Updated: Aug 19, 2018
Thank you, whoever you are, wherever you are, for joining me in this new endeavor of blogging. I want to utilize this to educate and empower others on Reflexology, essential oils, healing naturally, true health, and wellness. This is all very new to me. I ask for mercy as I am learning how all this works. I thank you!
This time of year many of us find ourselves dealing with unexplainable mood changes. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, irrability, and inability to concentrate. All of these are common symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). You may also find yourself feeling more lethargic, loss of interest in things you normally enjoy, unusual sleep patterns (increased amount of sleep), increased appetite for junk food or comfort food (overeating), and weakened immune system making a person more prone to other illnesses and infections. SAD is a subtype of depression with onset during the darker winter seasons starting as early as September. The time people are most effected is January-March. I have so many friends and clients who have expressed how these dark, cold, winter months effect them. It really sparked my interest and I wanted to learn more about SAD. I wanted to know what caused it, what the symptoms are, some of the best ways to combat them, and how Reflexology can help.
Here are some possible causes of SAD:
Low levels of the hormone serotonin are thought to contribute to depression, and serotonin production slows down with fewer hours of sunlight.
Darkness triggers the release of the hormone called melatonin, which controls sleeping and eating. One theory suggest that like hibernating mammals, some humans produce more melatonin in the winter months.
The transition from summer to winter changes the time that melatonin is released and this throws the body's natural time clock out of sync, potentially triggering the symptoms of SAD.
Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Get regular exercise, especially during daylight hours.
Spend a few minutes in direct sunlight. Sunlight increases our serotonin which will increase our feelings of well-being. Spending a few minutes in direct sunlight can lift our mood, give us more energy, and increase our concentration
Increase foods to fight SAD:
Nuts - boost your serotonin levels and can act as mood stabilizers
Bananas - This cheerful yellow fruit are a great source of potassium and vitamin B6 and provide mood regulating amino acid, tryptophan.
Raw Leafy Greens - Greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, lentils, and broccoli are rich in folate, which plays a role in the functioning of the nervous system, especially in the formation of neurotransmitters. Folate also aids in the production of dopamine, which enhances activity in the positive reward center of the brain.
Wild mushrooms - Winter is peak season for mushrooms. They are packed with two important B vitamins - niacin and riboflavin - that can boost mood. They also contain vitamin D since, like us, they create it when exposed to sunlight.
Citrus Fruits - Oranges and grapefruits are in season in the winter and are great sources of folate and vitamin C.
How Reflexology can help:
Make Reflexologya part of your regular health and wellness routine! Reflexology helps with the release of endorphins, which is the body's natural feel-good hormones. A Reflexology session also can assist with reducing stress, tension, improves circulation, releases toxins, strengthens the immune system, speeds recovery from illness, reduces chronic pain, increases energy levels, stimulates nerve function, and positively impacts specific organs, increases blood and lymph circulation.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND HOW IT WORKS: Lymph is the fluid that flows out of the capillary walls to bathe the cells in the tissues of the body. It carries oxygen and other nutrients to those cells. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections and other diseases . Waste product like carbon dioxide (CO2) can flow out of the cells and into lymph. Lymph fluid would build up and cause swelling if it wasn't drained in some way. That is the role of the lymph vessels. Lymph vessels draw up the lymph fluid from around the cells to send it towards the chest. Eventually, lymph collects into a large vessel that drains into a blood vessels near the heart. Reflexology helps stimulate lymph circulation throughout the body, which assist in fighting off infection & other diseases.
These are many ways to help combat SAD. Whichever you choose to use as a tool to combat SAD or if you combine all of the above, for the most positive benefits, stay consistent and stick with what works for you until season changes. Of course, many of these are great to incorporate ALL year round.
I hope you found this helpful and informing. Feel free to contact me for any information or questions you may have! Stay warm, happy, and healthy!
To schedule an appointment , please Call or text Sydni at (931-269-9829) or book through Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/purehealingreflexologyandwellness/?ref=bookmarks