Acupuncture is the best way to treat pain without negative side effects. TCM has been used for thousands of years not only to alleviate pain, but to actively work to treat the root cause of the pain.

No one wants to suffer through pain, yet it is an integral part of life. Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something is wrong. From the perspective of medical experts, pain is defined as a sensory experience associated with damage of tissues. It can vary widely in intensity, and can be felt in a very specific area, or in a more diffuse way.

The pain may be due to an injury, or an illness, or something even more elusive. Covering up the pain with medications is only a temporary and very partial solution. Over the counter pain relievers work by blocking specific chemicals that damaged cells release as signals to the brain. They can block the transmission of the signals, but they don’t do anything to fix what’s causing the pain. It may lead someone to keep injuring herself or to inadequately treat the underlying illness. And pain medications can create many side effects, such as nausea, constipation, fuzzy-headedness. Over time, people build up a tolerance, so they have to take more to get the same effect.

How Acupuncture Treats Pain

TCM is a complex multi-disciplined approach to healing. An acupuncture practitioner uses various modalities to work with each patient’s individual symptoms and overall health condition. 

In the TCM view, qi (vital energy) flows through the body along pathways called meridians. Pain is usually a sign that there is a blockage of qi in the body. 

When treating a pain condition, the TCM practitioner is working on several levels. She can simultaneously use points to provide immediate pain relief while also freeing up the blockage and touching on whatever it was that started causing the blockage in the first place. Personalized herbal formulations can also address the deeper part of the issue, restoring a baseline of good health. 

TCM treats the whole person, not only localized physical symptoms. Pain can have its origins in some shock or emotional trauma a person went through, or because of dietary habits or exposure to some toxicity, either chemical or energetic. An experienced practitioner will ask lots of questions until the underlying issues are revealed.

5 Ways Acupuncture Treats Acute Pain Due to Sprained Ankles or Other Injuries

When a person first sustains an injury, such as a sprained ankle, shoulder strain, or even broken bone, it can be very beneficial to seek treatment by acupuncture right away. Acupuncture treats sprained ankles, strains and other injuries by:

1. Stopping internal bleeding
2. Reducing swelling and inflammation
3. Stimulating the production and release of endorphins
4. Block neural signals of pain
5. Maximizing the flow of blood and qi to the area

Acupuncture and TCM for Chronic Pain Management

Many millions of people are affected by chronic pain conditions and have not been able to find relief from the care they are receiving, whether it be strong pain medications that carry side effects or surgeries that have not resolved their pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective modality for reducing chronic pain.

Shoulder pain, neck pain, heel pain, back pain, arthritis pain and chronic headache pain can all be treated by acupuncture with significant improvements demonstrated over time.

Acupuncture and TCM for Pain and Depression

Often pain and depression go hand in hand. Pain can arise from a traumatic experience that creates a double burden of mental and physical unease. Long periods of intense stress can put a stranglehold on the flow of qi through the meridians, further disrupting communications between the mind and body. Autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia and lupus can cause chronic pain. In any case, pain that is severe and long-lasting can cause a person to feel helpless and hopeless. Acupuncture has been shown to help treat both the pain and the depression simultaneously.

Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment Pain and Symptoms

Patients fighting cancer often face pain both from the tissue damage caused by the cancer itself and pain that results from the various types of cancer treatment. More than half of cancer patients struggle with significant pain, and many of them go undertreated. Pain medications often do not do enough to ease the pain, and they carry side effects that further weaken the person who is fighting the sickness. Acupuncture can alleviate pain and boost the immune system, while also helping with related symptoms like nausea, neuropathy, and constipation.

