Melinda Ferreira, DAc., Lic.Ac.

Doctor of Acupuncture

It’s that time of year, my fellow New Englanders. While this is arguably the most beautiful time of year in our neck of the woods, for many it is the beginning of a difficult stretch.

Why do so many of us feel depressed, lethargic, and unmotivated this time of year? The change in seasons, along with daylight savings, drastically changes the amount of natural light we receive. On the summer solstice in June, we receive 15+ hours of sunlight. On the winter solstice in December, we receive only 9.

Here is why this is important and how it contributes to depression. Exposure to natural sunlight increases our levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain which helps control mood. It helps us feel happy, satisfied, and optimistic. When the days become darker, as they do in the fall and winter, that lack of exposure to natural light can lead to decreased levels of serotonin, which in turn can lead to feelings of depression.

Acupuncture is a wonderful way of naturally treating depression. It does so by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn improves mood, sleep, memory, and cognition. Additionally, acupuncture increases other “feel good” neurotransmitters like dopamine which increase our feelings of pleasure, and releases endorphins which help us feel relaxed and happy. Our bodies contain all of these wonderful resources within. Acupuncture simply helps stimulate what we already have when things are out of balance. It helps you feel naturally high, on your own supply :)

Other ways of naturally increasing our serotonin levels are movement/physical activity, nutrition (eating foods that help produce serotonin), and incorporating practices that promote wellbeing like breathwork and meditation.

If you tend to feel down or depressed this time of year, acupuncture can help! Please call or email the office to set up an appointment. Be well, my friends.