Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to emotion regulation. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Emotion Regulation
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on emotion regulation symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to emotion regulation.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on emotion regulation symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some emotion regulation presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Emotion Regulation
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for emotion regulation. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Emotion Regulation
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based emotion regulation treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.