Universal Emotional Freedom Technique (UEFT), a Natural remedy for depression
Depression is a serious mental condition that impairs one’s ability to think clearly and makes them feel helpless. This can be extremely debilitating. Fortunately, there are numerous methods that help treat depression and get your life back on track.
Depression describes feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
Why is it vitally important to have a natural remedy available for depression?
Untreated depression or even improperly treated depression can seriously interfere with your life. Finding a course of treatment that works for you can be challenging, especially if you are doing it alone. Consulting your doctor to obtain professional advice is advocated as well as using them as a support person. You could discuss with your doctor natural remedies for depression as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to other treatment and use UEFT to overcome the emotions felt when in a state of depression.
The cause of depression
Whilst the cause of depression is unclear, it generally has many various factors that all need to be considered:
- biological factors (genetics)
- physiological factors (brain chemicals)
- environmental factors
- behavioural factors
I believe that the cause of depression is multifactorial in nature, however, I also have observed in my clients that a major factor of depression and addiction, are feelings of aloneness, separateness, absence of love, isolation, disconnectedness, fear of connection, poor self-worth or being angry at the world. These feelings and emotions when ineffectively processed (when we become stuck in our emotions), creates an inability to form connections with other people, which costs us our emotional health and wellbeing.
Depression exists in various forms, ranging on a spectrum from mild to severe. Of course the extent of the depression a person suffers is proportionate to the amount of separateness and disconnectedness that they are experiencing, or said another way, how stuck they are in their emotions. This is a key reason as to why each person’s healing and treatment plan will look different and why one course of treatment will not work for everyone. A variety of natural remedies and tools will be highly beneficial when experiencing depression.
For example, if a person became stuck in sadness and was aware of the ‘stuckness’ of the emotion as soon as it occurred, and before they were diagnosed with depression, if they were able to effectively process the sadness, for example by using the pro•m•emo essence ‘Harmony’, this would negate the stuck emotion and disrupt the path that leads to depression and addiction. If, however, mild depression has already been diagnosed, in order to create change here, you would still need to shift and process the ‘stuck’ emotions, which might involve frequent use of the natural remedies pro•m•emo ‘Harmonise’ and pro•m•emo ‘Peace’, while severe depression might involve more extensive pro•m•emo use and blending of the 6 pro•m•emo essences in the Emotions First-Aid Kit.
I advocate the use of UEFT and pro•m•emo not only as natural remedies for depression but to process the emotions that we get stuck in daily, which act as the preamble to depression. In time and with practice you will discover the pattern and tools that provide you with a natural remedy for depression that works for you.
Psychological treatments for depression
These can work alongside natural remedies for depression, medication or on their own. Examples include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Counselling
- Interpersonal therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
Some examples of Natural remedies for depression
Fish oils
Essential fatty acids help in the transmission of nerve impulses, which are needed for brain function (Balch 2006). 6.6g/d of Omega-3 fish oils proved effective in treating depression more effectively than placebo in a randomized controlled trial in 28 patients with major depressive disorder (Su et al 2003).
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element required for over 300 enzyme functions and reactions. The ion acts in catalytic, coactive and structural roles in these enzymes. Zinc is necessary for other reactions in the body such as for DNA replication, transcription and protein synthesis therefore having an effect on cell division and differentiation (Nowak & Szewczyk 2002). Zinc regulates protein synthesis (Blumenthal et al 2005) and protein is necessary to synthesis brain neurotransmitters such as the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin.
A deficiency in dietary zinc alters brain functions such as learning behavior and mental function. It is also associated with a higher risk of epileptic convulsion. As zinc influences homeostasis of the brain it is essential that sufficient amounts be provided (Takeda 2000).
25mg/d of zinc supplementation (Zincas Forte) for 12 weeks in a randomized controlled trial proved to be more effective than placebo in treating major (unipolar) depressive disorder (Nowak et al 2003).
St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is a popular natural remedy for depression in Europe. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), report that St. John’s wort may benefit people with mild-to-moderate forms of depression. It is a natural remedy for depression that has sufficient clinical trials to be thought of as being effective for depression.
St. John’s wort, however, may have interactions with other medications, herbs, and supplements. It is important that despite the evidence discussed above, that you are aware of these possible side effects and you should discuss any concerns with you health practitioner.
SAM-e
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It is involved in brain and liver function as well as numerous bodily functions. Certain studies demonstrate that SAM-e may reduce the symptoms of depression. It is recommended however, that people with bipolar disorder or manic depression should not take SAM-e due to its ability to cause mood swings and mania.
5-HTP and Serotonin
Serotonin, [a neurotransmitter derived from 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) – the immediate metabolic precursor of endogenous serotonin production], is associated with mood, social functioning, sleep, and may prevent the onset of various mental and physical disorders.
Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid found in protein containing foods (animal protein, milk), is the natural precursor for 5-HTP. However, dietary sources of tryptophan are not readily converted to 5-HTP. To bypass this first step in the production of endogenous serotonin, 5-HTP supplements can be used instead. Various studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in treating depression, however taking 5-HTP at high doses or for long periods could be dangerous. Bearing this in mind, caution should be used when using this natural remedy for depression.
Kava
Kava is a tall leafy shrub that is native to the South Pacific with its root being noted for its sedative and anesthetic properties. It’s most commonly used as an ingredient in relaxing teas, being used in the areas of the South Pacific, including Hawaii, for stress release, mood elevation, and other calming effects.
The active ingredients of kava root have been likened to benzodiazepines. Studies have shown that kava is safe and effective in treating tension and anxiety, which may help ease depression symptoms, however, unlike St John’s wort, more research is needed to prove conclusive evidence.
Other natural remedies for depression include…
Traditional Chinese medicine
Naturopathy
Homeopathy
Bio-energetic medicine
Bach flower essences
If you enjoy saving time, effort and money, learn the UEFT course online and purchase the pro•m•emo essences range. The pro•m•emo essences not only contain a synergistic blend of all five of the natural remedies for depression listed above, they process emotions thereby allowing for the development of emotional acuity, which in the long term may prevent depression and addictions!
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