Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine treatment where needles are inserted into meridians on the body. The principle of acupuncture treatment is to adjust the flow of Qi, or energy, in these acupuncture meridians which can control aspects of our body’s functioning. Acupuncture is especially effective for insomnia, as it has a calming effect on our nervous system.

There are many possible causes for your insomnia. The physiology of insomnia according to Chinese Medicine can be complex, but the simplest explanation is that good sleep requires two factors: proper transition of Yang and Yin energy with the change from day to night, and proper functioning of your blood to house your Spirit.

The Yang energy circulates through the Yang areas of your body during the day keeping your mind active. At night, this Yang energy should return to the Yin areas of your body, deeper and lower in your body. If the Yang energy stays in the Yang areas of your brain and eyes, these parts will continue to be energized and prevent you from falling asleep leading to insomnia. In Chinese Medicine physiology, your Blood is the residence of the Spirit, or Shen. If the Blood cannot support the Shen at night, the Shen wanders upwards in your mind causing insomnia. The Blood is produced by the Spleen and stored by the Liver. If either of these organs is in disharmony, the quality of the Blood will be weak, and unable to house the Shen. Continue to read TCM Treatment Evaluation for Neurasthenia.

Helpful Tips for Good Sleep

As evening comes, the day transitions from Yang to Yin; you too should adjust your behavior to improve your sleep and prevent insomnia. Try these helpful home remedy tips to assist your acupuncture insomnia treatment:

Quite the Mind: try breathing exercises, meditation, and other forms of relaxation to help your insomnia. 

--Diet: avoid spicy food, meats, large meals, alcohol, and caffeine near bedtime as these all create internal heat in your body. Try calming herbal teas. Eating Gou Qi Zi (wolf berries) at night can also help insomnia. 

--Exercise: vigorous exercise is best in the morning, not at night. Stick to relaxing stretches in the evening that unravel your stress avoiding insomnia. 

--Work: mental work is best completed during the day. Excessive thinking at night can over-stimulate your mind causing insomnia. 

--Warm Food Bath: soaking your feet in warm water at night will assist in bringing you Yang Qi down to the Yin areas of your body preventing insomnia.