

Depression is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication and psychotherapy are evidence-based treatments that have been proven effective in managing depression. Alternative techniques can be helpful in alleviating symptoms and promoting overall well-being. However, they should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based treatments. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan addressing all aspects of health and well-being.

Acupuncture

The acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture has gained popularity in recent years as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression. It could be used also for smoking cessation. It’s often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy or psychotherapy, to enhance their effectiveness.

The practice of acupuncture is based on the idea that energy flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. When this energy flow is disrupted, it can lead to various physical and emotional imbalances. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of energy flow by stimulating specific points along the meridians.

During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will insert thin, sterile needles into the skin at specific points on the body. The needles may be left in place for several minutes while the patient relaxes. The needles may be manipulated to increase or decrease the flow of energy in the body.

The use of acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Side effects may include soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the insertion site.

Relaxation techniques

The results of a meta-analysis of nine studies indicates that relaxation techniques are cost-effective, safe, and low risk. Furthermore, it has been found that they can effectively reduce depressive symptoms if practiced daily for more than eight weeks. Additionally, the study concludes that these techniques can be easily taught and used, making them accessible to a broad range of individuals.

The implications of the study for practice are significant. Practitioners can encourage patients to use relaxation techniques as part of their treatment plan for depression. The techniques are simple and do not require any special equipment or changes in lifestyle. Practitioners may recommend these techniques to patients who cannot or do not want to take medication for depression. Finally, the study suggests that relaxation techniques may provide long-lasting benefits for those who practice them regularly.

Autogenic training

Autogenic training aims to achieve autonomic self-regulation by reducing stimulation and training imagery. It is based on three principles: reduction of stimulation, mental repetition, and passive concentration. The technique’s focus on inner sensations and passive observation allows for a unique and effective approach to stress reduction and relaxation. The technique can be performed in different postures and consists of six exercises, with modifications for specific clinical needs. The exercises involve verbal formulas, focusing on sensations such as heaviness and warmth, as well as cardiac and respiratory activity. New exercises are added gradually, with brief periods of concentration. Autogenic training restores balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Quantitative reviews suggest that autogenic training is as effective as other bio-behavioral interventions for most psychosomatic disorders. It may specifically decrease heart rate and is claimed to benefit respiratory and circulatory disorders, insomnia, and anxiety. Overall, autogenic training provides a unique and effective approach to inducing relaxation and reducing stress-induced disorders. The technique’s ongoing evolution highlights its continued relevance in the field of mental health and well-being.

History of autogenic training

Johannes Heinrich Schultz was German psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He developed the system of self-hypnosis called autogenic training. Autogenic training induces a relaxation response by visualizing bodily perceptions. The technique has been used to alleviate stress-induced psychosomatic disorders. Biofeedback practitioners have integrated elements of autogenic imagery to aid in thermal biofeedback. Schultz wanted to explore an approach that avoided the passivity of hypnotherapy and developed six basic exercises based on his research on hallucinations in healthy persons.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

American physician Edmund Jacobson experimented with relaxation technics. In the 1920s he developed the progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). In 1929, Jacobson published the book “Progressive Relaxation”, which included a detailed procedure for removing muscular tension. The method involves intentionally tensing and then releasing specific muscle groups to induce relaxation, using both “top-down” and “bottom-up” processing. As the tension is released, attention is directed towards the differences felt during tension and relaxation. This allows the patient to learn to recognize the contrast between the two states.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is based on the observation that muscle tension is a psychological response to anxiety-provoking thoughts, and that muscle relaxation can help alleviate anxiety. PMR has been found to have long-term effects on various aspects of mental health. These effects include a decrease in overall anxiety and in anticipatory anxiety related to phobias. It reduces the frequency and duration of panic attacks and improves the ability to face phobic situations. Further long-term benefits are improved concentration, and increased self-esteem, and increased spontaneity and creativity.

Tai Chi

The origins of Tai Chi stem from Chinese philosophy, specifically Daoist and Confucian thought. Tai Chi philosophy emphasizes working with the flow of yin and yang elements. The practice involves avoiding force against force, instead of using softness and hardness to move. Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. It’s often referred to as “meditation in motion” and has many health benefits. Tai chi is unique because the movements are never forced, the muscles are relaxed, and the joints are not fully extended or bent. It can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to those confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Research has demonstrated that depression is associated with structural and functional irregularities in certain brain regions that are responsible for emotion processing, self-representation, reward, and responding to external stimuli such as stress and distress. Tai Chi has been shown to have the potential to modulate these brain regions/networks that are linked to depression. The findings of various studies indicate that Tai Chi improves the psychological well-being, by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety, depression, as well as by increasing self-esteem.

Yoga

Yoga is a practice originating from ancient India with physical, mental, and spiritual components. The practices vary greatly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and modern yoga. The origins of yoga are disputed, with linear and synthesis models. Yoga’s core principles were established in the 5th century CE and developed over time. It is a holistic system that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual practices to promote health and well-being including a meditative means of discovering dysfunctional perception, a path to omniscience.

