Case Study #3 Depression

Results of the research for the poster on the 8th RIEN Conference

Therapist: Carolina Millán (Reflexology and TCM student in Centro de Reflexologia da Madeira since 2013)

Patient: male, 22 years old

Pathology: depression and anxiety

Diagnosis: October 2013

Depression is considered a pathology with strong affective disorders, causing the patient the loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, a feeling of despair or despondency associated with fatigue or decreased energy, decreased concentration, indifference, discouragement, gathering in himself and in addition consequent mental rumination. In general, the individual who suffers so does not want help. May even have suicidal toughts. In direct connection with the nervous system became evident by the changes in the depressed person's brain, particularly with respect to neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine lesser extent), substances that transmit nerve impulses between cells.

Symptoms: pressure in the chest, insomnia, urge to cry, decreased libido, irregular breathing (causing episodes of asthma), need to be at home, apathy to do any activity, angry outbursts.

Medication: Diazepam (anxiolytic), Montelukast (anti-asthmatics), Loratadinum (allergy), Deflazacort (anti-inflammatory), Fluticasone + salmeterol (bronchodilator and antiasthmatic).

Start of sessions: 02/11/2013

Treatment:15 reflexology sessions were performed with the duration of one hour, with the periodicity of 2 times per week. The techniques applied were: Relaxation Tecniques in all sessions, Advanced techniques, Moxibustion, Sedona Method, Aromatherapy and Su-jok.

Analysis of results: after the first session the patient felt relaxed, wich resulted in a prolongation of sleep/rest. In session #9 the patient manifested an asthma attack; the use of Aromatherapy had a positive result, as the asthma symptmoms disapeared througout othe treatment. In session #13 the patient manifested feeling very different, with a increase of self esteem, so he decided to go out more often, and left the sleeping pills on his own will. The patient was able to sleep for more than seven hours.

Conclusion: the results were positive with reflexology, the patient regained self esteem and confidence; accepted the changes in his life and eliminated bad thoughts. Expressed willingness to work and his sleep/rest stabilized.

feet at session #1

feet at session #15