Tis' the Season - for Acupuncture
As the holiday season begins again, and as the late summer sun changes to early fall darkness, many people find themselves experiencing varying levels of depressed mood.
Why does this seasonal depression occur for so many, and with such regularity?
Theories abound---for many the approach of the fall and winter holidays brings to mind the many holiday stresses they remember occurring in their families, rather than the happy memories we like to associate with family holidays. Shopping for gifts, planning meals, inviting guests, planning who sleeps where can be fun or can stressful. Some family members are no longer with us---they’ve passed away or moved far off. It can be a highly emotional time of year, leading to seasonal depression.
The darkness and chilliness of these months can also cause significant emotional changes. This is likely due to alterations in our brain chemistry. Melatonin, a brain and skin chemical that depends on light for its function, as well as serotonin, and norepinephrine are among many of our brain neuro-chemical transmitters that play a major role in our emotional state. Their altered levels can lead to seasonal depression.
Although medicines for minor depression are available, they can take many weeks before they start to do their job, and they are prone to side-effects which most of us wish to avoid.
Acupuncture can be a Useful Alternative
Acupuncture, an ancient Oriental way of healing, has the ability to significantly stimulate the chemicals in our brains that allow us to heal naturally The result, often after only several treatments, can be a reduction in anxiety, moodiness, sleep problems, and sadness, and an increased sense of inner calmness and well-being. And, there are no side-effects!
Consider acupuncture this holiday season to help you enjoy the “festive” part of the festivities, and avoid seasonal depression.
