Hey there, Chicagoans! As the winter chill cuts through the Windy City, it's time to tackle a common winter woe: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the dreaded winter blues. But fear not, because we've got your back here at Herb + Ōhm, Chicago’s luxury acupuncture clinic.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

The days are getting shorter, the nights longer, and suddenly the usual pep in your step is nowhere to be found. Experiencing SAD is like wearing sunglasses indoors—everything seems a bit darker and less vibrant. Your motivation may be lacking, and isolating in your room hidden under a blanket could start to sound like a solid plan. Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: 

• Depressed Mood

• Loss of Interest or Pleasure

• Low Energy Levels

• Changes in Sleep Patterns

• Changes in Weight 

• Difficulty Concentrating

• Social Withdrawal

• Irritability

Potential Causes of SAD

• Vitamin D Deficiency: Less sunlight means less Vitamin D, which is important for overall well-being including mood and energy levels. Sunlight is nature's mood booster, and your body can sense its absence in the colder months.

• Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Changes in sunlight patterns can disrupt the body's internal clock and melatonin levels as well, leading to sleep disturbances and mood changes.

• Social Factors: Winter months may limit outdoor activities and social interactions, contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of SAD or other mood disorders may increase the likelihood of experiencing seasonal changes in mood. 

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly melatonin and serotonin, can influence mood and energy levels.

Our Recommendations to Invite Brightness Back

1. Energize with Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost mood and energy levels. And who says exercise can't be as simple as a brisk walk or a dance party in your living room? No gym memberships required!

2. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels: When sunlight is in short supply, our vitamin D levels can dip, and low vitamin D has been linked to a dip in mood too. Consider combatting this effect by supplementing with vitamin D. 

3. Engage Your Support System: Fight the urge to withdraw from your loved ones and instead, create intentional time to connect with friends and family. Don’t forget, laughter is a powerful remedy.

4. Brighten Your Day with Light Therapy: Use a lightbox or “happy lamp” that emits bright, artificial light to mimic natural sunlight exposure. It's like your personal slice of sunshine during the darker days and can do wonders for your mood.

5. Get out of Dodge: If you can, try and visit a friend, plan a family vacation, or embark on a solo adventure to a warm, sunny place. There is a reason retired people move south! They feel happier, more alive, and more at ease when the weather is nice.

6. Set the Stage with a Consistent Routine: Maintain a daily schedule to help regulate your body's internal clock.

7. Seek Guidance through Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized therapeutic approach that may help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to be effective in treating various forms of depression, including SAD.

It is essential to emphasize that the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is crucial to promptly seek the guidance of professional healthcare providers.

Potential Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for SAD

Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being. Dr. Amy Wolf, DACM, L.Ac., founder and lead practitioner at Herb + Ōhm adds, "I've seen patients walk in with such tension and heaviness and then walk out after treatment with a smile and sense of peace on their face. To see them transform like that is such a privilege.” Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of SAD in a variety of ways:

1. Energy Flow Boost: Picture acupuncture as a traffic control for your body's energy. Treatment helps to get your energy flowing smoothly, potentially easing those SAD-related symptoms and helping you to feel less stuck in all areas of life. 

2. Happy Chemical Release: Studies suggest that acupuncture can increase your serotonin levels, the mood-boosting VIP in your brain.

3. Balancing Act: Acupuncture aims to restore balance, like hitting the reset button on your well-being. 

4. Enhance Sleep: If SAD is messing with your sleep, acupuncture could improve sleep quality, turning those restless nights into peaceful slumbers.

Herb + Ōhm’s Unique Blend of Healing - Where East Meets West

We do things differently here at Herb + Ōhm. We combine cutting-edge healing technologies with acupuncture and ancient Chinese Medicine to provide our patients with a holistic approach to wellness. We appreciate the distinct advantages of Eastern and Western healing philosophies, while maintaining an optimum balance between the two. Dr. Amy says, "Our unique approach allows us to offer the most comprehensive and therefore effective treatment so patients feel better as soon as possible."

Give Acupuncture a Try

The potential benefits of acupuncture in modulating the immune response, reducing stress, releasing endorphins, regulating inflammatory processes and improving blood circulation provide a multi-faceted strategy for wellness. By addressing both physical and emotional factors, acupuncture aims to enhance overall well-being, contributing to improved mental health and potentially offering relief from the challenges Seasonal Affective Disorder poses.

If you are exploring acupuncture for Seasonal Affective Disorder this winter, we invite you to reach out to us at Herb + Ōhm at 312-757-1882. With years of dedicated practice, Dr. Amy Wolf, DACM, L.Ac. has helped numerous patients experience great improvements with their symptoms. Employing a comprehensive approach, she integrates the benefits of acupuncture with complementary therapies to achieve optimal results.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Amy, please contact us at Herb + Ōhm. During this one-on-one consultation, Dr. Amy will take the time to discuss your concerns, answer questions, evaluate you and create an individualized treatment plan customized to your specific needs. Take the first step towards potential relief by reaching out to us today.

By understanding and addressing the winter blues, individuals may better navigate the colder months with minimized symptoms and improved overall well-being.