20 Types of Pain Treated by Acupuncture and TCM

Acupuncture can provide pain relief for many pain conditions, including:

1. Musculoskeletal pains of all kinds
2. Sports injuries
3. Sprained joints
4. Neck pain
5. Back pain
6. Tension headaches
7. Migraines
8. Tennis elbow
9. Knee pain
10. Arthritis
11. Cancer
12. Body aches
13. Fibromyalgia
14. Stomach pain
15. Liver disease
16. Pancreatic disease
17. Gall bladder stones
18. Kidney stones
19. Menstrual pain
20. Endometriosis

If you or someone you love is suffering from pain, please call us right away to schedule an initial consultation. There is something you can do, and that is seek treatment from a highly qualified TCM professional.

Neck pain is a very common complaint, affecting at least 14% of Americans per year. A sore neck or neck stiffness is sometimes a mechanical problem, arising from poor posture or repetitive motions. In other cases, pain in the side of the neck or a neck pain headache can signal a deeper problem with the structure of the cervical spine or the complex system of nerves and blood vessels that run through the neck. TCM and acupuncture have been shown to be effective for treating neck pain and musculoskeletal disorders of all kinds. 

Because neck strain can stem from a wide variety of physical and behavioral causes, medical doctors often have a hard time pinpointing the specific source of the sore neck. Most conventional treatments for neck pain involve the prescription of pain relievers or muscle relaxers. These drugs may help alleviate some of the discomfort, but they do not address the problems that may be developing in the cervical spine. 

Neck Anatomy 

The neck is part of the long, flexible connected row of vertebrae known as the spinal column. Technically called the cervical spine, the neck consists of seven vertebrae interspersed with discs that provide cushioning, absorb shock and provide for free movement. Each vertebra has a hollow tube that contains the spinal cord and bundles of nerves which run along the entire spinal column, creating stimulus and sensation throughout the body. The skeletal spine is then supported by a complex of muscles and ligaments that attach to the bones.

In front of the cervical spine, the neck also houses the esophagus, trachea (windpipe), the thyroid gland, and many blood vessels. The relatively narrow neck structure holds up the head, which weighs an average of about eleven pounds. The neck is a delicate marvel of design with a heavy load to carry, day in and day out.

Neck Pain Causes

While neck pain is a common complaint, it is often very difficult for doctors to diagnose the specific causes of neck pain. Even sophisticated modern diagnostic testing techniques and equipment do not necessarily reveal exactly what is causing the painful sensations. Causes of neck pain include:

• Posture
• Sleeping position
• Overuse/Repetitive motions
• Trauma from an Injury
• Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
• Cervical Herniated Disc
• Spondylolisthesis
• Cervical Osteoarthritis
• Cervical Radiculopathy
• Stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

In some cases, neck pain is being caused by tension or neck strain in the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) in or surrounding the neck. This type of musculoskeletal pain might stem from the positioning of the neck while working or sleeping or from some sudden injury to the tissues. Chronic stress that creates a buildup of tension in the tissues can also cause neck spasms. Torticollis refers to the phenomenon of waking up with a stiff neck that feels like it is twisted to one side. These types of neck pain may resolve themselves in a few days or weeks without medical treatment, but they can cause significant pain and loss of mobility.

A headache at the base of the skull, sometimes called a “neck headache,” or cervicogenic headache, is a secondary headache disorder caused by a problem in one or more of the neck joints. Researchers believe that up to 20% of headaches are actually caused by problems in the cervical spine, usually one of the top three neck joints: the Atlanto-occipital joint (O-C1), the Atlanto-axial joint (C1/2), or the C2/3 cervical spine joints.

Sharp pains around the back of the head and neck can also be caused by irritated nerves or a pinched nerve. Sometimes a malformation of the bone of one of the vertebra, or the bulging of a disc can put pressure on the nerve bundles and cause radiating neck and shoulder pain.

Degenerative conditions that affect the vertebrae and cartilaginous discs can cause severe and/or chronic neck pain (lasting more than three months). For patients with chronic neck pain, doctors usually prescribe pain medications or muscle relaxers and may refer patients to physical therapy (PT). Drugs may or may not alleviate pain symptoms, and depending on the situation, PT may or may not address the root cause of the problem. This is why many people suffering from acute neck pain or chronic neck pain turn to alternative providers for help. Acupuncture has been shown to help provide pain relief and restore movement after as little as one treatment.

