First, you are going to ne a certa...

First, you are going to ne a certain form of light therapy--the application of light to the forehead in order to regulate hormones in the brain. Research has shown light therapy to be the single best counteraction for SAD. To perform light therapy at abode try a light box or a dawn simulation system

The light receptacle contains fluorescent light bulbs with a 5000 lux rating at 8 inches for portable units, or a 10000 lux rating at 14 inches for countertop units. Place the light coachman's seat where the light can shine forward your face. The light should shine forward your "third eye," which is the area forward your forehead between and a little bit above your eyebrow Research has shown this area to be photosensitive, and it is cohereed to the hypothalamus of your brain, which regulates hormones. Exposing yourself to the light for 30 minutes through day normalizes hormone levels affected by the agency of SAD.

The dawn simulator consists of either a lamp or a small computerized device attached to a light source in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as a tabletop lamp. Position the light with equal reason it shines on your face in the morning. It works like an alarm clock--turning upon a dim light at a pre-set time, typically 45 minutes before you want to wake up across the next 45 minutes, the intensity of the light increases until you wake up to a simulated summer dawn. Your "third eye" understandings this light, and your brain makes the necessary hormones as a result

I also have my patients use 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) at doses of 300 milligrams (mg) for day. The brain uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, which helps the community who suffer from SAD because they usually have subdued serotonin levels. Be advised, however, that you should not take serotonin if you're onward antidepressants or pregnant.

I also praise taking 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and 2-3 grams of Siberian ginseng by day. Your body uses sunshine to make vitamin D and a certain quantity of people's systems have a hard time doing this in the gentle light of winter. Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero), which helps the material substance adapt to stress, should be taken in the morning and avoided on people with high blood urgency Take it for 8 weeks, and then give yourself a week off

Lastly, I always make enduring my patients are taking a beneficial multivitamin with adequate amounts of [Bsub12] and folic acid. This protocol takes a little time and investment, yet almost every SAD sufferer says the arises are worth it!

Frank Ervolino, ND practices as an acupuncture physician at the Mind/Body Institute of Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter City, Florida. lie also be of use tos on the advisory board of Martin Memorial Hospital Cancer Center in Stuart, Florida, and is a member of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

COPYRIGHT 2004 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group