Where I live, the deer always come into my yard to eat the fresh, green grass. In fact, it is near impossible to maintain an organic garden because these noble, graceful creatures guiltlessly devour the entire crop. My wife and I enjoy looking out our front window and watch the deer steal all our ripe apples right off our tree. We admire one neighbor who grows a wonderful natural garden full of rich organic ripe produce. How can he maintain such a superb crop when there be thieves among us? He surrounds it with a high powered, electric fence to keep the peaceful creatures of wildlife away from his bounty. Nevertheless, we do love the beauty of our area. The lakes, rivers, magnificent views and fresh air makes one believe that when God created the northwest He was in a good mood.
It is difficult to understand how anyone living in the northwest, with our dynamic scenery that resonates with glorious, majestic beauty, would ever suffer from depression. Literature often uses fall and winter to describe a sense of sadness, loss and depression. Many feel the approaching shorter, darker days of winter brings a growing tiredness, weight gain, bouts of depression and the difficulty of rising out of bed. They simply suffer from the “Winter Blues”.
Indeed, as we have all just changed our clocks and lost an hour of light — soon darkness will fall upon us at 4:00 pm — our area is a ripe breeding ground for an exaggerated form of the “Winter Blues” called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When people experience SAD, their depression and lack of energy become debilitating. Work and relationships suffer. Seasonal Affective Disorder may affect over 10 million Americans while the milder, “Winter Blues” may affect many more.
The typical symptoms of SAD include depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, a craving for sweets and weight gain. Symptoms begin in the fall, peak in the winter and usually resolve in the spring. When we come out of the winter, those with SAD move into “Spring Fever” experiencing great bursts of energy and creativity. SAD-type symptoms may also affect individuals who work in buildings without windows or natural light any time of year. About 70-80% of those with SAD are women.
Light therapy is often encouraged to treat SAD. A specially made light box or a light visor that you wear on your head like a cap may be recommended. Generally, light therapy takes about 30 minutes each day throughout the fall and winter, when you’re most likely to be depressed. If light therapy helps you, you’ll continue using it until enough sunlight is available, typically in the springtime. Stopping light therapy too soon can allow the symptoms to come back. This, of course, does not cure the difficulty; it only relieves the symptoms during dark seasons. There are ways to restore balance to your system even during those dark winter months.
In energetic medicine meridians are energetic pathways that channel the flow of energy and communication to various parts of the body. The twelve main meridians each correspond with an organ or system. The kidney meridian besides dealing with the kidney also regulates Acid-Alkaline and pH. It also has a connection to neurological tissue (white matter), works with DHEA and precursors to hormones. In addition the kidney meridian is the energetic pathway for the Pineal gland. The Chinese call the Pineal gland the “light” gland. It provides and regulates light throughout the body. For this reason it has a direct effect on SAD. Other related conditions are also connected to the pineal gland such as bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, if there is an error or blockage in the energetic flow through the kidney meridian, the result could manifest as SAD. By testing for that error and correcting it. The condition can be greatly improved.
In addition, many SAD sufferers are nutritionally deficient in key nutrients that support mental function. All the B vitamins relieve stress and depression. Many essential trace minerals also support the function of serotonin. Cholesterol is vital to maintain healthy moods. When we push our Cholesterol levels down too far the result might be SAD or other depressive states.
In addition to whole food supplements, homeopathics, isopathics, and Infoceuticals our clinic also uses 100% Noni, Goji, and Mangosteen juices to restore balance and treat some conditions. These tropical juices have wonderful properties that re-establish health and vitality. Many who have used them find that their depression decreases immediately, sleep is improved, and the entire system experiences renewed vigor. When looking for Noni, Goji, or Mangosteen products it is best to only use products that are 100% and have not been diluted with other fruit juices. If you suffer from SAD or other disorder by applying some simple natural or energetic remedies a new dawn will appear on your horizon. You can experience a brighter, healthier future. Indeed, absorb the beauty of the northwest all year – it’s yours for the taking.