The days are getting shorter. Autumn is here and soon, winter will be upon us. Many of us who work long hours in office buildings will leave for work before the sun come comes up and go home after the sun goes down. We may not see any sunlight for weeks or even months on end.

During this time, if you experience some of these symptoms: fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, craving for foods high in carbohydrates, weight gain, then you may not have a simple case of the “winter blues”. You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a type of mood disorder that happens at a similar time every year. Symptoms start in the autumn and can continue through the winter. What causes SAD is still debated. Western Medicine treatment includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and antidepressants.

So, how can acupuncture help with SAD? Acupuncture releases serotonin and noradrenaline-norepinephrine which are common stimulants used in the treatment of SAD. Recent studies indicate that electro-acupuncture may be a viable alternative to the use of antidepressants. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the hypothalamus in the brain which controls circadian rhythms and hunger.