Acupuncture for Insomnia
Insomnia
We are supposed to spend one third of our lives sleeping. But for many people that’s a lot easier said than done.
In fact, up to 58% of adults in America complain of having trouble sleeping. Insomnia is an issue that many of my patients experience. This is not so surprising because many chronic illnesses and pain are also associated with insomnia.
There is hope. Acupuncture is very effective for treating insomnia. In my 15 years of practice in acupuncture, I have seen time and time again that acupuncture helps everyone sleep better.
Acupuncture for Better Sleep
Acupuncture is helpful to reduce those sleepless nights. People sleep better even if you are not coming in for that insomnia specifically. So even if your coming in for your back pain, headaches, or digestive issues, acupuncture helps you sleep better.
Acupuncture is based on the idea that illness is caused by imbalances. By correcting the imbalances the body works to heal itself. Acupuncture corrects imbalances by stimulating specific points on specific acupuncture channels. When stimulated, these points help the qi to flow smoothly. Acupuncture points are located on the channels, each having a precise healing action.
Imbalances are related to the body’s energy, called qi (pronounced chee). Qi travels though channels in the body like water flowing through a winding river. These channels connect the body’s surface to the internal organs and muscles, this is why acupuncture can treat internal diseases as well as physical ones.
Acupuncture corrects imbalances by stimulating specific points on the acupuncture channels. Each acupuncture point has a precise healing action. The underlying imbalances for insomnia lies in the heart qi. In Chinese medicine, the energy of the heart guides the emotional calmness. Imbalances in the heart qi will disrupt our ability to sleep and may cause insomnia characterized by restlessness, anxiety, and palpitations. “Heat” is also an issues with the heart qi. Sweating hands, a red complexion and tongue signals heat in the heart. While pale white complexion with a pale tongue reveals blood and qi deficiency.
Feedback From our clients…
“I began seeing Joe for a number of reasons–a heelspur, chronic insomnia, allergies, anxiety…. What I found immediately was that the holistic approach to treatment allowed me to address all of these at once. Some of the results of the acupuncture, herbs, and acupressure were immediate—I began sleeping more soundly immediately, for example—while others have been more gradual; in each case, my symptoms are improving. I have been really happy to be Joe’s patient, not least because he takes the time to explain why we’re pursuing particular kinds of treatments and how they work. I’m learning a lot about Chinese medicine as I continue to feel better. Honestly, I can’t recommend Alban Acupuncture highly enough.”
~ C.M., Brooklyn