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acupuncture for seasonal affective disorder Towson MD

  • Writer: Jean Donati
    Jean Donati
  • Nov 5, 2021
  • 4 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago



Woman sitting among autumn leaves representing seasonal affective disorder low mood and acupuncture care in Towson MD

Acupuncture for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Towson MD


As the days grow shorter and the light begins to fade, many people notice a change in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation.

For some, this seasonal shift feels mild — a little more tired, a little less motivated, or a little more withdrawn. For others, the darker months can bring symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression related to seasonal changes. It often begins in the fall or winter and may improve as spring returns. SAD should be taken seriously, especially when symptoms interfere with daily life, work, relationships, or safety.

Acupuncture does not replace mental health care, but it may be a supportive part of a larger care plan. At Jean Donati Acupuncture in Towson, MD, acupuncture is used to help support the nervous system, stress relief, sleep, emotional balance, and the body’s ability to adjust during seasonal transitions.


What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder may include symptoms such as:

  • Low mood

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of motivation

  • Sleeping more than usual

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling withdrawn

  • Increased sadness

  • Changes in appetite

  • Craving carbohydrates or sugar

  • Feeling heavy or sluggish

  • Anxiety or irritability

Not everyone experiences SAD the same way. Some people feel more depressed, while others feel tired, foggy, restless, or disconnected from themselves.

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or include thoughts of self-harm, it is important to contact a mental health professional, call 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.


Seasonal Affective Disorder and Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, seasonal changes affect the body, mind, and spirit. Fall and winter naturally ask us to slow down, rest more, and turn inward. But when the body is already depleted, stressed, or out of balance, this inward shift can feel heavy rather than restorative.

Shorter days, less sunlight, colder weather, and reduced outdoor activity can all affect mood and energy.

Chinese Medicine looks at the full pattern behind your symptoms, including sleep, stress, energy, digestion, emotions, and daily habits.


Acupuncture for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Towson MD

Acupuncture for seasonal affective disorder in Towson, MD may help support the body during darker, colder months by calming the nervous system and helping the body move toward a steadier state.


Acupuncture may help support:

  • Stress relief

  • Sleep quality

  • Emotional balance

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Tension and restlessness

  • Low motivation

  • A calmer nervous system

  • Seasonal transitions

Each acupuncture treatment is personalized. The goal is to understand what pattern is showing up in your body and support you in a way that feels steady, thoughtful, and appropriate for your needs.


Acupressure Points That May Support Mood and Calm

There are several acupuncture points commonly used in Chinese Medicine to help calm the mind, support emotional balance, and regulate the flow of Qi. These points may also be used gently as acupressure at home.


GV 20: Governing Vessel 20

GV 20 is located at the top of the head. This point is often used to help lift energy, calm the mind, and support emotional balance.

You can gently tap or apply light pressure to this point while breathing slowly.


LV 3: Liver 3

Liver 3 is located on the top of the foot, between the big toe and second toe, where the bones meet.

In Chinese Medicine, this point is often used to help move stuck energy, ease frustration, reduce tension, and support smoother emotional flow.


HT 7: Heart 7

Heart 7 is located at the wrist crease, toward the pinky side of the wrist.

This point is often used to help calm the spirit, ease anxious feelings, and support sleep and emotional steadiness.


Simple Support for Seasonal Mood Changes

In addition to acupuncture, small daily habits may help support the body during the darker months:

  • Get morning light when possible

  • Take gentle walks outside

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule

  • Eat warm, nourishing foods

  • Stay connected with supportive people

  • Move your body gently

  • Limit over-scheduling

  • Create quiet time to rest

  • Ask for help when symptoms feel heavy

Seasonal changes can be difficult, but you do not have to push through them alone.


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Useful internal link because SAD often overlaps with fatigue, low energy, and winter depletion.


Acupuncture Support in Towson MD

If you feel more tired, withdrawn, sad, anxious, or emotionally heavy during the fall and winter months, acupuncture may help support your body’s ability to reset.


Jean Donati Acupuncture provides calm, personalized care for people dealing with stress, low energy, sleep issues, emotional overload, and seasonal imbalance.

To schedule acupuncture care in Towson, MD, call Jean Donati Acupuncture at 410-984-3700 or request an appointment here:


Author: Jean Donati, M.Ac., L.Ac.Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation in Towson, MD. Jean specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture and facial rejuvenation for physical, mental, and emotional concerns.

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