Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
While the true origin is not known according to Western medicine, it is thought that decreased levels of the hormone melatonin caused from the limited exposure to sunlight in the winter are involved. Other factors that may contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder, also know as SAD include genetics, hormones, and stress.
If you have had episodes of depression that clearly have an onset in fall or winter followed by remission of symptoms in the spring or summer, you may have SAD.
Symptoms of winter-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include:
Depressed mood
Irritability
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Loss of energy
Social withdrawal
Oversleeping (feeling like you want to hibernate)
Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating and processing information
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), energetic imbalances are closely associated with chemical, mental, emotional, and physical disturbances within the body.
Although it is already well known for its effects on pain control, acupuncture is also helpful in treating several neurological, immunological, and hormonal disorders. Preliminary studies have given promising results for its effective treatment of depression.
For a condition such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, Traditional Chinese Medicine considers it essential to look at the whole body and its surrounding environment and treat according to the particular pattern (excess/deficient, hot/cold, wet/dry, etc.) associated with the disorder. After diagnosis of these patterns an acupuncture point prescription is made to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang to keep the normal flow of qi unblocked. This restoring or maintaining healthy energy to the body and mind.
Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates a holistic approach to treatment that can benefit those with SAD. A combination of acupuncture, herbs and eastern dietary suggestions are made.
For prevention, it is recommended that treatment begin prior to daylight savings, and depending on how severe the symptoms even as early as September. Length of treatment does vary, however, 4 – 8 sessions over a 6 – 10 week span are suggested.
Acupuncture is safe and has no side-affects. If you, or know of anyone with SAD and would like some more information how acupuncture can help you please feel free to book in a 15 min free consultation for more information. In some cases, you may want to consult your physician or psychotherapist.
Suggestions:
Proper nutrition plays a huge role in our moods as well. It’s important to eat a balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, proteins and omega-3 rich foods as a great brain-support. To avoid depleting essential vitamins stay away from processed foods and drinking too much caffeine (over 2 large cups).
Smaller, more frequent meals may also help keep blood sugar levels, and you, from crashing. To keep spirits and energy high over the winter months, it is good stay active without over-straining yourself.
Yoga, tai chi or qi (chi) gong all help restore and move your energy, or qi, flow. It’s also good to bundle up and embrace the outdoors and take in the sun’s Vitamin D while skating, snowshoeing or skiing. (Don’t forget the SPF).
You don’t need to navigate SAD alone, especially when TCM offers effective ways to help you. We invite you to a 15-minute, free consultation call to see if we can help you.