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Acu-Point

Acupuncture for Insomnia

Let's face it, insomnia is no fun: the tossing, the turning, the sleepless nights, and the lack of energy throughout the day.  According to Chinese Medicine insomnia has multiple etiological factors that can cause different categories of insomnia.  An individual’s sleeping patterns, the quality of sleep, dreaming or absence of dreaming, and the hours of waking are all key factors used in Chinese Medicine to diagnose and solve the insomnia puzzle.  Other lifestyle factors such as: current emotional state, diet, eating habits, sexual activity, and the amount of regular exercise is also taken into consideration when making a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for insomnia.

 

4 Common Types of Insomnia Seen in Chinese Medicine:

Heart & Spleen Deficiency

With this category of insomnia the person often has trouble falling asleep, and will commonly lay awake in bed with a noisy mind before eventually falling asleep.  Once asleep they wake easily and often, and may experience vivid dreams.  Other associated symptoms can include heart palpitations and forgetfulness.

Liver Fire

People who suffer from Liver fire insomnia typically complain of waking between 1 -3 AM, and as the pattern becomes more severe, they may not sleep at all.  Usually people with Liver fire insomnia have a history of depression or are hot-tempered with a propensity to sighing and headaches.

Yin Deficiency Heat

In my experience I often see women suffering from this category of insomnia more then men.  This type of insomnia can be associated with adrenal fatigue in Western Medicine.  Sufferers of Yin deficient heat insomnia will commonly have restless sleep and wake numerous times throughout the night.  Night sweating, dizziness, irritability, and a dry mouth are other common symptoms.

Heart & Gall Bladder Deficiency

Those that suffer from Heart & Gall Bladder deficiency insomnia often have a timid personality. They will have trouble falling asleep and wake often throughout the night startled.  Frequent dreams, shortness of breath and easily frightened are typical associated symptoms.

 

3 Tips For A Better Nights Sleep:

  1. Breathing – Incorporate breathing exercises or meditation into a pre-bedtime routine.
  2. Regular exercise – Getting regular amounts can improve the overall quality of sleep, but save the vigorous workouts for earlier in the day and stick to light stretches before bed.
  3. Diet – Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods in the evening and especially before bed will help to calm the mind before bed-time and improve sleep.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Ryan Samuels is a Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medical Herbalist (R.Ac, R.TCMP) at KLO Chiropractic Centre in Kelowna. He holds a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine diploma, and has a special interest in the treatment of digestive issues, neuropathy, acute & chronic pain, sports injuries, and migraines.  All treatments with Ryan are individualized and designed around your current physical and mental well being. 
 

Website link:  http://www.kelownaacupunctureclinic.com/

Contact Email:  [email protected] 
 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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