balance
152 w. commercial street • east rochester, ny 14445 • 585.381.6490
monthly e-publication
balance online — articles, essays, recipes, and much more
Every Thursday, the balance staff enjoys a potluck lunch together. Often it starts as one of us having a dish we would love to try out and the rest build around it.
THE HAPPY TRUTH ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE AND S.A.D
Winter is a season in which we all tend to go more internal. The weather is colder, the days are darker, and we naturally find ourselves spending less time outdoors. As you find yourself less motivated to put yourself out there in the winter months, remember that the feeling is natural to a certain degree. Look around you – everything has slowed down. The plants have died or are dormant, animals are hibernating.
If that lack of motivation is overwhelming, however, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. This disorder is very real, and prevalent during the winter months in our region. Symptoms of S.A.D. can include depression, difficulty concentrating, headaches, excessive sleepiness, lack of motivation, increased carbohydrate cravings, irritability and lethargy. For more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Seasonal Affect Disorder, visit:
http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_mar05/main1.htm.
Just as Chinese Medicine correlates with nature’s cycles on many levels, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can provide an effective, natural way to treat S.A.D. and depression. Research has shown that acupuncture boosts the mood enhancers serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the body. When combined with Chinese herbs, it has been successfully used as an alternative to pharmaceutical antidepressants. Double Easer is based on the Chinese herbal formula Xiao Yao Wan, which has been used for over 2,000 years. It treats depression, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, liver disease, digestive disorders and thyroiditis. It is a wonderful alternative to antidepressants, which can have many unwanted side effects.
If you think you may have S.A.D., ask your balance practitioner for guidance – we’re happy to help!
Yoga Classes Return
We’ve had requests for this, and we’re listening.
HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON!
Did you hear a mighty roar on January 23? That’s the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year – the Year of the Dragon. This year is considered the year of luck, as the Chinese Dragon symbolizes good fortune in the areas of health and wealth, and a prosperous long life.
