Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC
Insomnia is defined as habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep. Synonyms include: sleeplessness, wakefulness, restlessness, watchfulness. Frequently paired with anxiety, insomnia is a condition suffered by many people worldwide. The condition can lead to impairment over time; mental function and even physical abilities are affected when one cannot sleep. Read more to learn how acupuncture treatment for insomnia can help.
Though still not well understood, sleep is crucial to our well-being in part because our brain and body are repaired when we sleep. Our ability to remove brain toxins is impaired when we lose shut eye, vital brain connections can’t be made as easily. Other important organs won’t be as well repaired either, such as the liver, heart, and lungs. Many people fool themselves thinking that they don’t need as much sleep as the recommended 8 hours a night; studies show otherwise. Acupuncture therapy can help improve both sleep quality and quantity to improve overall health.
Insomnia and anxiety both involve what is referred to as the ‘fire’ channel in Chinese medicine. While it is not necessary to fully understand the theory behind this age-old practice of acupuncture, most people are curious to know how it works. The body is caused by 5 main elements and corresponding channels, or meridians. These 5 elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The fire channel is affected regarding sleep, as well as its involvement in anxiety and all forms of restfulness. The physical locations of the fire channel include: the pinky side of the fingers up to the shoulders, back side of the head and neck. Pain and irritation in these areas may occur with this meridian’s imbalance. The tongue and speech can be involved when the fire channels are affected as well. A person suffering from disruption of the fire channel will frequently have insomnia which worsens anxiety and other physical ailments.
Gentle treatment using acupuncture can be performed by your licensed acupuncturist, like Dr. Oskardmay at Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill, NC. At your initial appointment be prepared to fill out intake forms just like you would at your medical doctor’s office. Be as complete as possible in your description of your ailment to help your acupuncturist help you. The initial appointment will consist of a review of your intake forms and any medical tests you may have had. Your acupuncturist will ask you questions related to your health history and do a physical exam, part of which will include evaluation of your tongue appearance and pulses on each wrist. Following this, a diagnosis will be made and treatment may ensue. Be sure to ask any questions you may have prior to treatment and along the way. Exam and treatment can take an hour or so – plan to spend at least that much time on your initial visit and also plan to relax afterwards in order to get the most from the experience.
Acupuncture treatment can be very helpful for insomnia and accompanying symptoms. Call us today at (919) 929-1400, email us at schedule@acudocnc.com or visit our website at acudocnc.com to schedule your appointment today. If you are suffering from insomnia, acupuncture treatment at Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill can help.