Shorter daylight hours and reduced sunlight may lead to more than the winter blues this season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which affects millions of people every winter, especially during December, January and February. SAD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the hypothalamus brought on by the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter. Symptoms of SAD mimic depression and may include fatigue, insomnia, headaches, a low tolerance for stress, digestive trouble, and cravings for sweets or carbohydrates.

“Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are an effective, natural means of treating SAD,” says Barbara Gosse, Associate Dean of Clinical Services for the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Gosse emphasizes the importance of restoring balance to the body and mind by replenishing what needs nourishing, reducing what is in excess, and circulating what is stagnant.

While Gosse stresses that each treatment plan should be tailored to an individual’s specific symptoms, she, along with Joseph Sweere, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, and Dale Healey, DC, dean of Northwestern’s School of Massage Therapy, offer these natural approaches to battling the winter blues and SAD:

• Diet – Healthy eating is critical to replenish essential nutrients;
• Exercise – Daily exercise helps improve circulation and is believed to stimulate the production of chemicals linked to feeling happy and relaxed;
• Sun -- Most people don’t realize that some sunlight during the winter is necessary for the body’s production of vitamin D. For optimal health, Dr. Sweere recommends getting adequate exposure to sunshine and/or taking a vitamin D supplement;
• Acupuncture – The practice of acupuncture is believed to improve blood flow and restore the body’s balance of energy;
• Herbal therapy – Herbal supplements are given to treat or relieve a patient’s specific symptoms, and to address the body’s underlying constitutional state; and
• Massage – Known for its positive effect on relieving tension, stress and depression, “Just the anticipation of a good massage is likely to alleviate depressive symptoms,” notes Healy.

As winter turns to spring and the days grow longer, the symptoms of SAD generally disappear with the snow. If your symptoms continue, talk to your health care professional.

Source:  Natural News Service, Northwestern Health Sciences University (December 2008)