TCM and Acupuncture for Neck Pain

When you consult with an acupuncture provider regarding neck pain, she will take a detailed history and make a diagnosis very specific to the range of symptoms you are experiencing, as well as your underlying constitution. Even mechanical problems having to do with the musculoskeletal system of the body are viewed as manifestations of pathogens from both internal and external sources. 

According to TCM, Bi Syndromes create obstructions in the flow of Qi (life force energy) and blood throughout the body. Bi Syndromes correspond to what conventional medicine refers to as rheumatological disorders. Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibrositis would fall under this category, and can all be the root causes of stiff neck, sore neck, and swelling in the cervical joints. Bi Syndromes are considered to be caused by the pathogens of Heat, Wind, Dampness and/or Heat. In some cases, the pathogenic factor is coming from an Internal source; in others, from an External source. Bi Syndromes cause blockages in the pathways within the body, causing pain. Different Bi Syndromes will manifest as sensations of soreness, aches, swelling, numbness, or burning. Sometimes these symptoms appear particularly in the neck area. TCM treats Bi Syndromes through acupuncture and herbs with the aim of moving the blood and balancing the Qi, dispelling wind, and clearing dampness.

Acupuncture for Whiplash Neck Injuries

When an accident such as a car crash occurs, objects and bodies collide with great force and speed, the head and neck sway forward, then snap back.  Even a seemingly minor fall or “fender bender” can have lasting consequences. A soft tissue injury that is often simply called “whiplash” can actually be a painful symphony of problems: fractures of the vertebrae, herniations of the spinal discs, torn ligaments, strained muscles and tendons. Other symptoms arise due to nerve damage and loss of mobility: stiffness, limited mobility, headache, numbness, tingling, along with sympathetic emotional problems.

The trauma of even a “minor” sudden injury creates blood stagnation—“stuck energy” within the body. An x-ray or MRI may not show this, but you can feel the effects: possibly fatigue, foggy-headedness, headache, dizziness, and even long-term depression.

Acupuncture is a natural and highly effective way to treat all types of injuries. Acupuncture will help to reduce swelling and inflammation of tissues, while unblocking the stagnation of Qi and blood and regenerating energy so that the body can return to proper function.

Comprehensive Pain Management with Acupuncture and TCM

Acupuncture helps both acute and chronic injuries. The sooner you can begin treatment after an accident, the better your recovery will be. However, even those suffering from the lingering effects of an old injury can benefit from treatment. Not only can acupuncture treatment reduce the pain you’re feeling, but it will improve your overall health so that you have the power to heal.

Your practitioner may also recommend herbs, changes in diet, stretches and other exercises to work in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. These adjunct therapies help you regain your health and prevent future problems. By working together with your acupuncturist, you can resolve your neck pain and create more optimal health.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that currently affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. This chronic disease causes uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating symptoms that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

An unpredictable condition

The exact causes of MS are not entirely understood, and there is currently no cure, though there have been many advances in treatment in recent years. Western medicine considers MS an autoimmune condition–a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. In the case of MS, the immune system starts attacking and breaking down a substance called myelin, the sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. Myelin increases the speed of the transmission of nerve signals.

When myelin becomes “broken” or destroyed, nerve impulses are slowed down, leading to a progression of nerve-related problems. When these nerve fibers become damaged, symptoms can result, including:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Numbness or weakness of
  the limbs

The symptoms of MS vary from person to person, can range from minor to severe and can even disappear for a period of time only to flare up unexpectedly.

Treatment options

Depending upon your symptoms and the progression of the disease, your doctor may suggest medications designed to slow the disease and/or medications for the symptoms.

