SAD sufferers benefit from Massage

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer, spring or autumn, repeatedly, year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is "a specifier of major depression".

The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up." The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety. It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin. Sunlight releases our body's endorphins and has an affect on regulating our melatonin, which gives us a sense of energy and good health.

Symptoms of SAD may consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.

People that experience Reverse SAD (spring and summer depression) show symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a decreased sex drive. RSAD can also manifest depression, which makes it difficult to diagnose this rare affliction.


Endorphins are a group of hormones that affect our emotions and are known as "the body's natural painkillers".


Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep cycles.


The Fall and Winter months can bring on the "winter blues". People tend to stay indoors, exercise less, and sleep and eat more. This can trigger feelings of depression and fatigue. The mood changes are brought on by the lack of and quality of sunlight.


So how can massage help?

Massage has been reported to help with such things as; depression, fatigue, circulation, sleep, energy levels and overall well-being. Massage releases the body's natural endorphins, decreases heart rate, improves circulation, and helps to restore and energize the body. Short-term effects can be felt in one session, but it is recommended for long-term effects you make massage a part of your healing process. For some it may mean weekly sessions, while others may just need monthly sessions.

By; http://www.namispa.com

The benefits listed above also apply to those who receive Reflexology!