Acupuncture & Insomnia

Acupuncture Associates

In ancient Chinese medical literature, insomnia is known as the failure to sleep. It is characterize by the habitual inability to fall asleep, or restless sleep.

According to The Merck Manual, the clinical bible of Western MDs, insomnia refers to “Difficulty in sleeping, or disturbed sleep patterns leaving the perception of insufficient sleep.” Insomnia is a common symptom and may be due to a number of emotional and physical disorders. Insomnia is subdivided into difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia), frequent or sustained awakenings (sleep maintenance insomnia), early morning awakenings (sleep offset insomnia), or persistent sleepiness despite sleep of adequate duration (non-restorative sleep). Most patients suffering insomnia need some kind of medication to help them sleep. They may be drowsy in the morning and doze all day. Then, when it comes time to sleep at night, they no longer feel tired. If the dose of sedatives is increased, the patient may feel restless, clouded, dazed, or confused at night. If they suspend their sedative medication, their insomnia tends to return full force.

Considerable research has been done in the People’s Republic of China on the effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine on insomnia. Traditional Chinese doctors have been treating insomnia safely and effectively for tens of centuries. We have helped scores of Western patients cure or relieve their insomnia. Chinese medicine cannot cure every disease, but when it comes to insomnia, Chinese medicine is the best alternative.

Once you choose to take control of your sleep and repair your life, ask an Acupuncture Associate to help. We will determine why you cannot fall asleep, stay asleep or wake up refreshed. After our initial exam, diagnosis and treatment, you will have an understanding of how your condition and lifestyle are related. We will help you help yourself with diet, nutrition, Chinese herbs, supplements, acupuncture and other advice. Unlike many western medical approaches, we will not sedate you and our treatments are not addictive nor will they leave you foggy in the morning. Our approach is to eliminate the root cause of why you do not sleep well.