The vast majority of patients we treat at our NYC chiropractic clinic come in for help with musculoskeletal pain. In spite of this, most of our patients report getting better sleep after their acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment methodology, and takes into account all systems of the body; sleep improvement is a common ancillary benefit of acupuncture treatments. Chinese Medicine and acupuncture views sleep as an indicator of heart channel function. The heart system in Chinese Medicine includes the Western medical function of the heart pumping and circulating blood, but also has additional functions including the maintenance of the vessels of the body, and it is responsible for sleep quality, memory, thinking, consciousness and emotions.
Insomnia Relief With Acupuncture
To receive the full benefits of acupuncture either for pain relief or other ailments, sleep must be optimized. By optimizing our sleep, energy levels improve and our body’s resources are more available for healing. I know here in New York City, many New York residents do not fall asleep until midnight or later because of work schedules, stress, or just wanting to do too many activities. By scheduling too many activities, we end up running ourselves ragged, which depletes our energy and resources.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine’s strengths lie in regulating the body’s rhythms to flow with nature. In a very basic sense, this means sleeping when it is night time and waking up refreshed to handle the stresses of the day.
When we have more energy, stress levels decrease and life is more enjoyable. We can accomplish the goals we set for ourselves with greater ease.
Chinese Medicine Tips to Improve Sleep Quality
Limit caffeine intake in the evening.
I know this is obvious, but I have treated some people who drink massive amounts of coffee during the day and even into the night. When I suggested they reduce the caffeine, their sleep quality improved.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Alcohol in Chinese medicine has a warming nature, which negatively affects sleep. Often times people who experience high levels of stress have an internal heat condition. They may experience general feelings of heat, irritability, night sweating, acid reflux, and constipation.
Limit vigorous exercise in the evening.
In the daytime, our body’s circulation goes upward and outward towards the muscles. In the evening our circulation sinks inwards towards the organs. Insomnia occurs when the circulation stays on the surface of the body. Caffeine, alcohol, and exercise all promote this dispersing motion.
Add a magnesium supplement.
I usually suggest 600 mg of magnesium glycinate. Many Chinese herbs that promote sleep have some magnesium. In addition, this mineral promotes the sinking quality in our circulatory system which can lead to improvements in sleep.
Add calming herbs.
With mild insomnia, one can try ground date seeds. 1-2 tablespoons in 8 ounces of warm water before bedtime. Ground date seeds are used in Chinese herbal formulas. The herb itself nourishes the heart and liver systems, which will help sleep and reduce stress. If insomnia is severe, it is best to see an acupuncturist and get a customized herbal formula.
Acupuncture Treatments for Insomnia: NYC Patient Case Study
A patient who recently experienced family loss came into our NYC clinic not being able to sleep for 4 days. She experienced frequent crying, mood swings, and fatigue. She has been supplementing with magnesium but needed additional acupuncture and herbal therapy to support her through this loss. Acupuncture was administered treating the heart channel.
Any time sudden loss is experienced the heart system experiences shock, which manifests in the pulse characterized by a rapid and erratic quality. After the first acupuncture treatment, she slept through the night for 15 hours straight. She was seen two days later reporting continued improvements in sleep and less fatigue.