It is important to take an active role in your treatment. More and more, people living with MS are choosing to complement their Western treatment with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture and TCM can provide a safe, natural way for those living with MS to stay as healthy as possible. Including acupuncture and TCM in your treatment plan can help boost your overall health and relieve symptoms. Practitioners of TCM view MS differently than Western medicine practitioners, taking into account each individual’s overall health, lifestyle and emotional well-being—not just their symptoms.

TCM is based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. If Qi becomes stagnant, unbalanced or deficient, symptoms such as those linked to MS can result. This can occur for any number of reasons, from an inherited constitutional imbalance or illness to stress or an external invader such as wind or dampness.

Your practitioner will work to determine the condition at the root of your symptoms in order to create a treatment plan. For example, the muscular stiffness and numbness associated with MS are often related to excessive dampness within the meridians, or a deficiency in the liver and kidney organ systems.

Based on their diagnosis, your acupuncture practitioner will work to balance the Qi in the body’s organ systems by manipulating corresponding points on the body with hair-thin acupuncture needles. While acupuncture alone can’t cure MS, it has been found to be particularly useful in managing symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms and bladder problems.

Self-care for MS

MS can have an impact on every part of your life. To help support both your physical and emotional well-being, your practitioner may suggest some of these lifestyle changes and self-care techniques.

• Herbal remedies – Your practitioner may provide herbs or nutritional supplements designed to help relieve symptoms and boost your overall health. Be sure to let your other health care providers know if you take supplements in order to avoid any potential drug interactions.

• Staying cool– Heat can make symptoms of MS worse. Tepid baths, cool drinks and air conditioning may help make you more comfortable.

• Exercise – Yoga and Qi Gong can help improve strength, balance and depression. Consider adding gentle aerobic exercise as well to improve your overall health and reduce stress.

• Stress relief– Stress can exacerbate symptoms and cause other health problems, so it’s important to keep your stress levels in check. Meditation or deep-breathing techniques can help you stay calm and relaxed. Massage is another great way to help relieve stress and loosen tense muscles. If your anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a professional.

MS is a serious condition, but many people with MS live long, happy, fulfilled lives. Acupuncture and TCM can provide the support you need to cope with MS and its effects. If you or someone you love is facing MS, contact an acupuncturist today.

References:
Chinese herbal treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and other flaccidity syndromes. S. Dharmananda, Ph.D. Inst. for Traditional Medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Multiple Sclerosis. A patient guide. E. Vickers, N.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis. 6/27/08. Link

Menopause is a natural, physiological transition that marks the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. Apart from periods becoming less regular, about 80% of women also experience hot flashes, night sweats, and other uncomfortable signs of menopause. Conventional medicine tends to offer women some menopause relief through Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), but this approach carries risk. Hormone Replacement has been shown to significantly increase the risk of breast cancer, and the danger grows with every year that a woman continues using hormone replacements for menopause. TCM and Acupuncture offer real menopause symptom relief without any of these negative side effects.

The time during which symptoms appear is actually called perimenopause, and it can last anywhere from a few months up to several years. Women generally begin to experience pre-menopausal symptoms in their 40s, but for some women, they can begin as early as their 30s, or not until their 50s. On average, women spend about four years experiencing a gradual change. Menopause is said to have occurred when a woman has gone a full twelve months without a period. During perimenopause, women are confronted with many changes, not only in their menstrual cycles, but in all aspects of their lives: physical, mental, and emotional.

What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

As a woman moves through the transition of perimenopause, she is likely to experience a host of various symptoms. Some of these are undeniably visceral, such as waking up in the night drenched in sweat, while others might be very subtle–like having trouble remembering names that used to come effortlessly. Each woman’s experience is different, but most women notice at least some of these perimenopausal symptoms.

