Vista
News
Overcoming
SAD With Aromatherapy
By Suzanne Laurin-Seale
According
to the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), SAD
affects three to five percent of adults in Canada, with a relatively high
incidence in Vancouver. Many of us
who call Vancouver home are familiar with the winter blues. We experience
decreased energy levels and irritable days, but somehow, we manage to trudge
through the winter months, looking forward to the cherry blossoms of spring.
Yet, for others, the promise of spring is not enough. This is because they
suffer from more serious winter doldrums clinically known as season
affective disorder or SAD.
When suffering from SAD a person may exhibit
some of the following symptoms which vary from mild to debilitating
depression, low energy, irritability, fatigue, reduced immunity to colds and
flu, aching muscles and joints, low sex drive, low self-esteem, diminished
ability to concentrate, over-eating, and, of course, an increased desire to
sleep, sleep, sleep.
What Can You Do If You Suffer From SAD?
According to the Canadian Network for Mood
and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), SAD affects three to five percent of adults
in Canada, with a relatively high incidence in Vancouver. Women between the
ages of 20 and 40 are the most susceptible. If you think you are suffering
from SAD it is recommended that you consult with a professional health care
provider. Bright light therapy, which prescribes regular exposure to bright
light, is used, and according to CANMAT, relieves symptoms in about 65% of
those suffering from SAD. Other self-help options include: aromatherapy,
full spectrum lighting therapy, herbal, vitamin and nutrition therapies
combined with a regular exercise program.
The Cause
SAD develops during the dark and rainy months
of fall and winter when there is a lack of natural light. Composed of all
the colours of the rainbow, natural light enters through the eyes, strikes
the pineal gland at the base of the brain, which in turn, secretes melatonin.
Melatonin affects sleep, mood, and the reproductive cycle. Normally
melatonin increases at night, telling your body you are tired, and decreases
in the morning, allowing your body to wake up. With SAD, melatonin
production occurs later than usual, causing drowsiness when one should feel
awake. Light also affects the endocrine system (hormonal system), which
plays a principal role in the health of mind and body.
Aromatherapy Works
Worldwide studies show the effectiveness of
aromatherapy and mainstream doctors are starting to pay attention.
Aromatherapy works by matching a specific essential oil, extracted from a
plant, to a specific ailment. Scientists aren't exactly sure why
aromatherapy works. They do know that, upon inhaling, the odours from the
essential oils travel through the olfactory nerves to the brain , reaching
the limbic system, which controls the memory and emotions. Neurochemicals
then trigger one of three action responses which stimulate the patient or
create, in them, a sense of calm or balance.
Rosemary's Amazing Abilities
CAT scans have revealed that the inhalation
of rosemary essential oil accelerates the electrical activity of the
cerebral cortex, thus increasing alertness. Rosemary is a mint-like sweet
herb with the scent of honey. When used in massage lotion and body oil,
rosemary is said to stimulate blood circulation, and the metabolism of fat
and sugar in the liver and gallbladder. Heat is discharged from the skin
faster and blood pressure is lowered. It is important that people with high
blood pressure or epilepsy not use rosemary because of its stimulating
nature and its accelerating affect on the electrical impulses of the brain.
Also, rosemary should never be used by pregnant women.
Other Effective Oils and Blends
Other essential oils are also used to
effectively combat SAD. Following is a list of oils and the effect they have
on a patient. They include: bergamot (which uplifts), orange (energizes),
lemon (stimulates), mandarin (revitalizes), coriander (motivates), geranium
(heals), grapefruit (cheers), petitgrain (revitalizes), neroli (peaceful),
peppermint (restores), rose (reassures), and lavender (comforts).
All these oils have unique properties and can
create positive responses when individually used. When blended they create a
synergy with compounded positive results. To ensure effectiveness, it is
recommended that you consult an experienced aromatherapist or purchase a
synergy that has already been professionally blended. Always obtain
instructions for use.
Be wary of pre-blended formulas of massage
oils, bath blends, and body and foot lotions. Always check for DEA, TEA,
artificial colour, methyl or propyl parabens, propylene glycol, and
quanterium 15, as these chemicals may be irritating or even carcinogenic or
toxic. Quality varies and will alter therapeutic results. It is advised that
you make sure any essential oil you buy has undergone proper scientific
testing. Look for purity and botanical authenticity (pure plant-source
essential oils). If not stated on the label, ask the seller if the oil has
been tested. Unfortunately, sometimes, synthetic odourless substances are
added to increase the yield of oils and are potentially irritating or toxic.
Vitamins and Herbal Supplements
The following supplements are recommended for
combating SAD or any kind of depression: B12, B - complex, Vitamin C, St.
John's wort, 5HTP, greens drink, evening primrose, and calcium/magnesium.
Consult a health care advisor of your choice for recommended amounts
Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle
Studies show that one of the best ways to
help alleviate "the blues" is by exercising. Also, a balanced diet
is necessary to be truly healthy. Due to their high vitamin C content, foods
such as Brussels sprouts, lemons, oranges and grapefruits are daily
recommendations. Green leafy vegetables, plain natural yogurt and eggs
provide B vitamins. Try to avoid genetically modified food whenever
possible. Drink lots of water (10 glasses a day) and try to slowly eliminate
processed sugars and refined white flour products (which deplete the body of
much needed B vitamins).
A healthy lifestyle should be the foundation
of any "get well" or "be well" program. Introduce new
therapies such as aromatherapy, herbal or vitamin supplementation, body
building and juicing only when you feel comfortable with them. Do your own
research and ask many questions; after all, this is about you and your good
health.
Originally
Published in Vista Magazine
