MANY PEOPLE WHO are uncomfortable with drugs or traditional forms of therapy try alternative treatments. These include any substance or procedure that is out of the medical mainstream.

Alternative treatments have been used for mood disorders for years. Some, in fact, go back to ancient times. They cover a wide range, from inhaling natural oils to taking mixtures of herbs to meditating. Though few scientific studies have been done to prove how well they work, many people have found them helpful for mild depression. They can be used alongside more traditional forms of treatment to increase their effectiveness. Treatments that can be traced back for centuries include acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, herbal therapies, and homeopathic medicine. The first four were developed in ancient times; homeopathy was introduced in the medieval era. All have been experiencing renewed interest in recent years, especially among the young...