Posted by durandal on November 7, 2014, at 15:38:50
Anybody ever try Caloric Vestibular Stimulation (CVS)? Essentially it involves placing a couple drops of ice water in your ear canal while laying on down on your side. Specifically, the *right* ear canal in the case of depression.
The theory behind this is that it modulates the vestibular system, activating the contralateral hemisphere in the brain. I read about it in an article describing the work of Dr. Jack Pettigrew from the University of Queensland who studies interhemispheric rivalry and its effect on mood. I have tried it several times myself, and after enduring brief discomfort and vertigo, found my mood and motivation problems alleviated for several minutes.
Not sure if this would work for others, but it is surprisingly effective in my case. I only wish its effects would last longer!
Here's the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/19/science/new-theories-of-depression-focus-on-brain-s-two-sides.html
poster:durandal
thread:1073265
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20141017/msgs/1073265.html