Acupunctureis a punch in of holistic medicine that began as an ancient traditional Chinese medicine practice.
The practice involves inserting extremely thin needles into the skin at strategic points in the body.
These specific areas are known as acupoints.
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Each needle is inserted into a different area to stimulate symptom relief of various conditions, such aschronic painandnausea.
How Else Can Acupuncture Help Sleep?
Certain conditions can contribute to insomnia, such as mood disorders, chronic pain, or other sleep disorders.
Acupuncture may help lower the effects of those disorders, which helps drive away insomnia.
In acupuncture, the needles enhance chemicals, such asdynorphins,endorphins, andencephalins.
Acupuncture can also releasecorticosteroids, which arestresshormones.
Each of these chemicals plays a role in pain.
Thus, tweaking their levels within the body can reduce pain.
Anxiety
Studies have found that people withanxietycould alsobenefit from acupunctureto help reduce symptoms.
How Does Acupuncture Help Sleep Apnea?
Acupuncture helps stimulate those muscles and prevent that over-relaxation, thus, preventing apneas throughout the night.
History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old method of treatment that originated in China.
By the 19thcentury, the healing technique was adopted throughout Europe and America.
Ancient practices focused heavily on energy regulation.
The needles used were thought to unblock meridians and release energy that causes ailments or disorders to develop.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) didnt recognize acupuncture needles as medical tools until 1997.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
They will then determine what points should be used when inserting the needles for optimal results.
Typically, there is very little pain when the needle is inserted into the skin.
If you are feeling pain, it could be because the needles are not inserted into the right spot.
How to Find Licensed Acupuncturist
Prior to getting acupuncture, you should speak to your healthcare provider.
Once you’ve done that, they may be able to recommend a licensed acupuncturist.
CBD and Insomnia
Although CBD shows promise in helping people with insomnia, long-term data is scarce.
It can be used as a complementary therapy for specific health conditions, like chronic pain.
Some studies have found that it may be beneficial for insomnia, although there are some research limitations.
Thus, it could be beneficial for people who experience insomnia due to another condition.
Before getting acupuncture, you will want to speak with your healthcare provider and find a reputable licensed acupuncturist.
Although the practice is relatively safe, it may come with some side effects.
A Word From Verywell
Insomnia can feel unmanageable because of how it affects your brain and body.
That is why seeking treatment for insomnia is so important.
For people with acute insomnia, less than 10 sessions may do the job.
However, those with chronic insomnia may need ongoing treatment that involves more than one course.
2016;165(2):125-133. doi:10.7326/M15-2175
