Acupuncture for Seasonal Depression - Beverly MA

Acupuncture for Seasonal Depression Beverly

Seasonal Affective Disorder

With daylight savings time ending on Sunday, the time of the year where people begin reporting the "winter blues" is upon us. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can affect anyone who is above or below the 30th parallel. The closer someone lives to the North or South Pole, the higher the likelihood that individual will suffer from SAD. SAD is a form of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. Typically, people who suffer from SAD experience mild depression, irritability, headaches, fatigue and lethargy, increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, and inability to concentrate. SAD affects over 10 million people each year in the United States and about two-thirds of which are female. It is believed that the decrease in melatonin from limited sunlight exposure is the main cause.

Western Medicine Treatment of SAD

Western medicine treatment of SAD is commonly achieved through light therapy. Light therapy is based on the principle that bright light will increase levels of melatonin. Sometimes anti-depressants are prescribed to improve mood. However, it is important to note that anti-depressants can have side effects such as, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, high blood pressure, decreased libido, nausea, fatigue & drowsiness and constipation.

Understanding SAD through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

According to TCM, everything has a yin and yang. According to Chinese culture, yin and yang is a relational concept that can be complex in nature. Yin and yang is rooted in a concept of dualism, which describes how seemingly opposite forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. Yin is a feminine & passive energy and yang is a masculine and active nature.

Yin and Yang Energy Daily

Yang: Yang is day, sun, brightness, heat (warmth) and speed (i.e. movement, running, etc). Whereas, Yin is night, darkness, moon, shade, cool (coolness) and rest (i.e. sleep and hibernation).

Yin & Yang Seasonal Changes

Winter:

Winter is the season of Yin within Yin, during this time the qualities of yin are further emphasized. This means, that the coolness during this time of year is at its coldest, and the stillness is most still. For example, ice in the winter - not only is ice cold, additionally from time to time it can be unmoving and completely still. Another example would be hibernation - during winter many wild animals take time to hibernate and receive the ultimate form of rest and rejuvenation. In terms of benefitting your health during this yin within yin or winter season there are a number of things to keep in mind. Winter is a time of inward thinking, stillness, and rest. During the winter months it is beneficial to take time for yourself, whether that be by having a few extra hours of sleep per night, or cooking yourself a warm and spice rich meal. Remember it is important to embrace the elements of Yin and become more in-tune with not only the season, but also with ourselves.

Spring:

Spring is the season of Ying within Yang, during this time qualities of yang become more dominate. Trees begin to bloom and sprouts begin to burst through the dirt, animals come out of hibernation and days quickly become longer. All of these activities of growth are yang, however yin energy is still very present. For example, while days are warmer, there are still many cold nights and wet days i.e. spring showers that are considered yin qualities. Additionally, if you take a look around in the Spring season, everything is coming back to life, the wind is whirling, and everything begins to grow and take on color - this is the Yang energy related to Spring.

Summer:

Summer is the season of Yang within Yang, during this time daylight is at it's longest, days are hot, nights are warm, people are out and about, and there's a thought of endless possibilities of what the day and night have in store.

Fall:

Fall is the season of Yang within Yin, during this time yang energy is still very present i.e. autumn or fall garden harvest is still bountiful. Days are still warm, however nights are more yin as daylight is quickly lessening, air is more crisp and cool. And if you've ever taken a walk during a fall evening you'll notice less people than a summer night. This is due to the fact that most people are taking a more inward focus rather than expending their energy physically and socially.

With a better understanding how the elements of yin and yang affect seasons, it'll make it easier to explain how we use acupuncture to get you through the "winter blues" season.

Acupuncture and Seasonal Depression

Acupuncture works to harmonize your body by resetting the autonomic system and allowing your body to restore homeostasis or normal body functioning. Scientific research suggests that acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to release endorphins (chemicals) into the nervous system and into the bloodstream. The release of these chemicals changes the experience of many emotional and physical conditions. Acupuncture triggers the release of other substances that influence the body's innate ability to heal.

When a patient is reporting SAD/seasonal depression, the acupuncture treatment is designed to positively impact the physical and mental components that are causing the symptoms. Symptoms of SAD/seasonal depression are difficulty concentrating, irritability, social isolation, fatigue, changes in appetite, anxiety, insomnia, and depression to name a few.

While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help to resolve many symptoms of SAD/seasonal depression, our acupuncture clinic will make additional recommendations for movement, exercise, meditation, and other nutritional therapies that can assist a patient in receiving relief from their symptoms quickly. At our Beverly acupuncture clinic we provide patients with the tools they need to prosper both while they are on our treatment tables, and when they are at home. The combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, lifestyle modification and nutritional supplementation can be pivotal in achieving the health outcomes our patients desire.

For thousands of years acupuncture has been successfully and safely assisting patients with the winter blues. Today make the choice to say "Good-bye" to the winter blues with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine!!

About Our Acupuncture Clinic:

North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine is an acupuncture clinic in Beverly, MA. We utilize acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and natural medicine restore optimal health and wellness. Employing traditional and modern approaches to enhance your health and longevity.