Improve your sleep with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
Getting plenty of rest and enough sleep is good for your health and general well-being. A good night’s sleep not only reduces stress but also improves your mood. It also helps regulate your blood pressure and boost your immunity.
Unfortunately, not many people can sleep through the night without tossing and turning in bed. Sleep problems like insomnia have become rampant in recent times because of several factors revolving around lifestyle changes and work-life balance.
The good news is that you can improve your sleep tremendously with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines. Keep reading to find out more.
So, what is acupuncture all about?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that entails inserting thin metallic needles into specific pressure points on your body with the intention of stimulating your central nervous system. Piercing these targeted areas triggers the body to release natural chemicals that fight illnesses and promote the well-being of your body, mind, and soul.
Can acupuncture enhance your sleep?
Acupuncture can help treat a wide range of ailments and disorders ranging from simple conditions like headaches to chronic illnesses like osteoarthritis. Most importantly, you can use acupuncture to improve your sleep.
Research shows that acupuncture is one of the most effective ways of treating the symptoms of insomnia and improving sleep efficiency. The therapy triggers the release of melatonin, which are hormones responsible for regulating sleep.
Acupuncture is a holistic approach that can be used to relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and increase relaxation. All these factors play a vital role to ensure that you enjoy a restful night.
How long does it take acupuncture to treat sleep problems?
After starting acupuncture treatment, you should expect to see improvements in your sleep patterns within 2 to 4 weeks. However, acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and the effectiveness of the therapy varies from patient to patient. Some people may notice instant improvements, while others have to wait for up to 6 weeks to experience any changes.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest treatment options for sleep problems. After all, the therapy is natural, and it does involve the use of drugs or chemicals. Besides, certified practitioners use sterile acupuncture needles only once to prevent the spread of infections.
However, if you are expectant or you have any bleeding disorders, then you should not go for acupuncture as this could trigger a negative reaction. Patients taking anticoagulants should talk to their physician before undergoing acupuncture.
Does Chinese herbal medicine improve sleep?
Aside from acupuncture, using traditional Chinese medicine can help improve sleep. These medicines are a mixture of herbal extracts, leaves, roots, and seeds. The ingredients of this herbal medicine work together to address the underlying issues that cause sleep problems like insomnia and sleep apnea.
Consuming Chinese herbal medicines will help to restore your energy balance, also known as “yin yang”. These traditional herbs help regulate your emotions, boost your energy, reduce fatigue, and enhance your mood, subsequently improving your sleep quality. Besides, you will be able to sleep longer and wake up reenergized to face the day ahead.
Do Chinese herbs have side effects?
Chinese herbal medicines do not have side effects. After all, they are extracted from natural, plant-based ingredients, making them 100% safe for human consumption. Moreover, the herbs have very low toxicity levels, which makes them safe for use. Nonetheless, a few patients may experience dizziness, lethargy, or a dry mouth after taking Chinese herbal medicine for the first time. However, these symptoms are not serious, and they subside after a few hours.
Final thoughts
If you want to enjoy a good night’s sleep without relying on sleeping pills or medication, consider going for acupuncture or taking Chinese herbal medicine. These alternative Chinese treatments are 100% natural with no side effects. They will help you enjoy quality sleep every night within a few weeks of consistent treatment. Please discuss herbal remedies with your acupuncture physician as they may have contraindications with some pharmaceuticals
Board-certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and the owner of White Crane Clinic in Tarpon Springs, Florida. With over a decade of clinical experience, she specializes in integrative care that blends acupuncture, herbal medicine, and regenerative therapies for whole-body wellness.
