Sleep Better and Treat Insomnia with Acupuncture and TCM
After going through a hectic holiday schedule, a good night’s sleep is essential to restore our energy. As we sleep, our bodies can rest and our brains can recover for a new day. Sadly, on average, adults in the U.S. get less than seven hours of sleep every night, and 50 to 70 million people are affected by a sleep disorder (SingleCare Team, 2023).
On the bright side, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have multiple benefits in improving sleep and treating insomnia. When you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, book an appointment with us at Miami Herbs and Classical Acupuncture, and Dr. Carolyn Cook will surely help you doze off peacefully.
Causes of Poor Sleep and Side Effects of Insomnia
TCM says that sleep issues are attributed to the body’s imbalances of yin and yang qi (energy). Due to our overly productive schedule, having too much of the yang qi can interrupt our sleep. This can look like being overstimulated at work, exercising excessively, and feeling angry, sorrowful, or extreme happiness. As a result, people may find it difficult to fall asleep or have complete hours of sleep. Without intervention, poor sleep can lead to the following side effects:
- daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- irritability, depression, or anxiety
- gastrointestinal issues
- low motivation
- poor concentration and focus
- a lack of coordination
- worry or anxiety about sleeping
- tension headaches
Long-term sleep deprivation may result in sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Eric Suni from The Sleep Foundation (2023) defined insomnia as a “sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, even if you have ample time and a bedroom environment conducive to restful sleep.” Dr. Caroyn Cook reminds you to check with your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis because insomnia is usually a symptom of a larger health problem.
How to Sleep Better and Treat Insomnia with Acupuncture and TCM
At Miami Acupuncture & Classical Herbs, we look at the mind, body, and spirit as one interconnected system. Dr. Carolyn Cook strives to understand the root cause of illness or imbalance and treat it. Her TCM practices involve acupuncture, which is performed by inserting needles into certain points on the body located on what are known as meridians. This ancient technique redirects and harmonizes the flow of qi through the electrical highway of points and meridians in our body.
More importantly, it can help people who have insomnia and sleep issues because of its immediate and lasting relief. It’s a natural alternative that promotes restful sleep by regulating the nervous system, increases energy, and reduces fatigue, anxiety, and stress levels. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating insomnia. Having an acupuncture session can eliminate your need for sleep medications and dependence on drugs or alcohol to fall asleep.
Apart from acupuncture, Dr. Cook uses herbal formulas that address different symptoms and root causes of insomnia. They are personalized depending on your needs, age, and health and target digestive issues as well since poor sleep is attributed to our digestive system. During your assessment with Dr. Cook, she would also ask you to check the time of your last meal of the day because it can affect your sleep quality too.
At home, you can make yourself the following herbal tea to help soothe your body to sleep:
- Valerian root
- Chamomile
- Passionflower
- Kava
- Hops
A client of Dr. Cook expressed how her herbal treatment has helped improve her sleep, eliminating insomnia caused by chronic acid reflux, saying, “I visit Dr. Carolyn Cook, I explained to her all my symptoms: constant coughing to the point of vomiting, acid in my mouth, chapped lips, heart palpitations, midnight sweats, hot feet, constipation, impossibility to lay down because the acid made me cough severely, my throat was burning and it felt difficult to swallow feeling like a ball in my throat. I needed to sleep in a seated position.”
At 80 years old, the client had drunk her first cup of TCM herbal tea and her cough almost disappeared along with her other painful symptoms. She said, “I sleep in a flat position all night long like a healthy person.”
If you’re looking for a place to improve your sleep quality and finally have a good night’s rest, Miami Acupuncture & Classical Herbs is ready to welcome you. You may contact us at cc@miamiherbs.com or call us for an appointment at (305) 665-9711.