Ayurveda and Depression
Dr. Nancy Leibler, Ph.D, advocates that Ayurveda, an Indian holistic medicine practice that translates to “science of life”, can help cure depression in many people. Her new book, “Healing Depression The Mind-Body Way”, uses elements of Ayurveda, which is considered alternative therapy in the West but is undergoing testing as a legitimate form of health care in India’s system. Co-author Sandra Moss cites that depression statistics show that recurrence happens 50 percent of the time after one episode, 70 percent after two, and 90 percent after three. Although she supports the Ayurvedic method and claims that it is compatible with traditional Western healing, she doesn’t completely rule out using Western medicine or talk therapy. Ayurveda clinical trials have not been well-designed , nor do they necessarily scientifically prove results purported by its practitioners. Even if the results are positive in patients, lack of scientific proof or consistency may garner problems of acceptance by Western doctors. Yet medications like Cymbalta that are used to treat depression aren’t without their side effects. Ayurveda’s only side effect is a positive one, to promote healthy living.