Got the Wintertime Blues? Ease Symptoms with Healing Touch and Herbs

As many of us find ourselves in the throws of winter in the northern hemisphere, we can often start feeling extra tired and "down."  While the winter does have its perks and awe-inspiring beauty, the days are much shorter and this can have a significant impact on certain folks (including myself!) The "wintertime blues," often linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or general feelings of sluggishness, can make this time of year challenging. Fortunately, there are natural ways to ease these symptoms, nurture your emotional well-being, and bring warmth back into your life. Combining Healing Touch therapy with the power of herbs is a holistic approach to find comfort, balance, and joy during the darker months. Let's dive a little deeper, why don't we!

Understanding the Wintertime Blues

The wintertime blues are more than just a seasonal inconvenience; they can significantly impact your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Common symptoms include:

• Low energy and fatigue
• Persistent feelings of sadness or melancholy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased cravings for carbohydrates or sugary foods
• Sleep disturbances or wanting to sleep more than usual

These feelings often stem from a combination of factors: reduced sunlight exposure, disrupted circadian rhythms, and lowered serotonin levels. While self-care practices like exercise and a healthy diet play a role, healing therapies and herbal support can provide additional relief.

What is Healing Touch and How Can It Help?

Healing Touch is an energy-based therapy that promotes relaxation and balance in the body, mind, and spirit. By using light or near-body touch, Healing Touch practitioners work with your body’s energy fields to clear blockages, restore balance, and encourage your natural ability to heal.

Benefits of Healing Touch for Wintertime Blues:

1. Promotes Relaxation and Stress Relief: Healing Touch encourages deep relaxation, helping to reduce stress hormones and bring the nervous system into a state of calm.
2. Supports Emotional Well-Being: By working on your energy centers (chakras), this therapy can release stagnant emotional energy, leaving you feeling lighter and more centered.
3. Improves Sleep Quality: Healing Touch can help balance your energy to promote restful sleep, which is often disrupted during the winter months.
4. Increases Vitality: Many clients report feeling more energized and uplifted after a session, making it easier to tackle the day with a positive mindset.

At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, our Healing Touch sessions are tailored to your specific needs, creating a safe and supportive environment to ease the symptoms of wintertime blues.

Healing Herbs for Winter Wellness

Herbs have been used for centuries to support mood, energy levels, and overall health. During winter, certain herbs can play a powerful role in lifting your spirits and strengthening your body against seasonal challenges.

Herbs to Ease the Wintertime Blues

1. St. John’s Wort

   • Known as the "Sunshine herb," St. John’s Wort has been used to alleviate mild to moderate depression and boost mood. It’s believed to enhance serotonin levels, mimicking the effects of sunlight.
     Tip: Use St. John’s Wort as a tea, tincture, or capsule, but consult a professional as it can interact with certain medications....And I mean, a LOT of medications! It's important to work with an experienced Herbalist to see whether this route is the right fit for you.

2. Ashwagandha

   • This adaptogenic herb helps your body adapt to stress while boosting energy and reducing anxiety. It’s ideal for combating fatigue and improving resilience during the colder months.
     Tip: Add ashwagandha powder to warm milk or tea for a soothing winter beverage. (This herb is literally one of my Fav's!)

3. Lemon Balm

   • A calming herb that soothes the nervous system, Lemon Balm can ease anxiety, uplift mood, and improve sleep quality. It’s especially helpful for those who feel "on edge" during winter.
     Tip: Drink lemon balm tea in the evening to unwind after a long day. ***This herb is so gentle, it's even okay to use with your children (always make sure with an experienced Herbalist before assuming it's safe, but as far as herbs are concerned, this one is lower risk!)

4. Rhodiola Rosea

   • This energizing adaptogen combats fatigue, enhances focus, and improves mood. Rhodiola is particularly beneficial for people experiencing low energy and brain fog.
     Tip: Take Rhodiola early in the day to avoid disrupting sleep, or you may continue on like an energizer bunny throughout the night!

5. Elderberry

   • While primarily known for its immune-boosting properties, elderberry’s rich antioxidant content also supports overall wellness and vitality.
     Tip: Use elderberry syrup daily to fend off winter illnesses and support your energy levels. Ask your local herbalist for assistance!

6. Chamomile

   • A classic herb for calming the mind and soothing the body, chamomile is perfect for reducing stress and promoting restful sleep.
     Tip: A cup of chamomile tea before bed can work wonders for your mood and sleep cycle. Again, one of my favorites to help calm the nerves and ease tension before bed.

Combining Healing Touch with Herbal Support

While Healing Touch works on an energetic and emotional level, herbs provide physical support for your body’s systems. Together, they create a synergistic approach to combating the wintertime blues. Here’s how you can integrate both into your wellness routine:

1. Before a Healing Touch Session:
   Sip on a calming tea like chamomile or lemon balm to prepare your body for deep relaxation. This creates an optimal state for energy healing to work effectively.

2. During Your Self-Care Routine:
   After a Healing Touch session, continue the benefits with herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to maintain balance and energy.

3. For Sleep and Recovery:
   Incorporate herbs like valerian or passionflower alongside your Healing Touch therapy to enhance sleep quality, helping your body recover and reset.

4. Daily Maintenance:
   Use elderberry syrup and other immune-supportive herbs to keep your body strong during the winter, reducing the physical toll of seasonal stress.

DISCLAIMER: Before using any herb, consult an experienced clinical herbalist so they can recommend safe and effective herbs and dosages for your specific concerns. They will take into account your past medical history, allergies, and medications and will help guide you throughout this process. 

Additional Tips for Beating the Wintertime Blues

In addition to Healing Touch and herbal support, consider incorporating these strategies into your routine:

• Get Outside: Even on cloudy days, spending time outdoors increases exposure to natural light, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boost mood. Believe me, as someone who suffers from this each winter, this step is imperative. It doesn't have to be long, but spending time outdoors really does shift your mood and help expose you (even if for just a short few minutes) to natural light. 
• Stay Active: Movement releases endorphins and helps combat feelings of sluggishness. Yoga, walking, or gentle stretching are great options.
• Use a Light Therapy Lamp: These lamps mimic sunlight and can help alleviate symptoms of SAD by boosting serotonin production. (I personally love the lamps made by "Horticulture Lighting Group" (purchased on Amazon) but that's also because I love to grow plants indoors. It has a beautiful light spectrum that instantly makes you happy, and doesn't give off too much heat! But I'm sure there are many others out there that can fit the bill.
• Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, or mindfulness exercises can help you stay present and reduce stress.
• Visit a Doctor: Sometimes, making sure that all of your bloodwork looks good and you are cleared by a medical doctor can help to remove any possibilities of other diseases/disorders that could mimic the "wintertime blues." Swallow your pride and fear, and just get checked out. Simple.

Ready to Reclaim Your Winter Wellness?

If you’re feeling the weight of the wintertime blues, you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we’re here to support you with compassionate Healing Touch sessions and personalized herbal consultations. Together, we’ll create a holistic plan to restore your energy, balance your emotions, and bring light into your life—no matter how dark the days may seem.

Visit www.brahmalokahealingarts.com to schedule your appointment today. Let’s work together to make this winter a season of healing, growth, and renewal.

With Gratitude,

XOXO

Lauren @ Brahmaloka Healing Arts LLC