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By Laura Christensen MA, MAc, LAc Nov 2023
Introduction
Insomnia, a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, can have a profound impact on one’s quality of life. While there are various treatments available, many individuals seek alternatives to medication and therapy. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice, has gained popularity as a natural and holistic approach to address insomnia. This article explores the benefits of acupuncture for insomnia and how it may help you achieve a better night’s sleep.
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. It can result from various factors, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices. In the quest for a solution, some people are turning to acupuncture as an alternative therapy to promote better sleep.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia
Acupuncture sessions may be scheduled regularly, and it may take several treatments to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions needed varies from person to person. Your acupuncture provider will give you a treatment plan during your consultation session.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a natural and holistic approach to addressing insomnia that focuses on the underlying causes of sleep disturbances. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, many individuals have found relief and improved sleep quality through this ancient practice. If you’re struggling with insomnia and are looking for an alternative or complementary treatment, consider consulting with a licensed acupuncturist to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture for better sleep.
Introduction:
Anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. While various treatment options exist, an increasing number of individuals are turning to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to manage their anxiety effectively. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition for its potential to alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being.
How does Acupuncture work for Anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety, acupuncture is thought to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system, releasing endorphins, and promoting relaxation. At Acupuncture of Iowa, using electroacupuncture, we can apply specific frequencies that are known to support neurotransmitters like endorphins and GABA, as well as serotonin, which are all understood to contribute to a greater balance between the Fight or Flight part of the nervous system and the Rest and Digest part of the nervous system. We have heard in person after person reports of feeling more balanced, less stressed, easier to relax, and better more restful sleep, as well as recovering faster from stressors and just feeling more centered. This result lasts longer and longer after each treatment.
What does Research Show about this?
Research on acupuncture for anxiety is promising. Studies have shown that acupuncture can lead to significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and an improved quality of life. Because of this, pain is also reduced, and people can function better in their daily lives.
What can I expect from Acupuncture?
One of the advantages of acupuncture is its minimal side effects, making it a safe option for those who want to avoid medication or other invasive treatments. It’s important to consult with a qualified acupuncturist or a healthcare professional to create a personalized treatment plan. During the initial consultation at our clinic, patients are given a clear idea of how many treatments might be needed to get to their goals.
In Conclusion:
While acupuncture may not be a standalone cure for anxiety, it can be a valuable complementary therapy in a holistic approach to managing anxiety. Combined with other lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, acupuncture offers a truly holistic path to greater well-being and a more balanced, anxiety-free life.
Acupuncture alleviates test anxiety. Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conducted a clinical trial consisting of undergraduate students with test anxiety, a type of performance anxiety. The results demonstrate that acupuncture reduces pre-examination anxiety and reduces sleep disturbances. [1]
Outcomes
After one week, scores in all groups reduced slightly. After two weeks, scores in the non-treatment control group remained relatively stable, while scores in the traditional and scalp acupuncture groups fell further. After four weeks, scores in the control group were close to starting values, while the traditional and scalp acupuncture groups fell to about 1/4 of starting values respectively. One week post-treatment, respective HAMA scores for the three groups were sustained. The results indicate that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of test anxiety.
Reference:
Guo-juan Dong, Di Cao, Yue Dong, Jing Zhang, Fu-chun Wang (2018). “Scalp acupuncture for sleep disorder induced by pre-examination anxiety in undergraduates,” World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, vol. 28, pp. 156-160.
Source: HealthCMi
