Insomnia is an umbrella term describing several different sleep disorders. Using Chinese medical diagnosis we assess each individual, formulate the root cause of the sleep problem and adjust our treatments accordingly.

Research on the benefits of sleep has revealed more about the negative effects of insomnia on the body and mind – long-term insomnia has been linked to depression and cardiovascular disease. Information is generally a good thing, but it can make insomnia even harder to manage if we restlessly fret about its effects on our long-term health.

How Does Acupuncture Help With Insomnia?

For chronic insomnia, your GP might offer sedative medications. They can be helpful in the short term, but they are addictive and can cause daytime fatigue. Acupuncturists seek to find the underlying cause of insomnia and treat it from the root. Research shows some good evidence for the use of acupuncture as an aid to relieve insomnia, but unfortunately, to date, most studies have been on small sample groups.

During your first consultation, your acupuncturist will take a thorough case history looking into various areas of your life such as general health, work, and home stresses, constitutional factors, diet, and other lifestyle factors. We will explain how we’re working and changes to look out for. The longer the period of your insomnia, the harder it is to shift. Our treatments are aimed at helping to create long-term change.

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.

Acupuncture has been found to:

• Increase nocturnal melatonin secretion
• Reduce sympathetic (stress-related) nervous system activity
• Regulate the brain’s mood chemistry to help to increase relaxation

We offer a 10-minute free phone consultation for all clients. Let us know when you’re free to talk and we’ll give you a call.

Please take a look at the full research details