Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and weakened immunity are common concerns during the Pacific Northwest winter. Multnomah County states that one in five Oregonians report symptoms of SAD, such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and excessive sleepiness. A weakened immune system can make individuals more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses. Fortunately, holistic approaches like massage, acupuncture, and self-care can significantly improve SAD symptoms and help stregnthen our immunity.
What causes SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is caused by changes in the seasons. Both SAD and a weakened immune system can be influenced by several factors, including:
Reduced sunlight exposure: Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm and mood, and also stimulates our bodies to produce vitamin D. Decreased sunlight exposure can lead to hormonal imbalances and mood disturbances.
Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact our immune system and contribute to feelings of depression.
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is essential for immune function and mood regulation. Reduced sunlight exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency.
The power of massage
Massage therapy offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
Massage helps relax the body and mind, reducing stress hormones that can impair immune function and allowing your body to allocate more resources to fighting off infections. Increased blood flow promotes healing and helps deliver essential nutrients to cells, enhancing your immune response.
Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural mood-boosting chemicals. And a good night's sleep is crucial for both immune function and mental health. Massage can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Massage therapy can also work out areas of tension in your body, allowing you to live with less pain and increased ease in your body, thereby directly impacting the quality of your rest.
The benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture is also an effective tool for boosting immunity and addressing SAD symptoms. Acupuncture helps restore balance to the body's energy flow, which can improve overall health and immune functioning. It can help calm the mind and reduce stress, which can positively impact both immune function and mood.
Like massage, acupuncture can help regulate hormones, including those involved in mood and sleep. Studies have shown that acupuncture can enhance immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells. Chronic inflammation can impair the immune system. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, supporting a healthy immune response.
Self-care reminders!
In addition to massage and acupuncture, several self-care practices can help improve your overall health and well-being:
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Eat a healthy diet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Exercise regularly: Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or anything else that gets you moving. Regular physical activity has been proven to boost your mood, decrease anxiety, increase your circulation, reduce stress, and strengthen your immune system.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Spend time in nature: Our favorite! Exposure to natural light and fresh air can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
Connect with others: Social interaction is essential for well-being. Spend time with loved ones and friends.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.
