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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.

Published in Vista Magazine