How to End Seasonal Affective Disorder and Start Loving Winter
Many
people feel down as winter approaches. It's dark. It's cold. The
holidays can be stressful.
But
for some people every winter is unbearable. They're tired and
depressed. They don't want to get out of bed. They snap at their
families and binge on junk food.
These
people have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Our moods and energy
levels fluctuate with the seasons. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
understands these cycles but modern life does not. These days, you
are expected to be active, productive and creative at all times of
the year. There is no accommodation for a slow, quiet winter.
According
to TCM, this conflict causes stress, which can result in SAD. What is
Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder is a type of
depression that people experience at the same time every year. Most
often, symptoms start in September or October and are relieved in
April or May, however some people experience SAD at different times
of year. The symptoms include:
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Extreme
fatigue, lethargy and sleepiness
• Increased
appetite
• Carbohydrate
cravings
• Lack
of concentration
• Decreased
libido
No
one knows exactly what causes SAD but most of the theories involve
light. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, is triggered
by light. Some people believe that decreased serotonin is the
culprit. Others blame melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep and
mood, because it is affected by darkness. In either case, light plays
a role.
Western
Medicine Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Western medicine treats SAD with medications, psychotherapy and light therapy.
There
are 2 types of light therapy. For bright light treatment, you sit in
front of a light box for 30-45 minutes every day. For dawn simulation
treatment, a dim light comes on while you sleep and gradually gets
lighter.
Many
people find light therapy very effective, and a recent Canadian study
confirms this. Scientists found that light therapy was just as
effective as Prozac for alleviating SAD, with fewer side effects and
faster results.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments for SAD
TCM
takes a holistic view of the body and seasonal cycles, and
understands the energy behind them. All life is made of qi, or life
force. One of the principles of qi is that everything is made of yin
and yang. Yin is the feminine side, nourishing, cold and dark. Yang
is the masculine side, active, warm and light.
Autumn
marks the beginning of the yin cycle of the year. Daylight decreases,
temperatures drop and nature takes a rest. Just as animals slow down
and hibernate, our bodies slow down. It is a time for reflection and
quiet activity.
If
your constitution is particularly yin, from gender, genetics,
environment or lifestyle, the yin cycle may hit you hard.
Contemplation and rest may become isolation and depression. Your
winter cycle becomes seasonal affective disorder.
The
holidays put an additional stress on your system. At a time when your
body wants to slow down, holiday activities speed up. Parties,
shopping, travel and holiday celebrations create tension between what
your body needs and what you're doing. This stress depletes your body
even more, contributing to exhaustion and cravings for carbohydrates
to replenish your depleted energy.
To
stay balanced in the winter and ward off SAD, conserve your energy.
Practice quiet, yin activities like restorative yoga, Tai Chi,
qigong, walking or journaling. Eat warm, slow-cooked stews and soups.
Add yang spices like garlic, ginger, black pepper, cloves and basil
to your foods. Limit cold drinks and raw vegetables. Rebuild your
energy to prepare for spring.
Most
importantly, make an appointment with me for a seasonal acupuncture
treatment. By balancing your qi, your seasonal affective disorder
symptoms can be relieved.
Winter
doesn't have to be a time of sadness, exhaustion and binge eating.
Call me to discuss your treatment options today.
Kathy E Thomas
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795
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