One of the sleep techniques that have been proven to be extremely effective for many people is acupuncture. As a matter of fact, acupuncture steps in as the ideal way to treat insomnia without the adverse side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs.
This
technique has gained bad reputation for being unsupported by scientific
evidence. However, the truth is that apart from working on the basis
of Chinese medicine and self-experimentation, acupuncture`s benefits,
particularly when it comes to promoting better sleep, are backed up by
science.
The Evidence Behind Acupuncture for Insomnia
A 2004
report found that in anxiety patients, acupuncture increased the
production of melatonin as well as the total sleep time. The patients
who underwent acupuncture also fell asleep much faster and were less
stressed. As concluded by the researchers, “Acupuncture treatment may be
of value for some categories of anxious patients with insomnia.”
Another,
separate study found that acupuncture promotes better sleep in patients
with HIV, among whom sleep problems are extremely common. It was found
that “Sleep activity and sleep quality significantly improved following 5
weeks of individualized acupuncture…”
Earlier
studies have shown that this technique works for people who are
completely healthy, too. A study discovered that acupuncture helped
normal people with insomnia to get a better sleep.
With this
being said, it becomes evident that acupuncture works as great way to
treat insomnia naturally. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine,
each person has their own pattern that describes how the body is out of
balance. This is how using needles at certain points along the
different meridians running through the body helps treat that imbalance.
Heart 7 and
Pericardium 6 are the most effective points used to treat insomnia.
There is a strong relationship between the two, from the anatomical
location to the close link between the “Shen” aka spirit and the calming
effect. The Traditional Chinese Medicine name for Heart 7 is Shenmen,
meaning Spirit Gate while the name for Pericardium is Neiguan, meaning
Inner Gate. In some instances, both of them need to be open in order to
release bad influences from the inside out and receive positive from
the outside in.
Heart 7 is
found on the anterior side of the transverse crease of the wrist. There
is a tiny depression on the radial side of the ulnar tendon where the
point can be located. Sometimes, it`s better to needle this point from
the ulnar side under the ulnar tendon as it`s more comfortable.
Pericardium
6 is located on the anterior side of the wrist, about two finger widths
from the transverse crease of the wrist. It can be also found between
the two tendons running up the arm. Just like Heart 7, this point can
also offer radiation sensation when activated.
Although
there are many other acupuncture points used during a treatment, these
two are a good place to start. Any healing process requires a full
mind-body approach, but stimulating these points can be extremely
helpful for those struggling with sleep.