Insomnia is a disorder characterised by struggling to fall asleep, and remain so, throughout the night.
It causes sufferers to feel fatigued in their daily lives, leading to poor concentration and irritability, while in some cases it can exacerbate mental health problems.
It is estimated that as many as 16 million adults in the UK suffer from sleepless nights, and a third believe it is caused by insomnia. As a result, many are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture to help.
How effective is acupuncture for insomnia?
Acupuncture has become an incredibly popular therapy to combat sleepless nights brought on by insomnia.
Research is ongoing into its efficacy, but many studies and trials have demonstrated great promise. One, in 2017, found that acupuncture was effective in improving insomnia symptoms, sleep efficiency and total sleep time, with individuals reporting a reduction in self-related anxiety two to four weeks after treatment.
When it comes to using acupuncture for dealing with insomnia, practitioners will look at the patient as a whole to assess the root cause of their sleep problems and tailor their treatment accordingly.
Generally, practitioners attempt to increase melatonin levels to help regulate sleep cycles and increase blood flow, relaxing the mind and body to encourage high-quality sleep.
What are the acupuncture points for insomnia?
Acupuncture points for insomnia are selected based on the underlying issues the practitioner feels need to be addressed. However, two key points are regularly targeted to help with sleep disorders.
Shenmen (HT 7): This point is located at the wrist crease, and is specific to helping with insomnia and other sleep-related issues. It is also used for patients with anxiety and other mental or emotional distress.
Sanyinjiao (SP 6): Located on the inside of the lower leg, just above the ankle. It is the other key point targeted to help with insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, dizziness and hypertension.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for insomnia?
The number of acupuncture sessions required for insomnia varies between patients.
Prior to starting a course of treatment, your practitioner will carry out a full assessment and discuss your lifestyle, concerns and current symptoms.
Once they have a more comprehensive understanding of your situation, they will be able to advise how many sessions they believe is appropriate.
If you or a loved one is suffering from insomnia and would like to learn more about how Acupuncture for Insomnia could help make a difference, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today or call us on 0800 051 76 88.
