Crystals for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Crystals for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression. Most people

tend to slow down a little in the winter and experience some form of

" winter blues " , but full-blown SAD can be extremely disabling.

SAD is often the result of the winter season when the days are shorter.

People tend to sleep more, become sedentary, crave carbohydrates, gain

weight, and avoid social interaction. Psychologically, they are

depressed.

Attaining a balance of yin-yang or light and dark is innate in the

Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui philosophies. Although we cannot see the

electromagnetic frequencies of the earth or planets, it is important

for us to live in an environment that allows us to be synchronized with

these forces.

Many sufferers are often unable to function without continuous

treatment. Depending on the person and the geographical location, the

depression can last for several months with symptoms such as overeating

with carbohydrate craving and weight gain, sleeping more than usual,

fatigue, and social withdrawal. It is the long duration of the symptoms

that distinguish SAD from the so-called holiday blues.

It is not known why some people (those between 18 and 30) are more

likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and why it seems to

affect women more than men ... unless the statistics are based on the

fact that women are more ready to admit to depression and ask for help

than men.

There are several alternative therapies for treating seasonal

depression. One, which has been used with remarkable success is Light

Therapy. Light and color have been valued throughout history as sources

of healing. Today, the therapeutic applications of light and color are

being investigated in major hospitals and research centers worldwide.

Results indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored, and laser

light can have therapeutic value for a range of conditions from chronic

pain and depression to immune disorders.

The oldest form of light therapy is natural sunlight, which is the

ultimate source of full-spectrum light. For those living in areas that

see very little sunlight this time of year, there are other options;

full-spectrum light therapy, bright light therapy, various forms of UV

light therapy, syntonic optometry, cold laser therapy, and visual color

therapy.

For treating SAD, white light therapy is often preferred over the

full-spectrum light because the additional UV light found in

full-spectrum light is not necessary to achieve the antidepressant

effect of the therapy, and can be harmful to the eyes. Different

wavelengths stimulate different aspects of our physiology, all playing

a vital role in our functioning. We especially need natural light with

its subtle variations that act on our well-being. The rhythm of dark

and light from day and night and the full-spectrum of light is

essential to our circadian rhythms (biological clock), endocrine,

immune, sexual and nervous systems.

Depression may be the result of inadequate or improper nourishment. If

the brain is not receiving sufficient fuel, it will not function

properly.

Vitamin B deficiency is often a physical cause of depression.

The best approach to combating depression is to eat more wholefoods, give up sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol.

L-Tyrosine is essential for alleviating stress by boosting production

of adrenaline. It also raises dopamine levels which influence moods.

(Do not take if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug.) It should be

taken on an empty stomach with 50 mgs Vitamin B6 and 100-500 mgs of

Vitamin C for better absorption. Best taken at bedtime.

5HTP is often used in the place of SSRI drugs and L-Tryptophan and may

help in serotonin deficiency related conditions such as severe

depression, epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss and addiction.

Also studied for PMS, migraine and chronic tension headaches. 5-HTP is

only used in serotonin production. 5- hydroxytryptophan is also able to

pass through the blood-brain barrier easily, unlike tryptophan, which

can only pass through the barrier by using the same transport molecule

that carries leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Increase your intake of vitamin B complex, 100 mgs 3 times daily Plus

extra Vitamin B 5, 500 mgs daily, the most potent anti-stress vitamin.

Vitamin C, 2,000-10,000 mgs daily in divided doses.

Increasing your Potassium 80 mgs, Calcium 1,500-2,000 mgs daily and Magnesium 1,000 mgs daily is helpful.

Low doses of Melatonin seem to help many people by regulating balance

in the body. Try using half the recommended dose for the first 3-4 days

and monitor your results.

Meditating. Quieting your mind for 10-15 minutes is a wonderful release.

Aromatherapy is very effective. Jasmine and Bergamot oils are uplifting

and refreshing, while lavender is calming and relaxing. Put a little on

your wrists, or a piece of cloth you can carry with you. In a pan of

hot water drop about 6-8 drops of oil to diffuse it into the air, or

perhaps you have your own diffuser.

I always like to stress one other factor, which plays a major role in

our mind-body connection. That is our belief system. It often is what

you believe it to be. Your Belief System is an important part in

healing.

Allow your self, change, time off, a different path. Seek what it is

that is at the root of your dis-ease or comfort level. Address it.

Believe that you can do that.

ACUPUNCTURE

The insertion of very fine needles into a series of acupuncture points

helps to increase endorphins and helps with mood swings. Acupuncture

boosts the metabolism and increases the way the body functions on a

visceral level. At the organ level, it assists the body to work at its

most optimal improving all body functions.

EXERCISE

MOVE!!!! Exercise also plays a MAJOR role in the treatment of depression.

Exercise is very helpful in depression because it stimulates

circulation and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that

encourage contentment and an all around feeling of happiness.

It not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides

recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilizer.

Exercise produces chemical and psychological changes that improves your

mental health. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and may

elevate your beta-endorphins (mood-affecting brain chemicals). Exercise

may also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system.

Exercise also gives a feeling of accomplishment and thus reduces the

sense of helplessness. Some form of active exercise, must be undertaken

each day at a regular hour. To be really useful, exercise should be

done in such a manner as to bring into action all the muscles of the

body in a natural way. Walking is one such exercise. It is , however,

so gentle that one must walk several miles in a brisk manner to

constitute a fair amount of exercise. Aerobics (low impact) is even

better, for it increases cardiovascular health and wipes out the focus

of depression and makes you feel wonderful! 3-5 days a week at 30 -40

minutes should be your goal. The depressive mood can be OVERCOME by

activity. Those who are depressive will forget their misery by doing

something. They should turn away from themselves and consider others.

