Symptoms associated with SAD consist of such things as depression, irritability, anxiety, increased negativity, fatigue, lethargy and an increased craving for carbohydrates. It lasts from about September to approximately beyond November depending on the individual.
SAD can affect everything from your career to your relationships and everything in between. Conventional medicine often prescribes an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitor) which adjusts serotonin, your ‘feel good’ brain chemical. This synthetic remedy can work but it does come along with the price of side effects as well as taxing the system such as the liver. Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) uses acupuncture and naturopathic medicine to attempt to remedy SAD and keep your body strengthened to avoid future occurrences.
Acupuncture: Relieving SAD Symptoms
Acupuncture has been found to be an excellent tool in re-aligning stagnant energy and blood that could be causing various SAD symptoms especially depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “Two randomized, controlled, clinical trials suggest that electroacupuncture may reduce symptoms of depression.” Dr. Lisanti is a licensed acupuncturist that can attempt to unblock specific meridians (pathways) that may be obstructing your optimal health. You will be individually assessed to determine just the right protocol that is safe and effective after only a few sessions. Some points he may target include: Liver (LV3) on the top of the foot between the big toe and the first toe to balance the inside and outside environments; Yintang point located on the inside eyebrows to alleviate insomnia, anxiety and stress; and Kidney (K3) on the inside foot between the ankle and Achilles tendon used for brain balance to keep you steady and out of depression as well as assisting in healing chronic conditions.
Botanical Medicine: Relieving SAD Naturally
IMS uses a full spectrum of plant and herbal remedies according to Classical Chinese Medicine as well as other botanical healing techniques. SAD can sometimes be drastically alleviated by using an accumulated formula prescribed by Dr. Lisanti. Some useful remedies that may be suggested include St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum). This extract has been compared to the similar, effective results of SSRI’s with the only side effect being photo sensitivity which means it can make your skin sensitive to continued exposure to the sun. A 2006 report from The Cochrane Review states, “The available evidence suggests that the hypericum extracts tested in the included trials a) are superior to placebo in patients with major depression; b) are similarly effective as standard antidepressants; and c) have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.”
Clinical Nutrition: Healing Through Food
How you eat plays an important role in avoiding SAD symptoms. Although SAD may create a craving for carbohydrates you can choose the right ones so as not to tax your system. These “good” carbs will not only raise your serotonin levels they will also strengthen your body as opposed to fattening it. Some choices that IMS may recommend are nuts and seeds, spelt and oat grains, almond, hemp and soy milk as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Through IMS you may be able to stop your SAD struggle with a combined or individual protocol. Those mentioned here are only an example of what can be applied which also includes but is not limited to: nutraceutical supplementation such as melatonin; homeopathy including cell salts; environmental medicine; and clinical hypnosis as well as counseling. At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.
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