'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.
Empty your mind of thoughts
Let your mind be at peace. (16 IChing)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, like physical symptoms, Stress & Anxiety, depression and other psychological symptoms are seen as different sides of the same coin - each one being either a symptom or a cause of the other, or part of a complex web of disharmony.
Acupuncture treatment aims to bring back our internal, emotional and spiritual harmony. As a holistic treatment every aspect of your internal health can be addressed simultaneously through your individually tailored treatment prescription plan.
Our emotions such as Fear, Anxiety, , Anger, Irritation etc when they are excessive can be signs of an organ imbalance. Anger and depression can be expressions of a disharmony or the liver organ. So when our liver is balanced we may feel assertive, motived and rather than being angry with others we are sensitive and responsive to others.
Acupuncture combined with lifestyle changes can help to re-balance the body & emotional, physiological aspects of a person and help lift their spirits. The positive effects felt by many people are an increased feeling of mental wellbeing, improved sleep patterns, a more positive outlook and a reduction in anxiety, depression and insomnia.
-
Stress
-
Depression
-
Fear
-
Anxiety
-
Irritability
-
Insomnia
-
Panic Attacks
-
Palpitations
-
Concentration Difficulties
-
Poor Memory
-
Lack of Focus
-
Self-esteem issues
-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.D & A.D.H.D)
Our lifestyle and our environment also plays a huge role in us creating stress and anxiety: a lack of rest, irregular meals, relationships difficulties and work issues. The lack of a nurturing environment and support network, and a tendency to use stimulants to motivate, change moods, any one of these factors can bring us out of balance.
Many people who have received acupuncture notice an increased feeling of wellbeing, and a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Most people sleep better after acupuncture treatment. Following acupuncture people often report feeling more grounded, others say they feel uplifted and positive.