In addition to the traditional treatments for bipolar disorder, including medications and therapies, many alternative treatment options are believed to be effective at controlling and decreasing symptoms.

Some alternative treatment options are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, but research and testimonies have shown many to be effective on their own as well.

Alternative Treatments

The most popular alternative treatment options for bipolar include:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting needles into pressure points on a person's body to restore health and treat pain.
• Expressive Therapy: Expressive therapy refers to many different art forms as a therapeutic release, including drawing, painting, music, dance, sculpting and more.
  
  Many people believe that these arts aid personal growth and healing, as well as bring a sense of pride, accomplishment and enjoyment.
• Healthy Diet and Exercise: A healthy body should not be underestimated as a healing tool. People who are deficient in vitamins, minerals and any food groups can be causing damage to their bodies, and many believe this can lead to health issues like bipolar disorder.
  
  Taking care of the body can help people heal and can regulate hormone and chemical levels. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
• Ketogenic Diet: Ketogenic diets are often used in the treatment of epilepsy, but many people believe they are helpful in treating bipolar disorder as well. A ketogenic diet is a diet that is high in fat, consisting of about 88 percent fat, 10 percent protein and 2 percent carbohydrates.
• Mood-Stabilizing Compounds: Aside from lithium, a common bipolar disorder medication, a number of compounds have been found to aid in decreasing or eliminating the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. These include:
  • GABA (sometimes classified as an amino acid)
  • L-Taurine
  • Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin).
• Relaxation and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on mental and physical health, and thus it is widely believed that relaxation and controlling stress can be effective in healing many illnesses, including bipolar disorder.
  
  Biofeedback, guided imagery (also known as visualization) and massage therapy are all popular relaxation and stress reduction techniques:
  • Biofeedback involves learning to control bodily functions and muscle tension through breathing and to induce relaxation. This technique also helps with anxiety, as it gives people a sense of power and control over themselves.
  • Guided imagery involves putting oneself in a state of relaxation and creating images of healing, health, recovery and wellness.
  • Massage therapy relaxes the muscles and induces relaxation, along with releasing tension and stress.
• Self-Help Groups: A number of bipolar disorder sufferers and people suffering from other afflictions have found solace in self-help groups.
  
  Talking to people and letting out emotions and stress can be very therapeutic and can help people to realize that they are not alone in what they are feeling. Many bipolar disorder sufferers report a feeling of empowerment that results from attending self-help groups.
• St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is a plant that is thought to have properties that help heal bipolar disorder and other types of depression. While it is widely used, its effects have not been documented or researched thoroughly.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals can cause health problems. B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc are all thought to aid in the healing of the body.
• Yoga: Yoga is a practice that combines exercise with meditation. It improves the mind as well as the body, and many people find the practice to be therapeutic and helpful for healing.

While many alternative therapies and treatments for bipolar disorder may be effective, it is still important to see a medical professional and receive advice and an accurate diagnosis. Many alternative therapies are most effective when used in conjunction with traditional therapies.

Resources

About.com (2002). Alternative Approaches. Retrieved July 17, 2007, from the About.com Web site: http://bipolar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=bipolar&cdn=health&tm=10&gps=98_9_816_594&f=00&su=p247.2.140.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=.

About.com (2005). Approaches to Mental Health Care. Retrieved July 17, 2007, from the About.com Web site: http://bipolar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=bipolar&cdn=health&tm=230&gps=90_6_816_594&f=00&su=p247.2.140.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=.