How we treat insomnia
Insomnia affects many of us at different points in our lives especially at times of stress and overwork. Often it is a short term blip but some times this blip can turn into a chronic and debilitating condition which seeps into every part of life and honestly can make your life miserable.
Acute sleep problems affect quality of life. Chinese Medicine has a unique perspective on sleep issues with differentiations according to the individual.
How do we view sleep problems in Chinese Medicine?
There are different types of sleep problem with different root causes each requiring different treatment principles. These include difficulty falling off to sleep, waking frequently, dream disturbed sleep and waking early in the morning.
In Chinese Medicine the amount and quality of sleep depend on the state of the Mind (Shen). The Mind is rooted in the Heart, specifically the Heart Blood and Yin. When Blood is abundant and the Heart is healthy, the Mind is be well rooted and healthy sleep will be enjoyed. If the Heart is weak or there are pathogenic factors harassing the Heart then sleep problems can follow.
Another mental-spiritual factor in sleep is the Ethereal soul (Hun) which controls dreams and is rooted in the Liver Blood and Yin. Worrying and overthinking injure the Blood and Fluids and therefor disrupt sleep.
Other organs we consider are the Spleen for its role in making Blood and the Kidneys which control memory and sleep.
Acupuncture for insomnia
Acupuncture is usually extremely effective at regulating sleep and a common reason for people to seek out acupuncture treatment. In addition, many patients experience an improvement in sleep even when this is not their reason for having acupuncture but a welcome bonus with treatment.
Moxa for insomnia
Moxa is frequently used in conjunction with acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. Your practitioner may use a Moxa stick or direct Moxa to gently warm and activate the acupuncture point. Moxa used on the feet helps bring the energy down from the head and to help you feel calm and grounded.
Diet and nutrition for insomnia
Diet and nutrition are important considerations when looking at causes and solutions to sleep problems. As described above the quality and strength of the Blood has a real influence on sleep and so foods that nourish the Blood are often recommended for patients with sleep issues. Nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin D, B Vitamins and Magnesium are also linked to insomnia and supplementation maybe recommended. Your acupuncturist will work with you to improve your diet for better sleep.
Your treatment plan for insomnia
A course of regular acupuncture treatments are needed to regulate sleep and to maintain improvements. You can expect to come in about once per week for six weeks for acupuncture. We’ll also likely to use Moxa and sometimes Gua Sha and cupping as well as offering you a bespoke dietary plan. Depending on how long you have been experiencing the insomnia and how severe it is, this six-week course of treatment may be enough, but for some patients less frequent continued treatments will be needed to maintain the effect. Don’t let poor sleep make your life a misery and prevent you from enjoying your life or being your best at work. If you’re ready to take control of your sleep, head to our Booking page and schedule your first appointment.
The Blossom Tree Clinic is an Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic in Totnes Dartington. If you would like to book in with one of our practitioners please head to our BOOKING PAGE
