Falling into S.A.D.ness in the Autumn: How can Ayurveda help?

This time of the year when Seasonal Affective Disorder begins to rear its melancholic head.  It’s autumn and one of the basic principles of Ayurveda becomes evident.  We are affected by the environment on a constant basis!  The dry, cool, windy days of autumn exert a rough effect on our mind-body.  Not only is our skin in need of lubrication but some of us may find ourselves in need of a soothing balm for our emotional heart.  Then, what to do about the increasingly scattered thinking?  (Have you lost your keys lately?  Worse yet, have you lost your train of thought?)  From the Ayurvedic perspective all of these are signs of a derangement in Vata dosha.  The practicalities of Ayurveda can help you to build your physical, mental and emotional energy. 

The dosha that is most aggravated by the environmental factors in the fall is Vata dosha.  Keeping warm, getting plenty of rest and eating heavier foods which ground the physiology (such as grains, pasta, soups and stews) can keep us in balance.  Mother told you to wear a hat on a cold day (the Vedic sages agree.)  Massaging you head and body, at the very least massaging your feet, with a warm oil will help bring Vata dosha in balance.

For more information check out the interview Nancy gave this week with Dr. Melissa West: 

Dr. Melissa West

http://www.melissawest.com

International Radio Show Host with Contact Talk Radio

http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/melissawest.htm

Detoxify during the change of seasons to avoid depression

Depression is a mind-body-spirit problem.  We can intervene in any aspect of the physiology and affect the entirety.  During the change of seasons the physiology must adjust to changes.  If we are overstressed, exhausted or just basically out of balance the demands on the body will be taxing and a problem, such as depression, can arise.  Ayurveda recommends gentle detoxification four times a year to keep the body-mind functioning at optimal condition.  Learn more about detoxification the Ayurvedic way to keep depression at bay!

Burning Depression

Dear Friends,

A client came into my office and was surprised to hear that he was experiencing, what in Ayurveda is called, a Burning Depression. His grown up daughter had suggested he seek help. He had been experiencing bouts of irritability and frustration. His family could no longer tolerate his outbursts of anger.

My client was adamant that he was NOT depressed because, “I am not a couch potato, sitting around feeling sorry for myself.” Indeed he was very productive in his work and personal life. He loved the summer time because he could be even more productive, and this meant a lot to him.
Depression comes in many flavors – a flaming fiery depression, where the sadness hides behind a wall of frustration, is just one of them.

Here are the characteristics of a person who is experiencing a Burning Depression:
1. Feeling highly irritability and frustrated
2. Experiencing early morning awakenings
3. Having an internal perception of blocked possibilities, of being thwarted – of having people getting in their way
4. Approaching life with extreme intensity
5. Having a consistent pattern of overdoing and being overly competitive

Depression: It’s elemental. Depression is NOT a purely psychological phenomenon. As a matter of fact, our thinking tends to replicate the way we feel. Our thinking, in turn, guides our behavior. Ayurveda advises that keeping our physiology in balance is key to positive thinking. Our emotional life tends to be an expression of our overall balance and health.

 Best,

Sandra and Nancy

Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way

Hi!

We’re a clinical psychologist and an Ayurvedic practitioner who were stunned by the dire statistics on depression. We became eager to find another way to heal what is now referred to as the “common cold” of mental illness.

It appears that depression has a tenacious grip on the body and mind. Consider the statistics: Seventy percent of people using conventional methods of treatment remain depressed. Episodes of depression recur in 50 to 85 percent of people who have had one episode.

Why keep looking to find a cure in a pill? Especially given the latest study done in the United Kingdom in 2008 that revealed anti-depressants to be only slightly more effective than taking a placebo.

After a great deal of research we discovered a simple fact: Depression is not about a “broken brain.” Depression is much more than a chemical imbalance or something we can talk ourselves out of. It is a condition which affects the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being.

In Ayurveda, the ancient Vedic system of natural medicine, we found time-tested advice for getting out from under depression. Ancient, yet ultra-modern, the practical wisdom of Ayurveda correlates well with the latest theories of modern science.

We’ve written a book that presents specific anti-depressant strategies for dealing with depression. The title of the book is “Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way.”

We want to use this blog to discuss how these anti-depressant strategies have helped others and we would love to hear from you. Do you have a story about trying to recover from depression? Have you been in therapy and popped pills and supplements but still feel like you’re not quite right? What has worked for you? Let us hear from you and we will share stories of people who have been helped by practical Ayurvedic interventions.

Wishing you the opposite of depression—vitality!

Nancy and Sandra

My First Post

We have just started our blog.  Please check back often for information on Healing Depression.