Alternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing

Some recent healthcare studies* suggest thatdeficit disorders?
alternative medicine is growing in popularity. One ofPersons suffering from psychiatric problems like
the many reasons for this increase is due in part tobipolar disorder may also find relief from
the fact that most alternative healthcare therapiescomplementary and alternative medicine like Omega-3
are often non-invasive, with little or no side effects.fatty acids. Because Omega-3 fatty acids are
For example, herbal medicine like St. John's wort wasessential nutrients, researchers studied this
scientifically studied* in Europe, presenting positivesupplement to determine its effectiveness on certain
findings for its effectiveness on the treatment ofmental health conditions. With promising results of the
certain cases of depression. However, large(researcher's) meta-analysis, the future is looking
pharmaceutical company, Pfizer Inc., refuted thesebrighter for those plagued with depression or bipolar
studies by carrying out an independent study on thedisorder; and alternative health treatment like
herb. The difference, though, between thisOmega-3 fatty acids has the potential to play an
alternative medicine in comparison to drugs likeimportant, complementary role in helping to treat
Prozac, is the potentially lethal side effects; whichthese disorders.
have made recent headlines in anti-depressantIntrigued by alternative medicine? You're not alone.
anti-anxiety drug lawsuits.Over 74 percent of US adults have used
Complementary and alternative medicine likecomplementary and/or alternative medicine* at some
acupuncture is also making leeway in the field oftime in their lives. This is also one of the many
mental healthcare. In a small pilot study* carried outreasons why natural health and alternative healing
by researchers, acupuncture was used as a form ofschools have begun popping up all across the country.
cognitive-behavioral therapy on patients sufferingIf you (or someone you know) are interested in
from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).finding schools in alternative medicine, let professional
Interestingly enough, research found thattraining within fast-growing industries like massage
acupuncture may be effective in helping people, whotherapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine,
have PTSD.Reiki, and others get you started! Explore alternative
Another form of alternative medicine, believe it ormedicine [ programs near you.
not, is meditation. Studies* found that individuals who*Source: National Center for Complementary and
practice meditation are more proficient at recognizingAlternative Medicine
and processing information. Does this mean thatAlternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing
meditation gurus are more intellectual? No, it simply© Copyright 2007
means that most individuals who practice meditationThe CollegeBound Network
have an improved sensory-cognitive perception, orAll Rights Reserved
heightened sense of awareness. Perhaps alternativeNOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge
therapy like meditation may one day find its way intoto relevant websites, as long as Copyright and
educational facilities across the country; which couldAuthor Resource Box are included; and ALL
potentially lead to more positive learningHyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
environments, as well as a reduction in attention