Holistic treatment engages the body, mind, and soul in helping a person heal from some ailment. It combines conventional treatments along with alternative therapies in order to help a patient. When it comes to bipolar disorder, there are conventional treatments, like medication and talk therapy, but many people find greater success in adding holistic treatment to their care plan.
One of the benefits of a holistic approach is that there aren’t many negative side effects. As a result of the interest and ongoing research in this field, there have been many bipolar disorder treatment centers founded that specialize in the holistic approach to well-being. Here is what you can expect at one of these centers.
Exercise as Holistic Treatment
Introducing an active exercise regimen for bipolar patients actually dates back to the Victorian era when physicians would often prescribe swimming in lakes for patients with bipolar symptoms. Because of this treatment, the health spa came about.
Many therapy plans will include exercise for bipolar symptoms, especially depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are often called “feel good” chemicals in the brain to give a little mental boost. However, some people have found symptoms exacerbated by exercise when they are in a manic cycle.1
At a holistic treatment center, exercise likely be part of your treatment care plan, but you will continue to be monitored by treatment center staff to make sure it is beneficial and safe.
Diet Changes for Holistic Bipolar Disorder Treatment
A change in diet can have a very positive impact in bipolar disorder patients. Among the beneficial supplements, fish oil capsules’ rich omega-3 fatty acid has been found to make positive improvements on the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Part of a diet overhaul for a bipolar patient also includes kicking bad habits such as smoking and caffeine.
These have shown to have an adverse impact on the symptoms of a bipolar disorder and should be avoided while healing.
Of course, having a healthy diet high in plant-based, whole foods and low in high fat, high sugar, processed foods will also be considered for holistic health.
Meditation at Holistic Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers
In bipolar patients, that never-ending cycle of manic thoughts can trigger harmful behavior. Learning to quiet the mind through meditation helps reduce the stress brought in from those negative thought patterns. It’s also a way of developing stronger focusing abilities. You’ll find that many holistic treatment centers have daily guided meditation sessions for their patients.
Finding the Right Bipolar Treatment for You
Although holistic treatments have been found to be a successful supplement to treatment, they are not a total substitute for medical care. As mentioned above, the best approach is a combination of conventional therapies like medication and counseling and holistic treatments. You can find out more about these forms of treatment by calling our toll-free helpline at 269.280.4673. Our caring admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions.
By Becca Owens
Sources:
1 Wells, Diana and Kristeen Cherney, “How Can Exercise Help Bipolar Disorder?” Healthline.com. 23 February 2018.