Does Acupuncture Help with Insomnia?
Struggling with a poor night’s sleep? Do you wake up tired and low on energy? Before popping sleeping pills, consider natural alternatives. A few sessions of acupuncture can make all the difference. This centuries-old practice has been shown to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia naturally.
Acupuncture and Sleep Problems
In today’s fast-paced world, most people fail to get enough sleep. Stress, financial problems, and negative emotions keep them awake at night, which in turn, affects their productive and mental health. It is estimated that up to 60 percent of older adults suffer from insomnia. More than one-third of the world’s population is struggling with this issue.
Acupuncture has emerged as a safe, natural treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. This healing practice balances your hormones and promotes relaxation, helping you enjoy a better night’s sleep. Moreover, it increases melatonin levels and supports the [roper functioning of your nervous system.
According to a study conducted on 3811 subjects, acupuncture has been found to be more effective at increasing sleep duration compared to medications. People who received sham acupuncture slept about three hours longer than those taking pills. None of them experienced side effects.
This treatment method improves sleep in more than one way. First of all, it relieves stress and lifts your mood, which leads to a more restful sleep. Secondly, it increases circulation and boosts your body’s natural painkillers. Many people can’t sleep because of joint pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or injuries. Acupuncture eases pain, helping you sleep better.
Evidence shows that acupuncture increases γ-amino butyric acid levels in the body, which helps prevent and cure insomnia. It works so well that many patients fall asleep during treatment.
According to Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncture helps with sleep disorders by balancing your energy flow. On top of that, it offsets the harmful effects of stress on the body and mind.
Acupuncture vs. Sleeping Pills
This ancient practice is not just effective but safe too. It has no side effects and can be used by people of all ages. In clinical trials, it has been shown to produce better results in the treatment of depression and insomnia than Fluoxetine, a popular antidepressant.
Sleeping pills carry a myriad of side effects. Drowsiness, migraines, upset stomach, uncontrollable shacking, and memory lapses are just a few to mention. On top of that, they may not be safe for children or pregnant women. Acupuncture is a safe alternative with proven results, so give it a try!
