Insomnia
'I had trouble sleeping hence I started going to see Rachel...the first time I could really feel tangible reactions in my body when Rachel applied the needles! Most often I would drop into a very deep sleep in the sessions and the following nights I would have excellent rejuvenating sleep..' Anna M.
What causes Insomnia?
Insomnia or poor sleep is defined as sleep which is not deep and restful. Latest research suggests that poor sleep or insufficient sleep can lead to long term health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure and can even make us more likely to suffer from car accidents. It can definately make us less focused and productive.
During times of change and stress we are more likely to suffer from Insomnia. Alcohol and other stimulants can disrupt sleep.
Some people are blessed with always sleeping well but anyone can suffer from insomnia & sleep problems at some point in their life. That is not to say that it's normal to have insomnia but you are not alone if you do suffer. Insomnia may be related to anxiety also which can also be helped with acupuncture combined with good diet and a balanced life style.
Chinese Medicine & insomnia
In the Chinese Medicine approach, good sleep is dependant on the state of the mind. For this reason a shock, trauma, injury or illness can all bring on insomnia. It is said that thinking too much and worrying can weaken the body's ability to flourish. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), if any internal organ is in disharmony this too may be a contributing factor to developing insomnia.
Sometimes night time is the only time you may have to self-reflect or some people are creative at night. Both these habbits can undermine deep sleep.
Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia and anxiety due to their menstrual cycles and hormonal changes such as menopause. Shift workers also suffer more as their irregular sleep and work hours disrupt their circadian rhythms
How Does Acupuncture Help?
As a holistic treatment, acupuncture combined with healthy living measures can help to avoid the necessity of taking prescription drugs avoiding the addictive side-effects of sleeping pills.
Acupuncture & Acupressure can be offered to support you in overcoming insomnia.
It is a cumulative treatment so best not to expect immediate results.
The health assessment is vital because there may be small things you can adjust which will help. There is no single answer to insomnia and being rigid about sleep regimes can be counter-productive especially when there is anxiety at the root.