The use of magnetic waves may alleviate symptoms of mood disorders, according to a study published in the journal Brain Stimulation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that conducts electrical pulses, which are directed to stimulate certain lobes of the brain. Areas affected by this treatment increase mood-enhancing compound levels, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

Over the course of three weeks, a total of 301 patients with mood disorders received the electrical waves five days each week, once every day. These individuals remained awake during TMS, and didn’t need anesthesia or sedation medication.

The participants reported that they had an improved outlook on life, were less depressed and capable of leading a more normal lifestyle.

Murali S. Rao, lead author of the research, stated that “the electrical pulses target the nerve cells in the region of the brain called the left prefrrontial cortex, the region of the brain that regulars our moods.” He added that “the pulses are mild and painless and patients are able to immediately return to normal activities.”

Another natural alternative to treating mood disorders is practicing tai chi, a low-impact for of martial arts, according to a study conducted at the Tufts University School of Medicine.