Depression Health Center

Alternative Treatments for Depression

What Is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is also called visualization. It is a method of communication between body and mind that utilizes perception -- vision, smell, taste, touch -- along with position and movement to produce a relaxation response. Guided imagery involves mentally seeing pictures of relaxing situations, such as a sunset on the beach, a flowing mountain waterfall, or a brilliant mountain sunrise.

As you use all your senses during imagery, you will actually make an effort to:

• Smell the flowers and trees.
• Feel the breeze or temperature.
• Feel the texture of the surface under your feet.
• Hear all the sounds in nature.

While some people are better at imagining than others, anyone can master this simple relaxation technique. You can use guided imagery during massage or another touch therapy to boost your relaxation and your feelings of serenity and peacefulness. Much like learning to play the piano or tennis, becoming skilled at guided imagery involves time, patience, and practice. It is one relaxation skill that cannot be rushed or hurried.

Can Music Therapy Lift Moods?

Music therapy has been shown to be an effective non-drug approach for people of all ages that assists in reducing fear, anxiety, stress, or grief. Music can be thought of as a natural tranquilizer for the human spirit.

Pythagoras, the sixth century B.C. philosopher and mathematician, is thought to have been the founder of music therapy. During World War II, the Veterans' Hospitals had volunteers who played their music for the wounded soldiers. The results were so positive that the VA added music therapy programs.

In its simplest form, all you need to incorporate music therapy is a CD player or mp3 player with headphones. Then choose music -- from New Age "mood" music to rock to classical -- that matches your personal needs, moods, and tastes.