Tai Chi, a form of low-impact martial arts, has often been connected with a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as enhanced mood, in healthy people and people suffering from chronic conditions. A thorough review of the subject, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, has found that even though Tai Chi does seem to result in positive psychological effects, further quality, randomized studies are needed.
Dr. Chenchen Wang, Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, performed work with a group of researchers to consolidate the results of 40 studies, including a number of randomized, controlled studies, regarding the effect that Tai Chi had on mental health.
Wang and the other researchers found that people who practiced Tai Chi had a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disturbances, and an increase in self-esteem. However, the overall quality of the studies involved was generally modest. Particularly, rigorous, prospective, well-controlled studies which included relevant comparison groups and validated outcome definitions were generally lacking.
Source: Alternative Medicine Direct
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Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts
Acupuncture to Treat Pregnancy Depression Disorder
Acupuncture may alleviate depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a new study performed at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The study, led by Rachel Manber, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said they hope the results will address depression during pregnancy and provide patients an alternative to using antidepressants. It will also help increase awareness among pregnant woman about depression.
The study was conducted after 14% of pregnant women suffered major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by feelings of dread, gloom and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities.
The research was conducted on 150 women whose pregnancies were between 12 and 30 weeks, and who suffered from major depressive disorder. The women were divided into three groups to receive one of three treatments: depression-specific acupuncture; control acupuncture, during which needles were inserted in points not thought to help relieve depressive symptoms; or massage. The women received eight weeks of therapy and were assessed for depression at four and eight weeks by an interviewer who was unaware of which treatments were being given.
The researchers found that women who received the acupuncture for depression, experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms than the women in the other two groups.
Source: One India
The study was conducted after 14% of pregnant women suffered major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by feelings of dread, gloom and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities.
The research was conducted on 150 women whose pregnancies were between 12 and 30 weeks, and who suffered from major depressive disorder. The women were divided into three groups to receive one of three treatments: depression-specific acupuncture; control acupuncture, during which needles were inserted in points not thought to help relieve depressive symptoms; or massage. The women received eight weeks of therapy and were assessed for depression at four and eight weeks by an interviewer who was unaware of which treatments were being given.
The researchers found that women who received the acupuncture for depression, experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms than the women in the other two groups.
Source: One India
Magnetic Therapy: Another Way to Treat Depression
A new treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved by the FDA in October 2008. The treatment involves focusing electromagnetic pulses on the area of the brain that is believed to control depression. The idea, according to Dr. Och, president and medical director of Island Counseling Center in Worcester, is to attempt to get some of the benefits of electro-convulsive therapy, without the side-effects that come with inducing seizures in a patient under general anesthesia.
In TMS, a curved device attached to a metallic arm is placed against the left side of the head, and the patient looks at a dot on the far wall. For about 37 minutes, the magnet is activated, making 6 loud pinging sounds, then pausing for about minute, and then sounding again. The patient wears earplugs to muffle the sound.
This treatment has been effective for treating people with serious depression who have not had positive results with other treatments.
“Of the 5 patients we’ve treated, 4 have had great success, and have become well enough to stop treatments,” Dr. Och said. The treatment did not alleviate depression for the fifth patient, but it also didn't have any negative side effects.
Dr. Och said Island Counseling is currently considering using the TMS machine to potentially treat other psychiatric illnesses, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TMS treatment has only been FDA approved for depression, he noted, so patients would have to understand the risks before treatment.
Source: Telegram.com
More information and resources regarding biomagnetic therapy.
In TMS, a curved device attached to a metallic arm is placed against the left side of the head, and the patient looks at a dot on the far wall. For about 37 minutes, the magnet is activated, making 6 loud pinging sounds, then pausing for about minute, and then sounding again. The patient wears earplugs to muffle the sound.
This treatment has been effective for treating people with serious depression who have not had positive results with other treatments.
“Of the 5 patients we’ve treated, 4 have had great success, and have become well enough to stop treatments,” Dr. Och said. The treatment did not alleviate depression for the fifth patient, but it also didn't have any negative side effects.
Dr. Och said Island Counseling is currently considering using the TMS machine to potentially treat other psychiatric illnesses, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TMS treatment has only been FDA approved for depression, he noted, so patients would have to understand the risks before treatment.
Source: Telegram.com
More information and resources regarding biomagnetic therapy.
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