Acupuncture Treatment for the Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder

26/09/2024

 

Dreading the winter?  Becoming depressed as the nights draw in?  You could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Acupuncture treatment could help you through this autumn and here is how.

However, before going into how acupuncture can help a closer look at Seasonal Affective Disorder is required.

How do you know if you are suffering from it? 

The NHS have identified the possible symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, and they are as follows: a persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in everyday activities, feelings of irritability, despair, guilt and low self esteem, tearfulness, stress and anxiety, low libido and a desire to be alone.

In addition to depression there can be other signs such as: lethargy and constant tiredness leading to a need for more sleep than normal and a reluctance to get out of bed in the morning.  There could also manifest an increased appetite with a craving for carbohydrates leading to weight gain.

And what causes it?

SAD is not fully understood by the medical authorities but it is widely thought that a lack of sunlight affects the human body. Through:

  • Increased production of the hormone melatonin.  Produced by the brain it controls sleep/wake patterns, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm.  In other words it makes you feel tired and drained of energy.
  • Serotonin is reduced.  Serotonin, produced by the central nervous system, primarily affects mood, cognition,  and low levels of it are known to cause depression.

How can Acupuncture treatments help?

The publication of over 20,000 research studies has increased our understanding of how the ancient practice of acupuncture actually works from a biomedical perspective.

Acupuncture channels follow the pathways of nerve fibres and studies have shown that acupuncture points, rich in nerve fibres, have high conductance and low impedance, or electrical properties that make these points differ from other areas of skin..

 The insertion of acupuncture needles in certain points affects the brain via the neural pathways leading to various effects.

Acupuncture treatment triggers the release of endorphins.  These are the body’s natural pain killers. They can give a sense of well-being and relaxation.

It has been shown to influence the release of Serotonin and Dopamine  thus helping mood, sleep and appetite.

Furthermore, acupuncture is associated with the release of Norepinephrine, an important neurotransmitter that calms stress  and anxiety and helps with relaxation.  

Gamma-Aminobutyic Acid (GABA), Acetylcholine, and Glutamate are also positively influenced. These hormones calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, improve cognitive function and help in the body’s overall well-being.  

And finally, Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”, a neurotransmitter influencing social bonding, is produced benefiting those with anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, (quite apart from the Ancient Chinese theories), by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation Acupuncture treatments may be able to help with the debilitating effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

To make an appointment please click on the link below or call us.

We have two Acupuncturists at The Trinity Practice:

Sal Pande began studying Chinese Medicine over 20 years ago with Qigong in 2004. In 2008 he started a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements and graduated in 2011 with a BSc 1st Class Honours. He is also certified in Qigong and practices daily.Sal is with us on Wednesdays.

Jo Lenny is a degree trained and licensed Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist. As well as offering acupuncture for everyone, Jo has a special focus on women’s health and holds a diploma in Gynaecology, Fertility and Obstetrics Acupuncture.  Jo is with us on Thursday afternoons and Fridays.

BOOK ONLINE       www.trinitypractice.co.uk        Telephone 01747 851726

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