Key Takeaways
- Acupuncture effectively treats insomnia, supported by evidence showing improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
- Studies indicate that acupuncture helps increase melatonin production and aids patients with sleep troubles, including those with HIV.
- To benefit from acupuncture, choose a qualified practitioner and commit to a consistent treatment plan for better results.
- Acupuncture addresses the root causes of insomnia but requires time and dedication; results vary among individuals.
- Understanding the relationship between the body, meridians and emotions can help identify insomnia triggers, guiding treatment choices.
Acupuncture has a variety of uses. It has improved the sleep of many individuals who have sought help with insomnia. Unknown to many is that acupuncture has a lot of solid evidence that it truly works to help people get to sleep and stay asleep.
In 2004, a report was done on patients who suffered from anxiety. The treatment helped improve the amount of melatonin they produced and they were able to sleep more as well as get to sleep faster. They were also less anxious during the day and less restless at nighttime. A different study was performed on patients with HIV, a disease with a side effect of sleep troubles. These patients also enjoyed better sleep as a result of being treated for just 5 weeks. Beyond these two studies, acupuncture has been shown to work on people without ailments like anxiety or HIV as well.
Using Acupuncture as a Sleep Aid
You want to make sure the acupuncturist you see is qualified. With a good acupuncturist, you will feel comfortable and listened to. If you feel like your problems are being ignored, you are not seeing the acupuncturist meant for you. You will feel much better and have more improved results when seeing a practitioner who you trust and like than seeing someone you do not. Of course, that isn’t to say you would see no improvement, but it will be lessened.
Approach the treatment plan with an open mind and a willing attitude. It is best to be prepared to try new things and keep up with the plan if you want to see results. Do not just go once and decide it isn’t working, never showing up again. If you want to be able to start working on ridding yourself of insomnia, then you must be dedicated to it. For lasting effects, continue treatment. [Link]
Do not expect to see results right away. As with all kinds of treatment, it takes time to work. People work differently so what worked for one person may not work exactly the same way for you. You will notice a large improvement in your sleep schedule though. You should be able to fall asleep easier and wake up less times throughout the night if you keep on a treatment plan. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, though it can help get to the root of your insomnia problems. You must find the balance in your own life, using acupuncture as a tool.
The Body’s Meridians and Emotions
This quick list will help you have an idea of where your imbalance is coming from, but for an actual diagnose and treatment plan, you need to visit an acupuncturist’s office.
- Meridian – Heart. Emotion – Anxiety. Insomnia – Frequent waking up. Not falling asleep easily.
- Meridian – Liver. Emotion – Stress, anger, frustration. Insomnia – Hard time falling asleep. Frequently waking around 1 AM to 3 AM.
- Meridian – Lungs. Emotion – Grief. Insomnia – Frequently waking around 3 AM and 5 AM.
- Meridian – Spleen. Emotion – Obsessiveness, worry. Insomnia – Regularly waking up during the night at the same time. Nightmares or restless sleep.
While you may not immediately think of acupuncture when it comes to treating your insomnia, you will be glad you did once you are once again able to sleep. If you are looking for a reliable acupuncturist, check out our website and give us a call. You could start on the road to sleeping well again today. Don’t let your bad sleep habits continue to get in the way of the rest of your life. You have more important things to do than toss and turn at night.
