Many people get depressed during the winter season. The physiological explanations for depression and substances unbalance are varied and it is not my intention to discuss them here. I would like to share my experience with alternative medicine. I have seen patients who have been suffering depression and who are under care of a medical doctor with up to 3 different medications to manage their depression with only moderate relieve of their depression. However, when those patients receive acupuncture treatment the antidepressants effect improved and experienced better control as reported in a recent publication.
(http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1398-acupuncture-boosts-drugs-for-depression)

Acupuncture works wonders and help patients to feel much better after their acupuncture session and over time, the effect accumulates. On the other hand, when symptoms of sadness or unexplained melancholy arises it is more likely to find relief with acupuncture sessions.

A carefully selected combination of Chinese herbs may be also helpful, in particular when the patient is not taking antidepressants.

For those keen to find scientific support, there are some publications, in my opinion, the scientific method follows a different paradigm. It assumes that the treatments should be standard, unbiased and able to be duplicated. The Eastern approach to the human being and the way of treating patients follows a completely different perspective, since it is assumed that every individual is different; the symptoms are not the focus of the therapy but the “root” of it. The cause of the unbalance can be different for everyone, so the practitioner will approach the therapy accordingly, including his or her personal ‘intention’ (e.g. bias)

Also, a recent review of the clinical applications of Acupuncture in moderate depression was published:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22762294

Chinese medicine does not treat Depression per se, mood alterations are seen as a symptom of an internal unbalance or blockage of the internal organs and the energy pathways or the so-called meridians related to them. For example, Liver qi stagnation can manifest as depressed mood and irritability. On the other hand, Spleen qi deficiency can manifest as a lack of energy, also with depressed mood. Kidney, Lung or Heart meridian unbalances can also present change in the mood with different characteristics, therefore the Oriental Medicine practitioner has to ask a number of questions and look at other symptoms to determine which organ or meridians are unbalanced. Untreated unbalances can affect other organs or meridians, so the early diagnosis and proper treatment is important.

In conclusion, if you are prone to depression, find an Acupuncturist and start working on keeping your body healthy and have regular Acupuncture sessions. During the winter time, follow the recommended rules in terms of keep a healthy diet, eating food rich in nutrients, taking vitamins per your doctor recommendations, stay active, reduce or eliminate sugar and starchy food, increase intake of fruits and vegetables, engage in regular moderate exercise, and keep you socially active.

Note: this text does not intent to substitute medical advice. If you or your beloved ones has severe depression symptoms or suicidal thoughts seek immediate medical assistance.