Top 15 Common Signs of Menopause that Can Be Improved with Acupuncture Treatment

1. Irregular menstrual periods
2. Hot flashes, hot flushes, night sweats
3. Anxiety, depression, irritability
4. Trouble sleeping through the night
5. Fatigue
6. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating
7. Weight gain, low metabolism, thickening around the middle
8. Looser skin, brittle nails
9. Headaches
10. Vaginal dryness
11. Low libido
12. Sensations such as: mouth tingling, itchy skin, electric shocks, nerve tingling in hands and feet
13. Loss of bone density
14. Bladder incontinence
15. Joint pain

Current medical science views these symptoms as a hormonal imbalance, and seeks to correct that imbalance. Estrogen levels do indeed begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, rising and falling unpredictably. TCM theory and practice view these changes as being due to changing body chemistry, and also in natural changes that occur in the more subtle energies of the body.

Insomnia and restless sleep are also common complaints among premenopausal women. This problem can then contribute to an overall sensation of fatigue and fogginess. The stimulation of specific acupuncture points can help induce more restful sleep, while TCM herbal supplements that support the liver and kidneys balance the endocrine and nervous systems.

How Does an Acupuncturist Treat Menopause?

Estrogen is similar to what acupuncturists call Jing Qi, a foundational energy with which we are born. As we age, our supply of this potent energy decreases over time. Lifestyles that involve a lot of stress, long hours spent sitting or standing, unhealthy eating and drinking habits can also contribute to loss of Jing Qi. Another factor that can contribute to menopause is an imbalance in Yin and Yang energies. Yin can be thought of as the cooling system of the body. When this cooling system declines, heat symptoms will appear, such as night sweats, restlessness, hot flashes, mood swings, heart palpitations and insomnia. The decline of Yang energy can also lead to imbalance. Yang represents the warming and metabolizing functions of the body. When Yang is unbalanced, symptoms may include water retention, cold hands and feet, weight gain, edema, indigestion, hypertension, or raised cholesterol levels.

An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation and a complete health history and develop a unique treatment plan that will address each patient’s individual concerns. When treating menopausal symptoms, an acupuncturist must first determine where the energy has changed, and what organ systems have become unbalanced. Once this is known, various natural therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, meditation, Qi Gong and diet can be used to correct the imbalances. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address menopause symptoms. 

Women who look for acupuncture near me to address hot flashes, in particular, find relief from menopause symptoms after as few as three treatments, but a full session of eight acupuncture treatment for menopause has been shown to produce significant reduction of symptoms for up to six months. Acupuncture and its related modalities are also effective at relieving perimenopausal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, headaches and sleep difficulties.

A TCM practitioner uses all of the tools at her disposal, including the careful consideration of combinations of traditional herbal supplements to help alleviate discomfort and restore harmony to the body. Some herbs have been clinically demonstrated to help raise estrogen levels. Different presentations of perimenopausal symptoms call for different classic herbal formulae. Consistent use of this type of natural remedy for hot flashes and other signs of menopause, along with appropriate modifications to diet and lifestyle, can make a real difference in the quality of life experienced during this transition.

TCM and Acupuncture Treat Menopause Symptoms Naturally

TCM offers a holistic, whole-person approach. A qualified acupuncturist with expertise in womens’ health and menopause will offer patients invaluable advice regarding specific lifestyle changes that will help restore balance. Each woman’s unique situation can be eased with adjustments to offer menopause symptom relief. Feelings of anxiety and irritability, accompanied by restless sleep, can make life feel uncertain, like the foundation we have spent so many years building is crumbling. An acupuncturist understands, and helps patients deal with these subtle yet troubling pre-menopausal symptoms in a productive way. TCM encourages each patient to take responsibility for her own well-being, and gives her the tools with which to do exactly that.

