Outline of a head with three "Z" symbols, symbolizing sleep in TCM or Chinese herbal medicine.

Insomnia

Insomnia Solutions: Acupuncture for Sleep

At Village Remedies acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinic in Balmain, Sydney, we see many people suffering from insomnia or the effects of disturbed sleep. We use traditional Chinese acupuncture for insomnia and herbal medicine to help restore sleeping cycles and encourage deeper, more restorative sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are a few ways insomnia can manifest for someone:

  • Sleep Onset insomnia – is when someone finds it difficult to wind down and fall asleep initially.
  • Sleep Maintenance insomnia – is when someone wakes up throughout the night and finds it difficult to return to sleep.
  • Comorbid insomnia – is where sleep is disturbed due to another existing condition, such as anxiety, sleep apnea or pain.
  • Acute insomnia – is a brief period of sleep disturbance, usually associated with stresses of changes in life.
  • Chronic insomnia – is when the pattern of sleep disturbance has continued for three months or longer, affecting at least three nights per week of sleep.

The typical approach to insomnia is medication, sleep hygiene practices and addressing any underlying conditions.

 

How Can Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Help With Insomnia?

From a Chinese medicine perspective, your body and mind should be able to effectively switch out of a state of activity (i.e. sympathetic nervous system dominance) and into a deep state of rest (i.e. parasympathetic dominance) when it’s time for bed. Our modern lives often throw those natural cycles out of balance, and sometimes it can be difficult to restore them without some help.

Please check out our 3 part sleep series that covers the importance of sleep, how you can help improve your sleep and how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help with insomnia:

SLEEP PART 1: The Miracle Treatment For Health, Longevity & Performance →

SLEEP PART 2: Optimising Your Sleep & Recovery →

SLEEP PART 3: Struggling To Get A Good Night Sleep? Acupuncture Can Help →

When you come for help with insomnia at Village Remedies in Balmain, Sydney, we treat you as a whole person, not just as someone who can’t sleep. We run through a detailed history and assessment to come up with a plan to help you start sleeping better again.

To find out if we can help treat insomnia and other health concerns, please contact us or book online.

 

Restore Healthy Sleep Patterns with Acupuncture for Insomnia

Experience the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for insomnia. At Village Remedies, we bring over three decades of collective experience and expertise in the latest techniques. Our team focuses on the root causes of your insomnia to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.

Schedule an appointment at our clinics in Sydney and Balmain, and take the first step toward treating insomnia and improving your overall well-being.

 

 

FAQs

What is insomnia?

It’s a prevalent sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to daytime tiredness, irritability, and trouble concentrating.

There are several causes of insomnia including stress and anxiety, chronic pain, migraines and lifestyle choices like irregular sleep schedules and excessive caffeine consumption.

Approximately 1 in 10 people experience at least mild insomnia at any given time. Insomnia may occur temporarily, often triggered by stress or worry. However, it can also become a long-term issue, known as chronic insomnia disorder.

Insomnia can significantly impact daily life. Individuals may experience tension headaches, low energy, poor memory and concentration and persistent fatigue. Additionally, insomnia can manifest emotionally, causing irritability, mood swings, and a loss of motivation and interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Is acupuncture effective for chronic insomnia?

Research has shown that acupuncture and electroacupuncture can help regulate and restore the rhythm of melatonin secretion, reducing wakefulness and increasing non-rapid eye movement sleep. It may help enhance sleep quality and promote a balanced circadian rhythm.

When insomnia is associated with chronic pain or conditions such as arthritis, back problems, anxiety, or depression, we will focus on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to your sleep disturbances. This may involve multiple acupuncture sessions, lifestyle modifications and herbal medications.

Can herbal medicine help with insomnia?

Yes. We often recommend herbal remedies for those who cannot attend regular acupuncture sessions. Additionally, we can teach you acupressure methods and breathing exercises that you can do at home to encourage relaxation and prepare your body for a restful night.

Is acupuncture a safe treatment for insomnia?

Yes, as long as qualified practitioners perform it. It usually carries minimal risks, but discussing any health concerns with your acupuncture specialist for a personalised approach is always wise.

Are there any side effects of using acupuncture or herbal medicine for insomnia?

Minor discomfort at the needle sites, slight bruising or temporary fatigue may occur with acupuncture. Herbal medicine can lead to allergic reactions or digestive issues in some individuals, and certain ingredients may interact with prescription medications.

Always seek your doctor’s advice before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have existing conditions or are currently taking medications. This step helps reduce the risk of complications and ensures that your treatment plan is appropriate for your specific needs.

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