Acupuncture for Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Natural Solution

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is closely related to changes in the seasons. People who live in colder climates are particularly prone to SAD due to the reduced amount of natural sunlight they experience during the winter months. One potential way to address SAD in colder climates is through acupuncture. Symptoms such as lethargy, and difficulty concentrating can be debilitating for those who experience it.

Fortunately, there is hope for those who suffer from SAD, and it comes in the form of Acupuncture. Which is a natural solution to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of misalignments in the body.

In this blog post, we will explore how acupuncture can help to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Since this TCM helps to restore the body’s mental and physical wellness and rid it of any imbalance.

Although the exact cause of SAD is unknown, it is believed that a lack of sunlight can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, resulting in depression. And it can interfere with daily activities and have a negative impact on relationships and work. If left untreated, SAD can become more severe over time.

Here we will list the symptoms of Sad, and if you feel related to this it is very important to treat them right away:

- A persistent low mood / depressed feeling

- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and despair

- Lack of energy

- Sleeping for longer than normal

- Irritability

- Loss of interest in normal everyday activities

- Craving carbohydrates and putting on weight

- Feeling indecisive

- Loss of libido

- Feeling anxious

- Feeling less sociable

From a TCM perspective, the body must be viewed as a whole that is part of a greater whole. Each person is unique and therefore, specific signs and symptoms relating to a person’s physical, mental and emotional state as well as their lifestyle, diet, and environment must be taken into account.

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 it according to the particular pattern (excess/deficient, hot/cold, wet/dry, etc.) associated with the disorder.

Research suggests that acupuncture may help to balance hormones and neurotransmitters, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Acupuncture can also be used to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels – all of which are beneficial for those dealing with SAD.

Acupuncture has been well known to help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which are common symptoms of SAD. Additionally, acupuncture can help improve your overall mood, allowing you to take on seasonal challenges with greater ease. Because it helps to increase the serotonin levels in your body, which you are lacking. In turn, this helps to regulate your mood and restore the overall imbalance of either yin or yang qualities, which eventually leads to illness and must therefore be treated accordingly so that the body’s innate ability to heal itself on all levels is restored.

If you are considering using acupuncture for SAD, you can book with our Registered Acupuncturists and let them know your particular case, they will be able to evaluate your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan that will best meet your needs.