Ask the Acupuncturists

Q:  Although I generally consider myself to be an energetic, positive person, whenever winter arrives, I sleep too much, gain weight, and feel despondent. Can acupuncture help with this?

A:  What you are describing may be SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression. At any given time, 5% of the people in the United States suffer from major depression. According to Asian Medicine, this is due to an imbalance in the body, which frequently can be treated successfully with acupuncture.

Overcoming the Winter Blues

Winter blues can be a symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression.  Depression can include both physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension;
• decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies;
• loss of energy or feeling tired despite lack of activity;
• a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain;
• a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much;
• restlessness or feeling slowed down;
• decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate;
• feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt;
• thoughts of suicide or death.

The hallmark of Seasonal Affective Disorder is the recurrence of symptoms during certain seasons.

SAD may range from mild to severe, but at any given time, about five percent of the country’s population suffers from major depression. Although many people benefit from psychotherapy, other approaches can also offer relief. Various forms of alternative treatment, such as acupuncture, are helpful for people who suffer from SAD.

Acupuncture, a holistic treatment modality that addresses mind, body, and spirit, consists of inserting thin sterile, disposable needles into specific points in the body. According to Asian medical theory, this stimulates the body's flow of energy, called Qi. Acupuncture developed over 3,000 years ago in China, and though traditionally used as a preventive form of health care, since the mid-1970's it has been widely used in the United States in the treatment of pain and chronic conditions. Today, many people also use it to ease psychological symptoms, including anxiety and our winter blues culprit, SAD.

Research has shown what acupuncturists have known for centuries: treating depression with acupuncture has positive and sustainable effects. A study completed at the University of Arizona found that acupuncture treatments led to a significant reduction in symptoms. 70 percent of participants found that their symptoms were reduced by half. Moreover, after the study over 50 percent of the participants no longer met the official diagnostic criteria for depression. Even the United Nations World Health Organization has approved acupuncture as a treatment for depression.

By using Asian medical theory to diagnose the imbalance within the body and acupuncture needles to help reestablish the body’s natural harmony, people feel better physically as well as psychologically. Treatments boost energy and promote increased circulation, thereby contributing to a greater sense of well-being. It is a safe and healthy way to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some people describe it as a “mental trip to the Caribbean.” It’s worth a try, especially since we know that the groundhog’s shadow will continue to haunt us for many more weeks!

If you have a question that you would like to “Ask the Acupuncturists”, please send it to us at wellnews@pathwaysboston.org