Table of contents:
- Can acupuncture treat insomnia, myth or fact?
- How does acupuncture treat insomnia?
- Acupuncture points to treat insomnia
- 1. Third eye point
- 2. Sea of tranquility
- 3. Shining sea
There are various alternative methods used to treat insomnia. Starting from herbal supplements, hypnosis, meditation, to well-known ones like acupuncture. Acupuncture at a number of points in the body is considered effective for treating insomnia, because the needle pressure stimulates the nerves and muscles that play a role in the sleep mechanism.
Is acupuncture really that effective and which acupuncture points play a role in treating insomnia?
Can acupuncture treat insomnia, myth or fact?
The principle of acupuncture therapy is to improve blood flow and energy throughout the body.
By inserting a needle at a certain point, the blood and energy that has accumulated in one area of the body will flow to other areas that need it.
Although classified as an alternative therapy, the application of acupuncture to treat sleep problems has shown promising results.
In sufferers sleep apneaAcupuncture is known to reduce respiratory complaints quite effectively.
Through these findings, acupuncture on a number of points of the body is thought to be applied to treat other sleep disorders, including insomnia.
This was also proven in a study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
The study found that acupuncture can improve sleep duration and overall quality.
The benefits of acupuncture for sleep quality are even greater when combined with other methods of treating insomnia, such as medication.
How does acupuncture treat insomnia?
In general, acupuncture works by stimulating nervous system function and triggering the release of chemical signals in it.
This changes the mechanism in the body that causes insomnia. As a result, complaints of insomnia are reduced and sleep quality improves ..
When undergoing acupuncture therapy for insomnia, puncturing the points on your body does not immediately get rid of the insomnia itself.
Launch page The British Acupuncture Council, how acupuncture works are as follows:
- Increase the production of the hormone melatonin which regulates the sleep cycle.
- Increase the production of the hormone β-endorphin which relieves stress and pain.
- Increase enzyme activity nitric oxide synthase to maintain the sleep cycle.
- Blood circulation to the brain.
- Reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system so as to make the body more relaxed.
- Increase the production of chemical compounds that provide a sense of relaxation, such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Acupuncture points to treat insomnia
There are hundreds of acupuncture points on your body and each point has its own function. Here are some points used to treat insomnia:
1. Third eye point
This point is located between the eyebrows, precisely where the forehead meets the nose.
Acupuncture at this point can relieve complaints sleep apnea, headaches, vertigo, toothache, and reduce the persistent thoughts that make it difficult for you to sleep.
2. Sea of tranquility
This acupuncture point is located in the center of the sternum.
Apart from being effective in treating insomnia, this acupuncture point can also relieve anxiety, nerve problems, and respiratory problems that often trigger it.
3. Shining sea
Also known as the kidney 6 point, this point is located on the inner ankle.
Acupuncture therapy at this point can help with anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and indigestion.
Acupuncture therapy at some point in the body has great potential to treat insomnia.
This method is also relatively safe with a small risk of side effects. However, make sure you consult a doctor before starting to live it.
Consulting with your doctor will help you find the cause of insomnia and how to treat it. That way, acupuncture therapy is not only safe, but also more effective because it is accompanied by medical treatment.
