Insomnia

TCM & Acupuncture for Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is frequently caused by worry, traumatic experiences, or sleep-disturbing habits.

Researchers discovered that acupuncture was successful at reducing the symptoms of insomnia, increasing the quality of sleep, and lengthening overall sleep time. People’s sleep awakenings and self-rated anxiety also improved significantly 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.

Causes of Insomnia

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognises that insomnia stems from a fundamental imbalance of energy, or yin and yang. Sleep is part of the natural rhythm of yin and yang qi in the body. Yin and yang qi play opposite roles – in the day, yang qi dominates as it fuels the body’s activities and keeps us warm and alert. However, as day turns into night, the cooling, quiet and nourishing yin qi dominates. It helps slow down the body’s activity so that it is relaxed and calm for a good night’s sleep. When this natural rhythm is disrupted, there is an imbalance of yin and yang qi, which results in insomnia.

Some factors that cause yin and yang qi imbalance are:

Dietary habits such as overeating, heavy meals and consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
Emotions such as anger, sorrow and extreme happiness
Exhaustion from activities such as excessive exercise, or overstimulation of the brain
Prolonged illness
Old age

How TCM Addresses Insomnia

Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to impact areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for insomnia and anxiety. In order to promote relaxation, it also lowers sympathetic (stress-related) nervous system activity and controls mood chemistry in the brain. Combining acupuncture and over-the-counter sleep aids is safe.

Acupuncture Results for Insomnia

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Consistent weekly appointments for approximately 4-6 weeks should give you progressive improvement with insomnia. For temporary insomnia, fewer than 10 sessions may be needed.

Common Insomnia Conditions We Treat

Here is a list of common insomnia issues we treat :

Transient insomnia
A short-term form of insomnia is known as transient insomnia. In actuality, it usually only persists for a few days or even a week. It might be brought on by a different condition, modifications to the sleep environment, anxiety, or depression.
Acute insomnia
Short-term insomnia is a sleep disorder that lasts only a few days to a few weeks. Because it frequently happens after a stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, deadlines, or beginning a new job, acute insomnia is also known as adjustment insomnia. Usually, it ends when the stressor disappears or the person becomes accustomed to it.
Chronic insomnia
Chronic insomnia is a long-term pattern of difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is considered chronic if a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights per week for three months or longer. Some people with chronic insomnia have a long history of difficulty sleeping.

TCM Insomnia Treatments

Cupping

Moxibustion

Ionic Detox

Massage Therapy

FAQ

Is medication or acupuncture the better choice for treating insomnia?

Researchers found that acupuncture was more effective at improving insomnia symptoms, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time during treatment. People’s sleep awakenings and self-rated anxiety also improved significantly 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.

Is having insomnia normal?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to health problems like diabetes, hypertension and weight gain. Behavioral and lifestyle changes can improve your rest. Acupuncture and TCM can help you get the sleep you need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Why should I get treated at Best of Chinese Medicine?

With qualified and caring staff, your comfort is our top priority. Whether it is your first time using TCM or acupuncture, we strive to make it an enjoyable experience and cater to your specific needs.

Where are Best of Chinese Medicine Clinics?

Find us in one of our two convenient locations :

Having trouble getting enough sleep? Book an acupuncture appointment now in Toronto or Mississauga.

We develop individual treatments to address each patient’s unique needs. We take the time to get to know you with a thorough consultation.

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