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Acupuncture Treatment For Insomnia

Acupuncture treatment is believed to be an effective treatment of insomnia disorder. With this treat
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Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a disorder characterized by having difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Therefore, insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability and a depressed mood. In fact, it results in an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions, accidents, as well as problems focusing and learning. It has been found that insomnia can occur independently or as a result of another problem. Many conditions can result in insomnia, such as psychological stress, chronic pain, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, heartburn, restless leg syndrome, menopause, certain medications, including drugs such as caffeine, nicotine or alcohol.1

 

RESEARCH


Current research has shown that foot and body acupuncture protocols are effective alleviating sleep disturbances. In this vein, foot acupuncture is a set of 5 acupuncture points located on the plantar surface of the heel at the tuberosity of the calcaneus. In the center, one acupuncture needle is applied to a depth of approximately 0.2 – 0.3 mm. Next, acupoints are inserted anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally on the fat pad using the same type of needle and depth of insertion. Further, body style acupuncture points included the following GV-20, CV-6, HT-7, SP-6 and KD-6. The foot acupuncture are needled to a depth of 0.2 – 0.3 mm as well. The total recommended needle retention time is 30 minutes per session. This therapy should be performed every day for nearly 20 days.2

According to traditional chinese medicine (TCM), insomnia is caused by an imbalance of yin and yang, as well as poor circulation of ying (nutritive) qi and wei (protective) qi. In modern terms this is referred as an imbalance of parasympathetic and sympathetic impulses, combined with imbalances in the limbic system, specifically, in the hypothalamus. In this vein, another treatment for insomnia includes stimulating the following points: ST-25, CV-12, SP-9, GV-20, GV-24, HT-7, LV-3 and KD-3.3

Another treatment includes acupressure stimulating PC-6, you can find it placing 3 fingers at the base of the wrist and feeling for a natural depression. There is a depression between the tendons in the hand that can be an effective to cure insomnia. Then, press this point if you would like to improve your sleep, also try to keep continuous pressure on the point by taping a kidney bean onto it for prolonged results. Other acupoint to be stimulated is shimien, located at the base of your foot. It should be a very soft spot but pressing it should not hurt. HT-7 should also be stimulated using the thumb of your other hand to apply constant pressure for about 20 seconds. Anmien (EX) is situated on the head. Find this pressure point at the base of the skull just behind the ear, along the soft place where your neck muscles connect to your jaw line. Make sure to maximize on this pressure point by applying steady but gentle pressure with your index and middle fingers into the hollow. You are expected to start feeling the effects within 15 to 20 minutes of continuous stimulation.4

Footnotes

  1. Insomnia – nhlbi.nih.gov – 2017, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/insomnia#
  2. Efficacy of treating diseases by managing lower plantar acupuncture-based therapy – en.cnki.com.cn – 2013, http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZJLC201308007.htm
  3. Acupuncture insomnia relief found – healthcmi.com – 2017, http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1711-acupuncture-insomnia-relief-found
  4. 4 pressure points to help you sleep – allayurveda.com – 2017, https://allayurveda.com/blog/4-pressure-points-to-help-you-fall-asleep-instantly/