I've avoided posting to this thread. While I understand spiritual_emergency regarding people having alternatives wither for philosophical or financial reasons, well, how could I disagree? It's the nature of free will. And maybe it does help some people. And maybe they never actually had the disorder in question/were misdiagnosed. It's hard to say.

It's also important to remember, especially as having bipolar, that we have a big tendency to think we are ok, and don't need this anymore when things are going well. And there usually *are* times when things are going well. And in that time, we doubt our diagnosis, (maybe even go off meds, how common is this, yes?) I can't help but wonder if some of these people who feel they are "cured" are just actually in a remission phase? Sometimes they last for years, after all.

That said, one of my biggest skeptic points are testimonials from a site selling something. Surely they will only put good things on their site, right?

When you say "manic" (as opposed to hypomanic), I assume you have BP I. (Yes?) Whether it is I, II or NOS, the consequences can be very serious, you know? All of this isn't necessarily to discourage you, but to advise serious caution.

(For the record, my personal experience...Went to P-doc. When she recommended meds, I didn't want to. Heck, I was hypomanic, and what better time to be in denial, eh? So, when I refused, she advised supplements to at least try. I dutifully went right out, got them and took them religiously. Well, you guessed it -- then came the crash. I realized I really *did* need meds and that the supplements weren't working for me at all in regard to mood. At that point it was a real scramble to get my head somewhere reasonable and keep me from offing myself. Granted, this is only my experience, but you can see why it worries me. I was finally compelled to write simply out of concern for your wellbeing. Maybe it will work. Then more power to you. Just approach with caution, be safe and don't be stubborn if it isn't working. Act before you get in too deep, ok?)

Wishing only the best for you, keep us posted, ok?