Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

What a miserable Monday Morning, autumn is well & truly upon us, the mornings are dark and like so many of you, I too suffer with SAD.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.

SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.

Symptoms of SAD can include:

🍁a persistent low mood

🍁loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities

🍁irritability

🍁feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness

🍁feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day

🍁sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning

🍁craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

🍁difficulty concentrating

🍁decreased sex drive

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.

Massage therapy has a proven record of improving mood and elevating energy levels. Patients looking to overcome the symptoms of SAD can find relief by integrating massage therapy into their health maintenance routine.

Massage helps by:

💆‍♀️ Endorphin release. Massage is known to spur the brain to produce and release endorphins. These neurotransmitters are the body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters.

💆‍♀️ Stress relief. Our hectic modern way of life makes SAD even more difficult to bear. The gentle touch of a massage therapist can help melt away stress-related muscle tension. Moreover, massage reduces blood pressure, increases circulation, and removes toxins.

💆‍♀️ Serotonin increase. Serotonin is a mood regulating brain chemical. Massage augments serotonin production, which improves the patient’s mental outlook while also blocking melatonin absorbtion.

💆‍♀️ Reduced melatonin production. Melatonin is a body chemical that helps us sleep. However, too much melatonin has been connected to depression, including SAD. By balancing the endocrine system, massage may help regulate melatonin production.

For more information or to book in an appointment with me please pop me a message