Using Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
The term "insomnia" covers a number of different problems such as inability to fall asleep easily, waking up during the night, sleeping restlessly waking up early in the morning and dream-disturbed sleep. The amount and quality of sleep depend of course on the state of the mind(shen). The mind is rooted in the heart. As always in Chinese medicine, there is an inter-relationship between body and mind. When patients complain of poor sleep, we as acupuncture physicians in Cho Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic ascertain that the condition is true insomnia and not an inability to sleep well due to other external or temporary causes.
For example, a sudden change in weather, jet lag, a bedroom that is too hot or too cold, drinking a lot of tea or coffee, and emotional upset or worrying about something specific may all cause a person to sleep badly but cannot be defined as "insomnia". In fact, once the above causes are removed, the person sleeps well. also, one cannot diagnose insomnia when sleep is disturbed by other medical conditions, such as asthma, a pain, or itching from a skin disease; in such cases, sleep is restored once the relevant disease is treated successfully.
According to traditional Chinese views, the best sleeping position is lying on the right side, with the legs slightly bent, the right arm bent and resting in front of the pillow and the left arm resting on the left thigh. According to theses views, with this position the heart is in a high position so that blood can circulate freely. the liver is in a low position so that blood can collect there and the stomach and duodenum are in such a position that facilitates the downward movement of food. For a full discussion of the acupuncture approach to insomnia, please consult with cho acupuncture and herbal clinic.
For example, a sudden change in weather, jet lag, a bedroom that is too hot or too cold, drinking a lot of tea or coffee, and emotional upset or worrying about something specific may all cause a person to sleep badly but cannot be defined as "insomnia". In fact, once the above causes are removed, the person sleeps well. also, one cannot diagnose insomnia when sleep is disturbed by other medical conditions, such as asthma, a pain, or itching from a skin disease; in such cases, sleep is restored once the relevant disease is treated successfully.
According to traditional Chinese views, the best sleeping position is lying on the right side, with the legs slightly bent, the right arm bent and resting in front of the pillow and the left arm resting on the left thigh. According to theses views, with this position the heart is in a high position so that blood can circulate freely. the liver is in a low position so that blood can collect there and the stomach and duodenum are in such a position that facilitates the downward movement of food. For a full discussion of the acupuncture approach to insomnia, please consult with cho acupuncture and herbal clinic.