Winter: The Most Depressing Season and How to Deal

Many consider winter to be the most depressing time of the year. Even though there are some of the biggest holidays this time of year, energetically, winter has a lot going against it.

People get exhausted keeping up with the holidays. Afterwards, they come down from the excitement of back-to-back holidays, struggling to make headway on New Year's resolutions, and may experience low motivation or guilt. Economically, there are the stresses of holiday bills and impending tax preparations. The days are short, often with cold temperatures and minimal sunlight, and the weather can be an unpredictable mix of snow, rain, and slush.

People in the Northern Hemisphere are farther from the sun during winter, experiencing less light and warmth and, therefore, less Qi (pronounced chee) and Yang (pronounced Yong). With less Qi, people feel more tired. Digestion doesn't function as well, and fewer nutrients from food are absorbed.

With less Yang - or warm energy - in the body, people may feel fatigued or cold, or even experience thyroid problems. Qi and Yang Deficiencies can cause lower back pain, lowered immune system, more colds, and worsen existing health problems. Muscles may feel tense and tight, and cold can penetrate the joints, muscles, and bones, causing pain and arthritis.

Here are some ways to deal with the winter blues:

1) Expose yourself to sunlight, even if it is through a window. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, and the happiness of the sun. Light candles or a fire in the fireplace to bond with the yang energy and warmth. Do the Oriental Medicine technique of moxa, or enjoy far-infrared heat lamps, the jade mat or BioMat, or sauna. This will help restore the Yang and help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression.

2) Know that energy moves in waves, going up and down. Therefore, when you are feeling down, know that the energy can and will go up. If you are feeling stuck in a low energy situation, seek a way to get some momentum to go up. Some options include acupuncture, massage, energy work or Qi Gong, Tai Qi, yoga, exercise, Reiki, herbal medicine, talk therapy, or hypnotherapy.

It can be especially helpful to read uplifting, positive thoughts. Get daily emails of uplifting thoughts from Tut.com, Abraham-Hickes, or Daily Om to help give you positive thoughts and messages for the day. Think step by step, moment by moment. This helps keep you from being overwhelmed and lets you live one moment at a time.

3) Follow Chinese dietary recommendations. Because Qi and Yang are low in the winter, we need to assist our digestion so that it can absorb nutrients. Raw foods are harder to digest in the winter because of their strong cell walls, and therefore, it is important to at least lightly steam foods so that the cells walls can be broken down, nutrients can be absorbed, and the body can make more blood and build Qi. Hot foods can be placed on a bed of salad to steam vegetables.

Slow cooked soups and stews are the very best in the winter. Fresh foods are always better than canned or frozen because of the vitality of the fresh food. Whenever possible, choose organic foods to avoid pesticides and preservatives. If you have concerns about your digestion, acupuncture and specific Chinese herbal formulas can assist with these problems.

4) Energetically, the body, mind, and spirit want to hibernate during the winter months. Some weight gain will occur to insulate you from cold temperatures. Relax and be easy on yourself; you can be more active when your energy starts moving more in the spring.

All year long, it is important to have at least one day per week that you allow yourself to stay in bed as long as needed. Rest, sleep, dream, meditate, relax, and let your body, mind, and spirit heal.

5) Acupuncture in the wintertime helps build and move Qi and blood. Depression is caused by "Liver Qi Depression," which occurs when Qi moves slowly. Acupuncture, especially the ear points, helps to balance the biochemistry in the body and increases the production of endorphins and the happy neurotransmitters. Acupuncture is an effective treatment of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems or stresses. Acupuncture is also important to be used as a tune-up for prevention of these health problems.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from winter blues, depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, call to see how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you.

By Dr. Megan Marco, Doctor of Acupuncture, Licensed Acupuncturist, Owner, Clinic Director

Dr. Megan Marco enjoys helping people with all health concerns, including pain, stress, fertility, depression, anxiety, and digestion. She looks forward to helping you, your friends, and your family. She has been helping people with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine since 2000 and is here to help you. www.snhc.com 860.536.3880