One of the main components of yoga is the practice of physical postures, which are designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Breathing exercises, are also an important part of yoga practice as they help to calm the mind and bring awareness to the breath. Beyond the physical practice, yoga also emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health. Meditation and mindfulness techniques are used to cultivate awareness and promote relaxation, while the ethical principles of yoga, such as non-violence and truthfulness, provide a framework for living a fulfilling life.

Yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It can improve flexibility, strength, and balance, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it has been used as a complementary therapy for various health conditions. , such as chronic pain and cardiovascular disease.

Overall, yoga is a versatile and accessible practice that can benefit individuals of all ages and abilities. By incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual practices, yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Guided imagery

Visualization and guided imagery techniques offer another approach for stress reduction. Guided imagery, also known as katathym-imaginative psychotherapy, creates mental images of a calming and peaceful environment. The technic involves a trained practitioner or teacher assisting the participants in creating mental images that simulate or recreate sensory experiences. This can include visual images, sounds, tastes, smells, movements, and touch-related sensations such as texture, temperature, and pressure. The practitioner conducts the process in person with an individual or group.

Guided imagery techniques are effective in reducing stress. Firstly, they involve an element of distraction that redirects people’s attention away from stressors and towards an alternative focus. Secondly, they act as non-verbal instructions to the body and unconscious to behave as though the peaceful and relaxing environment were real. Finally, guided imagery can serve as a trigger to recall memories and sensations resulting from past relaxation practice.

Imagery techniques can be considered a type of guided meditation. Like other forms of meditation, the goal is to help individuals detach themselves from their thoughts and cultivate a relaxed state from which they can observe their thoughts and sensations without becoming embedded in them.

Mental imagery has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on various conditions and disorders, including depression, anxiety, phobias, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), OCD and eating disorders.

Art therapy in depression treatment

The use of art therapy is one of the crucial technics of integrative treatment for depression that uses creative activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and other art forms to help individuals express their emotions. It has become increasingly popular in psychiatry as a complementary treatment to traditional talk therapy and medication.

One of the main advantages of art therapy is that it allows individuals to communicate non-verbally. By creating art, individuals can tap into their unconscious mind and express emotions that they may not be aware of or find difficult to put into words. Art therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. It can help individuals develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be used as a tool for self-exploration, helping individuals gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

A fulfilling experience

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, art therapy can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for individuals. Creating art can be a form of self-expression and a way to relax and de-stress. It can also be a way for individuals to connect with others, as art therapy can be done in a group setting.

Art therapists are trained professionals who use art as a therapeutic tool. They work with individuals to help them explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their mental health. They also work with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with mental health conditions.

History of art therapy

The Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung, during his personal crisis, developed a temporary psychosis hallucinating images and hearing voices. He recognised those images as autonomous products of his psyche. Jung wrote down the phantasies and painted his hallucinations. Later he wrote transcribed the text and painted the images in a book called: “The Red Book”. The book is an example of a fascinating interaction between art and science. The use of painting and sculpturing was introduced by C.G. Jung in the book “The Psychology of the Transference”. Jung’s lifelong engagement with mixed media art-making positions him as a key figure in the development of art therapy, earning him the title of the “father of art therapy.”

During Jung’s second visit to America in 1913, he was introduced to the Greenwich crowd by the Jungian analyst Beatrice Hinkle. Greenwich crowd included notable artists and activists, including Margaret Naumburg and Florence Cane, who went on to establish the field of art therapy in the United States. Naumburg and Cane were deeply influenced by Jung’s theoretical ideas. In navigating a safe path for the birth of art therapy, Naumburg drew from many of Jung’s established ideas to develop her research and educational approach. Jung’s early clinical insights and theoretical ideas are gaining visibility and respect. Today, the historical details surrounding the development of art therapy in America are integrated back into the art therapy education.

Music therapy in integrative treatment for depression

The power of music on the mind is well-documented. Music therapy is a unique and effective integrative treatment method for depression. By using a person’s connection to music, it can bring about positive changes in their mood and overall well-being. Music therapy in the integrative treatment for depression can be utilized in a variety of ways. This could be singing, creating music with instruments, or simply listening to music. Moreover, music therapy can help individuals process a range of emotions, including happiness, excitement, sadness, calmness, and thoughtfulness. Music therapy has a number of benefits, including improving communication skills, self-awareness, concentration, and attention skills.

Live interaction between a person and their therapist is also an important aspect of music therapy. Improvisation can also be a significant part of music therapy, allowing individuals to create music on the spot. The way music affects the brain is complex, with various areas processing different aspects of music such as rhythm, emotions, and pitch.

Forms of music therapy

There are two forms of music therapy. Firstly, the receptive music therapy; secondly the active music therapy. Participants in the receptive music therapy are passive listeners to the music while the active music therapy engages the patients in the process of making music trough singing or playing music.

In both forms of music therapy, the therapist guides the patients. In the receptive therapy he chooses the music and animates the patients to discuss the songs. The active music therapy requires active participation in creating music through playing instruments, singing or even by composing the songs.

History of music therapy

Music has been an integral part of human life since the appearance of our species. Music therapy entered the field of psychiatry in the late 40ties of the 20th century. Since then, universities in the Western world offer training program in music therapy. E. Thayer Gaston is a key figure in promoting music therapy in the US.

Today the practitioners in music therapy are incorporated in the American Music Therapy Association founded in 1998.