SAD? Treat Yourself
by Kristen Williams

Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD. Treat Yourself This Winter at Jasper & Fern!

Treat Yourself!! You deserve it! Did you know that each year over 3 million people in the US alone, suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder during the cold winter months? As the days get shorter, darkness pours in and with it can come gloom and often times an overwhelming feeling to preform a certain way at the holidays. If you have experienced loss, this time can be ever harder. If you are Kapha dosha like me, it gets even harder to motivate and stay active. The symptoms of SAD are often described as fatigue, depression, social withdrawl, even feelings of hopelessness… this is often medicated with prescription drugs which can be addictive.

This season we are here to help! I’m so thankful to be a part of the Jasper & Fern Community! We have put together a number of our services to help you this season when that SAD crap wants to creep its way in! No more shame for feeling down during ‘the hap-happiest time of the year’!

We are calling these magical sessions, Feel Good Winter Self Care Sessions and this is what you get! For 1 hour you will enjoy
– Bright Light Therapy
– Swaddling and Compressive touch with one of our massage therapists to help move blood and lymph throughout your body, manage pain and relieve stress and worry
– Deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair happy and healthy
– Immune and Mood boosting Essential Oil application
– Self Care Goodie Bag
All for just $125, PLUS there is an option to add on a private yoga session with me, Kristen Williams ERYT500

When I first heard all the things we were contributing and putting together for these magical sessions I did not understand what ‘swaddling’ meant, in fact the word is kinda weird for me, but Christina McKenzie of Mossy Rock Massage explains the benefits of swaddling so well.

“Much like receiving the gentle, firm pressure of a hug, swaddling can help you feel at ease so that your body might relax and release the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone known to reduce blood pressure, slow the heart and provide a feeling of relaxation. In addition to chemical changes, swaddling can elicit a reduced arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, which may provide a general calming effect.”

If you’re suffering from seasonal affective disorder, swaddling can be an impactful element to add to your winter self care. Christina continues, “Some causative factors that may come into play with Seasonal Affective Disorder are low levels of serotonin and disrupted levels of melatonin brought about by seasonal changes in sunlight exposure. The gentle pressure provided by the swaddling blanket can trigger the release of serotonin which will reduce stress while improving mood. Linked with the production of serotonin is the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is known to promote sleep and regulate sleep cycle. Therefore, a swaddling session may serve to help create an overall condition of wellness.”

Sold! So, join us this winter season for good health, laughter, conversation and self care!! To book a session, email alyson@jasperandfern.com she will be elated to help! Book for yourself, book for a friend or family member. We could all use an hour to simply Feel Good!