Healthy lifestyle in Prevention and Treatment of Depression from the View of Iranian Traditional Medicine

Depression is a common disease that causes disability in affected people. Also it seems that conventional treatments have various side effects and patients face off recurrent relapse. As a fact prevention programs with focus on life style can reduce the prevalence of depression. Sadness that is one of the important Spiritual symptoms and descripted in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) as inner gradual movement of soul is one of the main diagnostic criteria of depression. In this literature review, the methods of prevention of depression based on health maintaining doctrine of ITM have been evaluated. Valid Traditional Iranian Medicine books and various data bases have been searched. Temperate and fresh weather is one of the basis which helps brain and heart to act their function better. Fast foods and inappropriate diet have a direct relationship with depression incidence. Exhilarant herbs can treat depression. Moderate exercise, waste expulsion, good and suitable sleep and good sexual function are the most important criteria for prevention from depression. The emphasis of ITM on the role of prevention should be considered seriously.