Wellbeing

Emma Cannon: Embracing the Darkness

Emma suggests using these tips, along with a healthy dose of acceptance, to raise your vibration if you suffer from SAD during winter months

S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), is a form of depression or low mood associated with the change in seasons. The symptoms occur at the same or similar time every year. For most people they begin in the autumn and continue through the winter months. Many people report a reduction in energy and feelings of low, dark mood with a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy. It may also manifest in a lack of appetite for life and for food. Sleep may also be disturbed resulting in irritability and lack of concentration.

As troubling as this disorder is for many, it may well be that you are actually tuning into a deeper wisdom; reducing activities, hibernating and spending time on moving inwards. This is not always possible in our fast-paced society. In Chinese medicine, winter is the most Yin time of year. It is all about conserving energy; yet we are so used to expansion, growth and achieving that slowing down can feel like being down.

Winter is a time of deep reflection; on the time that has just passed, on our inner workings, our core wounds and a time to focus on our life. This can be painful, but it is all part of the cycle of the year. We cannot live in a permanent state of growth (spring) and expansion (summer), at some point we must gather the energy inwards (winter) and go into the darkness.

Serotonin levels naturally reduce in the winter months due to the reduction in sunlight; in the clinic and in my home, I use light boxes and my crystal bed to replace the lack of light. Getting out when you can and absorbing as much of the available natural light in the daytime is beneficial. Our circadian rhythms are also adapting, and this can give us a feeling of jetlag.

I always use acupuncture for this as it is brilliant for moving stagnant energy, I always feel an emotional and energetic lift after acupuncture.

How to raise your vibration during the winter months, whilst responding to the call of nature to slow down

You might crave carbs, starchy foods and sugars but these will not help to stabilise your energy. Avoid white foods like sugar, white flour, pasta. Instead add some proteins in the form of nuts, fish and meat (if you eat it), leafy green vegetables, whole grains, good fats.
Supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium and omega 3 are helpful. Other supplements are best decided individually.
Exercise, outside where possible for short, regular amounts of time. Avoid intense, excessively strenuous exercise when tired and go for more enjoyable ‘less is more’ approach.
Rest in the day, even for 30 minutes just lying down. This is called little Yin in Chinese medicine. Night sleep is known as big Yin.
Try to shift your day-to-day activities. Reduce socialising. Adapt your activity to suit your energy levels, whilst maintaining ways to keep yourself gently motivated.
Balance – learning to live within our own energetic capabilities is considered wisdom in Chinese medicine.

Emma Cannon is an integrated women’s health expert, registered acupuncturist and author. Check out more of Emma’s fantastic work at emmacannon.co.uk