- Options Acupuncture5345 Wyoming Blvd NE #103B
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109505-918-7596 
stress
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Holistic Approach to Better Sleep
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. While conventional treatments like medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective, many individuals seek alternative therapies to avoid potential side effects. One such alternative is acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recent studies, including those published in reputable medical journals like JAMA, have shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture in treating insomnia.
Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points are believed to be connected by pathways called meridians, through which the body’s vital energy, or “qi,” flows. By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote natural healing processes.
Evidence from Medical Research
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine explored the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic insomnia. The researchers found that participants who received acupuncture treatments experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, sleep duration, and overall well-being compared to those who received sham acupuncture or no treatment1. The study highlighted that acupuncture could be a viable option for individuals seeking non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia.
Another review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine analyzed multiple clinical trials and concluded that acupuncture effectively reduces insomnia symptoms by influencing neurotransmitters involved in the sleep-wake cycle, such as melatonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)2. These findings suggest that acupuncture not only helps in falling asleep but also enhances the quality of sleep.
How Acupuncture Works for Insomnia
- Regulating Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the levels of neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in sleep regulation. By increasing the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, and GABA, a neurotransmitter that induces relaxation, acupuncture helps in achieving a restful night’s sleep2.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Insomnia is often linked to stress and anxiety. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and mood elevators. This helps in reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep1.
- Balancing Energy Flow: According to TCM, insomnia can result from imbalances in the body’s energy flow. Acupuncture aims to correct these imbalances by targeting specific acupoints, thereby restoring harmony and improving sleep patterns2.
Practical Considerations
Before starting acupuncture, it is essential to consult with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. They will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying causes of insomnia and develop a personalized treatment plan. Typically, a course of treatment involves multiple sessions over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising alternative for individuals struggling with insomnia. With its ability to regulate neurotransmitters, reduce stress, and balance energy flow, acupuncture can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being. As more research continues to validate its benefits, acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking holistic and natural approaches to better sleep.
If you are considering acupuncture for insomnia, consult with a qualified practitioner to explore how this ancient practice can help you achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep.
1: JAMA Internal Medicine 2: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information!
College Stress and Acupuncture
Arizona State University conducted a study on the effects of stress on college students and staff in a “large urban college population.” The study was a two-group, randomized controlled trial where the participants underwent either sham acupuncture or verum acupuncture. The participants included college students, faculty and staff at a large public university and the study was approved by the university’s institutional review board with the consent of each participant.
Prior to the study beginning, each participant answered questions in the Cohen’s Global Measure of Perceived Stress questionnaire at 5 different parts of the study. The intention behind this step was to measure how stress changed or did not change for each participant throughout the course of the treatment.
The acupuncture points that were used within the study were as follows: GV 20 / PC 6 / HT 7 / Yingtang / Four Gates / CV 17 / CV 6 / ST 36.
These points were given to the treatment group which were set to undergo verum acupuncture. Each group reported to the acupuncture clinic once a week for a 30 minute session.
The second group (considered the control group) received sham acupuncture in 3 points that are not known to have any effect on stress. These points on the body that are located between meridians and were inserted unilaterally and without stimulation or manipulation to ensure that de qi would not occur.
After the study was completed, each participant was questioned on the levels of stress that they each endured after 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks post-treatment. Between the first treatment and the 24th week post-treatment, the verum acupuncture group reported a 45.8% improvement in the perception of stress. The sham acupuncture group reportedly showed a 40.3% difference in stress levels between the start of the study and post-treatment. However, at 3 months post-treatment, the sham acupuncture group had shown a decrease in their stress-scores.
To reduce the amount of error in the study, they “treated every participant with the same point combination, no matter what their underlying energetics may have suggested.” This was to keep the acupuncture points as consistent as possible in order to obtain the most accurate results possible.
The study did determined that stress was reduced through the use of acupuncture on the participants within the study but that a larger sample size would aid in obtaining more statistically consistent results.
This study appears promising for determining the effects of reducing stress on university-goers through the treatment of acupuncture. However, further study and testing would be necessary for more conclusive results.