As with everything in life, and especially in the search for optimal health, attitude is key. In TCM and in traditional Chinese culture, menopause is often referred to as “the Second Spring.” Even in contemporary culture, women still do the lion’s share of childcare and household duties within the family. Now that the “childbearing” years of a woman’s life have drawn to a close, she is free to direct her energies towards new pursuits. All women, whether or not they have spent their earlier adult years raising a family, can view this transformative time as an opportunity to focus on her own goals and desires, to bring her own dreams to fruition. Sometimes women struggle with this time emotionally, feeling that something is ending, that they are being diminished. Far from it! Second Spring is a time to plant the seeds of new projects, envision new adventures, and gently nurture growth.

The best time to treat symptoms of menopause is as soon as they begin to appear, when they are still mild. A acupuncturist with special expertise in womens’ health will be able to balance the female hormones so that the whole process will proceed smoothly. At any point, though, a woman with moderate or severe perimenopausal symptoms can feel the benefits of acupuncture treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing menopause, find acupuncture near me to help navigate the path of perimenopause with ease.

For more tips on how to best manage hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, read our Dr. Cai’s blog article on how to treat menopause symptoms.

Insomnia is a common condition that involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Everyone experiences a sleepless night once in a while, but trouble sleeping at night that persists from a few nights up to a few weeks indicates acute insomnia, while experiencing difficulty sleeping at least a few nights per week over the course of months would be classified as chronic insomnia. Lack of sleep causes physical and mental distress that can seriously impact daily functioning and mood. While there are many types of medication available to help with sleep, they are only meant to be used on a short-term basis, and they can cause negative side effects. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for people struggling with insomnia, with no side effects.

Prescription drugs like Ambien and Belsomra work on receptors in the brain to induce sleep. However, both of these medications are metabolized by the liver and therefore contraindicated for anyone with an impaired liver. According to TCM, many sleep complaints are related to the health of the liver 气(Qì). Medications that further exhaust the liver’s ability to do its job are not meant to be long-term remedies for insomnia. One sleep lab study showed that, as measured objectively by polysomnography, sleep quality improved in patients receiving acupuncture treatment.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Onset Insomnia refers to the experience of having trouble falling asleep, while maintenance insomnia means waking during the night and being unable to get back to sleep. Some of the symptoms of insomnia and other sleep problems are clearly related to actual sleep behaviors. Others affect seemingly unrelated parts of the body. Persistent lack of sleep affects the health of the whole body, as well as the mind and spirit. Insomnia can cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Excessive dreaming, nightmares
• Restless sleep, frequently awakening with a start
• Difficulty getting back to sleep
• “Half sleep” or shallow sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Poor memory
• Dry mouth or bitter taste in the mouth
• Palpitations
• Heavy feeling in the chest
• Feverish sensations in the palms, soles and chest
• Skin pale and lifeless
• Ruddy/red complexion
• Irritability
• Poor appetite, loss of taste sensation
• Constipation
• Headache
• Bloodshot eyes
• Tinnitus
• Back pain
• Knee pain

Many people suffering from insomnia report feelings of depression and/or anxiety. Sleep problems can also affect weight, causing weight gain for some and weight loss for others. Acupuncturists look carefully at the whole range of both somatic and psychological symptoms displayed before coming to a conclusion about what is causing the sleep difficulty.

How to Sleep Better with Acupuncture and TCM

TCM treats symptoms holistically and in concert. Records of insomnia as an affliction to be treated with acupuncture and herbs go back over 2000 years. A qualified acupuncturist looks at the whole picture of a person’s symptoms, habits, lifestyle, and foundational constitution and then creates a unique, personalized treatment plan to address the underlying causes of the sleep problems. TCM providers use observations of a patient’s tongue, skin pallor, and pulse to diagnose what is going on in the organ systems of the body that is creating the particular collection of symptoms. 

TCM theory incorporates concepts for bodily processes that relate to the elements: fire, wind, dampness, and cold. Qi, the life force energy that flows through the body, carrying vitality, needs support and nourishment, or it can become depleted. Yin and Yang energies balance each other. TCM classifies insomnia by patterns of symptoms that indicate which energies and elements are too abundant or too scarce.

