Research progress on non-pharmacological therapies of traditional medicine for depression

Depression is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by persistent sadness, anhedonia, guilt, fatigue, and impaired concentration. Although pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy can be effective, their utility is limited by adverse effects and significant inter-individual variability. Non-pharmacological therapies from traditional medicine have emerged as promising adjuncts owing to their favorable safety profiles, minimal side effects, and high patient compliance. These therapies, including acupoint stimulation, meditation, and yoga, produce antidepressant effects by reducing neuroinflammation, modulating neurotransmitter release, enhancing neuroplasticity, and regulating the gut-brain axis. This review summarizes clinical applications and mechanistic insights of traditional medicine’s non-pharmacological therapies for depression, providing a scientific rationale for their integration into comprehensive management.