Insomnia is a sleep disorder that negatively impacts both physical and mental health. It not only makes it hard to concentrate the next day but can also harm your overall well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine is often considered an effective treatment for insomnia, but is this method truly helpful?

How Can Acupuncture Treat Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can also cause early waking, where a person cannot fall back asleep, leaving them feeling unrefreshed, fatigued, and in a poor mood the following day.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is known to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, stress management, depression, and insomnia.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body and mind are viewed as an interconnected system, with thousands of meridian points that influence the flow of life energy, or Qi. When the flow of Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it is believed to cause health issues.

During an acupuncture session, the acupuncturist examines the patient and then inserts 5 to 20 needles, leaving them in place for about 10 to 15 minutes. These needle insertions are thought to restore balance to the body’s energy flow, potentially improving sleep disorders like insomnia.

Is Acupuncture Effective in Treating Insomnia?

Experts suggest that there is still a lack of comprehensive research on acupuncture's effectiveness in treating insomnia. However, this doesn’t imply that acupuncture doesn’t help with insomnia.

While the exact mechanism remains unclear, acupuncture is believed to alleviate symptoms of insomnia. Research indicates that consistent acupuncture treatment over a two-month period can provide benefits such as:

• Improved sleep quality

• Reduced nighttime awakenings

• Longer sleep duration

• Reduced anxiety

• Alleviated pain

Acupuncture is generally considered a complementary therapy for insomnia. It is thought to provide positive outcomes with minimal side effects.

Several studies have shown that acupuncture is particularly helpful for insomnia caused by stress, mental health disorders, and primary insomnia (insomnia without an identifiable cause). There is also research suggesting acupuncture is beneficial for treating other sleep-related issues like sleep apnea.

Despite the positive results, further studies are necessary to determine the full extent of acupuncture’s benefits and potential side effects in treating insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia and are considering acupuncture, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider beforehand, particularly if you are pregnant or have blood disorders.

Treatments of Insomnia

Treating insomnia depends on its underlying causes. If a medical condition is contributing to the insomnia, a doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Common treatments for insomnia include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapy that helps patients change negative thoughts or behaviors that prevent them from sleeping.

• Medication: Doctors may prescribe sleeping pills, but these are generally not intended for long-term use. It is important to avoid using sleeping medication outside of a doctor’s prescription, as they can lead to side effects or dependency. Medications containing antihistamines may also induce sleepiness, but these should not be used regularly without prior consultation with a doctor.

Acupuncture can serve as an alternative treatment for insomnia. If acupuncture is not effective, it is essential to consult a doctor. Additionally, you can take advantage of the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.

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