Are you tired of not sleeping – or should I say, tired from not sleeping? Each of us have probably experienced an occasional sleepless night. However, if you have trouble sleeping several nights a week or even nightly, then you have insomnia. If you are worried about taking prescription or OTC medications with the potential for addictive dependence on them, then you are probably reading this to seek an alternative sleep aide. So, welcome and let me explain how acupuncture can help!
Acupuncture is an effective natural method to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It improves both the quality and quantity of sleep to allow time for your body’s restorative processes during the night and therefore keep you in good health.
Lack of restful sleep causes premature aging and slows collagen production, showing as dark circles and under eye bags, a dull complexion and dry skin contributing to wrinkles. Cosmetic acupuncture is an ancient beauty secret – although the secret is in getting to the root of any health issues and in promoting natural beauty sleep.
WHAT IS INSOMNIA?
Insomnia in Traditional Chinese Medicine is characterized by several possible patterns of energy imbalance and corresponding additional symptoms. You may have one or more types of insomnia, and acupuncture treatments are tailored to address your individual pattern type.
The five most common types of insomnia are:
- Difficulty Falling Asleep
- Intermittent Waking During Sleep
- Waking Early/Inability to Fall Back to Sleep
- Vivid Dreams Disrupting Sleep
- No Sleep All Night
In addition to insomnia, you may have sensations of heat, palpitations, dry mouth, restlessness, tinnitus, dizziness, headaches, poor memory, and of course tiredness. Each set of symptoms is a clue as to the pattern of insomnia to pinpoint the appropriate treatment with acupuncture.
WHAT CAUSES INSOMNIA?
There are many potential causes for insomnia. The beauty of treating insomnia with acupuncture is the therapy is focused on getting to the root of the problem by addressing any underlying health issues that are the reason for your wakeful nights.
For instance, the analgesic effects of acupuncture effectively relieves pain. If you cannot get into a comfortable position to rest because of pain, then it’s best to eliminate the pain rather than mask it with pain killers or sleep medications
If heartburn or GERD is keeping you up, then acupuncture works fast to harmonize the digestive system. Eating late at night before bed disrupts sleep because the body is busy digesting when it should be resting and restoring.
Restless thoughts, overworked, irritability, stress and depression all are symptoms indicating the energy of the body is not flowing freely. Long term stress stagnates Qi and results in the inability to unwind and calm down for sleep. Acupuncture is fabulous to reduce agitation and help you relax.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP SLEEP?
In Western terms, acupuncture works by triggering opioid peptides in the brain and releasing natural chemical sedatives of melatonin and serotonin. Energetically, acupuncture balances systemic disharmonies to promote restored health, wellness, relaxation and sleep.
Acupuncture can naturally:
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- reduce stress, anxiety, depression
- stimulate melatonin production
- calm restless mind & body
- reset your circadian rhythm
- relieve pain which disturbs sleep
- treat indigestion causing insomnia
- balance hormones causing menopausal insomnia
WHAT HAPPENS DURING ACUPUNCTURE?
During an acupuncture session, you lie in a dimly lit room on a warm, cushioned massage table with meditation or healing music and relaxing aromatherapy. Selected acupuncture points are placed along the meridians on your body, and you then rest for about 30 minutes. Most patients fall asleep during an acupuncture session.
Acupuncture is followed by placement of ear press seeds on the auricular treatment points for you to give yourself daily acupressure in between appointments.
Herbal formulas catered to your pattern of insomnia may also be prescribed. Unlike Western pharmaceuticals, herbs are non-addictive and safe for long term use without side effects, when properly prescribed by a licensed professional. Sleep medications should only be used short term to avoid serious health risks. For chronic insomnia, natural therapies are safer and better for you.
In addition to treating any root health issues which may be the primary reason for your insomnia we will help you to troubleshoot any environmental and lifestyle factors that may be disrupting your sleep.
WILL I BE CURED OF INSOMNIA IN ONE VISIT?
The short answer is, that is unlikely. How many visits you need depends on the nature of your insomnia. Acupuncture works gradually, and the effects are cumulative with each session. Almost all patients experience deep relaxation and stress relief with the first acupuncture treatment, allowing for improved sleep that very evening.
Acute insomnia due to secondary health problems like pain or indigestion can be resolved rather quickly. Chronic insomnia from long term stress or hormone imbalances will take longer to unwind the pattern of imbalance in your body, and may take several months of weekly or bi-weekly sessions. We are all unique beings, and each individual will unravel their own pattern of sleep imbalance at their own pace. However once the root cause is eliminated, so will the insomnia be resolved!
Quality sleep is so important for overall health and for you to function your best both mentally, emotionally and physically. Give us a call or email today to schedule an appointment, and let’s make some Zzzzzzzzzz’s happen!