Did you know more of us experience depression in spring?
Many people report feeling lonely while everyone else is out having fun in the sun. This may be especially true for those of you trying to honor social distancing protocols as the state opens up.
As we mark the one year anniversary of California’s Stay-at-Home orders, it’s also important to honor that you may be experiencing pandemic PTSD. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD can all manifest as insomnia, irritability, inability to focus, and fatigue.
In addition, the spring forward time change can also exacerbate mental health issues by throwing your daily routine, and especially your sleep, out of rhythm.
One spring day in acupuncture school, after every patient I had seen on my shift was cranky and out of sorts, I asked my favorite clinic supervisor, Dr. Hsiao, if it was because of the season. In Chinese medicine, each season is correlated with specific organs. Pathologies of these organs may become more pronounced during its season.
The liver is the organ associated with springtime. In health, the liver contributes to growth, movement, planning, and the free flow of qi. In pathology, the liver energy does not run smoothly, contributing to frustration, anger, depression, and body pain.
My favorite professor, Dr. Hsiao, told me that in Chinese there is a special term for irritability and depression associated with the springtime—peach blossom crazy. Meaning, people tend to become agitated or depressed around the time peach trees bloom.
How to relieve your peach blossom crazy?
Exercise and acupuncture are both excellent ways to relieve stagnation and frustration. Both increase your energy and circulation, putting you in a better mood.
Read more about how Chinese medicine can help improve your mood and sleep or schedule your acupuncture, cupping, or ear seed appointment.
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Katharine Chaney
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