Top 3 Insomnia Causes According to TCM

Each person’s sleep experience and pattern of symptoms is unique. Your TCM provider will ask many questions about your schedule, habits, and healthy history to get a sense of your situation. Feelings throughout the body are clues as to what is going on with the organ systems and how to bring them back into balance.

1. Deficiency of heart and spleen – often seen in older people, it is easy to fall asleep, but then dreams cause disturbance, and once awakened, it is hard to get back to sleep. During the daytime, they may feel dizzy, low energy, absent-minded, fatigued. Pale complexion and tongue and a weak pulse are indicators. In these cases, the spleen, which acts as a major producer of nutrients within the body, has become overworked and is not nourishing the heart enough. In turn, the heart, which normally houses the Shen (spirit), can’t contain it. Thus, the Shen wanders, causing forgetfulness and restlessness. In these cases, the TCM doctor will work with acupuncture points and herbs to strengthen the spleen and heart and promote an increase in nutrient-rich blood and Qi.
2. Hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency – this presentation involves difficulty falling asleep, a sense of having been “up all night.” Patients with this pattern may also experience night sweats, hot sensations in their hands, feet, and chest, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, and dry mouth. In this case, exhaustion of the kidneys affects the nourishment of the brain, causing the symptoms in the head and sense organs. Kidney weakness also gives rise to more fire energy in the heart and liver. TCM methods are used to cool the fire and strengthen the Yin energy.
3. Liver qi stagnation transforming into fire – difficult to fall asleep, excessive dreaming, accompanied by impatience and irritability, headache, red face, constipation, heavy feeling in chest, frequent sighing, thirst. In some cases, the TCM modality of moxibustion will be used to stimulate the liver qi and improve the quality of sleep.

There are many more types of insomnia classified by Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice. A qualified acupuncturist will be able to diagnose a condition so that the health of the whole body and mind is adequately addressed to not only banish sleepless nights, but to boost immunity and overall wellness.

TCM for Insomnia and Anxiety

For many people, insomnia and anxiety are clearly related, so much so that one seems to be causing the other. Sometimes sufferers feel that they lay awake all night, worrying about tomorrow, and then spend the whole day worrying that they won’t be able to sleep again. According to conventional medical thinking, sleep anxiety is essentially a problem of brain chemistry. Acupuncture has been shown to positively influence the secretion of melatonin at night. Acupuncture treatment acts upon the nervous system, facilitating the release of serotonin, endorphins and noradrenaline, neurotransmitters which contribute to relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Pregnancy Insomnia

Approximately 78% of women experience some sleeplessness during pregnancy. Many physical changes–hormone levels, a growing body, aches and pain, itchy skin, frequent urination–disrupt sleep. Vivid dreams and real worries about the baby’s arrival can impair sleep, too. Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat aches and pains, hormone balance, and improve sleep quality all at once. One controlled study showed that women receiving acupuncture slept better than those attempting behavioral changes without acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Insomnia and Menopause

Sleep problems are a common complaint among women in their middle years who are experiencing perimenopause or are menopausal. Night sweats or hot flashes disrupt sleep. Kidney or liver yin deficiency can cause light, dreamy sleep, sudden waking between 3:00 – 4:00 a.m., along with daytime fatigue and memory loss. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve sleep, mood and overall quality of life for women in menopause.

Find the Best Acupuncture Near Me for Insomnia

When insomnia is ongoing, your body is unable to get the rest and renewal it needs. Disturbed sleep can cause difficulty concentrating, diminished energy, low mood, and trouble performing everyday tasks. Since sleep strengthens the immune system, insomnia can also leave you susceptible to many other health concerns. Luckily, you don’t have to continue to struggle with chronic insomnia. TCM and acupuncture offer natural remedies for sleep. You may find that you sleep better after your very first session, though you will most likely benefit most from a series of treatments. At Art of Wellness, our doctors are ready to help you get a good night’s sleep.