At home they can take to decorating, repairing or constructing

something new. The pleasure of achievement overcomes the distress of

misery. Stop making excuses!

NUTRITION

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.

Diet has a " profound effect " on the mental health of a person. Even a

single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible

people. Nutritional therapy can be used to build up brain chemicals,

such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect mood and are often

lacking in depressed people. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as

whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish.

The diet of people suffering from depression should completely exclude

tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour

products,sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and

strong condiments.

The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in

the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds.

Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat bread and a glass

of butter-milk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all available

sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, cottage cheese or a glass of butter-milk

would be ideal. Two additional snacks between 100-120 calories can also

be eaten in order to keep up blood sugar levels and metabolism. This is

one example. Do what is right for you! DO NOT over eat.

CRYSTAL THERAPY

Crystal Therapy is a wonderful adjunct therapy for Seasonal Affective

Disorders. Placing a crystal in your bedroom, kitchen, living room or

work place is beneficial. Also, carrying the crystal in your pocket or

handbag, or worn as jewelry often offers subtle but very effective

results. Meditating with the crystal in the palm of your hands or

sitting in front of you is another use for crystals with this disorder.

A refreshing bath with the crystal in your bath water or placing the

crystal on the appropriate Chakra region (often the Heart or Solar

Plexus Chakra) can be very beneficial. Meditating, Chakra work and

Hydrotherapy with crystals should utilize about 20 minutes (or more if

it 'feels appropriate') of your time in order to reap the benefits.

Besides the excellent healing power of Quartz, clinical results have been found with the following:

Gold:

Excellent all-purpose, high level gem amplifier and electrical

conductor, especially on Solar plexus and Heart Chakra. Strengthens

meridians, nerve system, digestion. Positively charged with warming sun

energy. Often worn by teachers/healers, especially after much

self-healing (addictions, childhood...) Attracts prosperity, stores,

amplifies thoughts/emotions/energy (Greed too). Yang. Pink = Gold +

copper. Lovingness, warmth, spirituality. Amplifies gem effects. White:

Combines sun and moon's energy, thus higher conductor and amplifier. A

regenerator, helping one renew oneself. Works on the physical, mental,

and spiritual planes. It benefits the nervous system and improves the

ability of the nerves to transmit information in the most efficient

manner. Helps digestion and helps the body in the proper assimilation

of food. Benefits the circulatory system and blood. Helps control

hormonal and chemical imbalances. Can be of great importance to

individuals with degenerative diseases, such as heart disease or

arthritis. Helps the brain work more efficiently. It works well with

all crystals and gemstones. Can be used in conjunction with Copper and

Silver, which aid in boosting its abilities in specific instances. Gold

settings: Gold is ruled by the Sun a masculine planet, and therefore

imparts a more assertive energy to crystals & minerals that are

mounted in it.

Jet:

A fossilized organic matter used as a healing stone. A form of

petrified wood similar to coal, though much harder. Has absorbing

qualities. Helps draw out negative energy. Especially useful for people

who have unreasonable fears that limit their lives. Helps control mood

swings and fights deep depression. Recommended for stimulating psychic

experience and guiding one in the quest for spiritual enlightenment. If

worn, it should be set in silver.

Lapis Lazuli:

Solid, med. to dk. blue. In meditation, opens Brow Chakra: higher

guidance, intuition, connection to higher self, overview, decisions for

good of all. Organizes, quiets mind. Opens Throat/Thyroid Chakra:

Self-expression, writing, creativity, dream insight, allows total

awareness...Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, autism, shyness, nervous

system, depression, serenity, self-acceptance; MS, speech, hearing,

pituitary, DNA, lymph, inflammation, pain (especially head), protection

stone. Shelters the wearer like a shield. . Extraordinarily deep blue

stone often flecked with Pyrite. Can also be mottled with white

Calcite. Most is currently mined in the USSR and Afghanistan.

Beneficial to the respiratory system, especially the throat and lungs,

the cleansing organs, and the nervous system. A good stone for blood

purification and for boosting the immune system. A powerful

thought-amplifier and is helpful in aligning all the elements of the

body and mind. Can increase psychic abilities and will open the third

eye. Can guide you in teh direction of mental and spiritual purity. It

should be worn as close to the throat as possible or at least above the

diaphragm so that the energy of the wearer is drawn upward.

Moonstone:

Feldspar (contains aluminum). Translucent with white, pink, yellow,

soft sheen. Honors the Goddess in all women, Dieting, Gardening,

Psychic Awareness, Meditation. Soothes stress, anxiety, women's

hormones/menstrual imbalance, lymph. Enhances intuitive sensitivity via

feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater flexibility

and flow with life. Connects 2nd and 6th Chakra and Pineal for

emotional balance, gracefulness. Helps all be more comfortable with our

gentler feminine/yin receiving side. Especially for water signs. Used

for protection against the perils of travel. Translucent, milky

gemstones usually pale blue or green that are cut from Albite. Found in

India and Australia. Known to be of ancient spiritual significance in

their connection to the moon and the intuitive aspect of one's nature.

Help cool, soothe, and calm over- reactions to emotional and personal

situations. Makes one conscious of the fact that all things are part of

a cycle of constant change. They open us up to the feminine and are

associated with sensitivity, intuition, and clairvoyance. Beneficial

for those involved in agriculture. Moonstone's effect upon the

menstrual cycle is powerful. At the time of the full moon or

menstruation, women should be aware of their sensitive emotional nature

and remove these stones. May help all parts of the lower torso, which

include digestive, cleansing and reproductive organs.

Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/stones.htm

Therapies for healingSent from Richmond, Virginia, United States