SPRING NEWSLETTER 1999



Many people who do not normally consider themselves prone to depression emerge from the long tunnel of winter months feeling sluggish, tired and even downright gloomy.

According to the latest figures, ½ million people in Britain suffer from a clinical condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition can affect anyone, Including children, although some are more vulnerable than others. The reason for this, apart from genetic factors, lies in the brain’s ability to handle the changes that it has to make during the winter months.

The long dull days and early nights can affect us both physically and mentally and by the time Spring is upon us, we’re often not prepared and wonder why we feel so out of sorts. Our immune systems also may be overstretched from bouts of influenza and other viruses. Even those of you who rely on the increased light and warmth to pick you up, may benefit from the additional boost that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can give.

It may be that you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:

  • depression and apathy
  • loss of libido
  • sluggishness and tiredness
  • difficulty concentrating and a loss of mental creativity
  • a craving for sweet foods or those high in carbohydrates
  • increased anxiety and an inability to cope with pressure
  • increased susceptibility to cold type viruses and infections


    • Whilst all seasons are necessary to sustain the natural cycle of life and death, according to Chinese philosophy, we all respond to them differently. Each season offers an opportunity to nurture our qi (life energy) in a unique way. Although any of the above symptoms can be alleviated by an increased attention to your diet and exercise routine, including yoga and meditation, maybe - with the Spring now upon us - the Oriental way of health is also worth considering.

    As many of you have already experienced, Chinese/Oriental medicine not only works extremely well as preventative medicine, but can also help build up your system to help you feel more in tune.

    The use of both acupuncture and herbal medicine have both proven beneficial in balancing the system and reducing or eliminating many of those systems mentioned above. I, and other practitioners like me, are finding an increasing number of GPs happy to recommend both for a widening variety of symptoms.

    As many of you also know from previous newsletters, articles and brochures, I also successfully treat a wide variety of other health problems. These include gynaecological and skin conditions, pain management, respiratory infections, allergies and drug dependencies, chronic diseases, headache and migraine which, depending on the condition and the individual, have all responded well.