Acupuncture for Insomnia
February 19th, 2009
A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, insomnia typically includes symptoms such as: Feeling tired after waking, daytime fatigue, concentration and memory difficulties, difficulty going back to sleep after waking during the night, and frequent nocturnal awakenings.
There are two types of insomnia. Primary insomnia is a sleep disorder not associated with any existing health condition. Secondary insomnia is caused by an associated health condition or lifestyle factor, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular conditions, stress, environmental factors, medications, chronic pain, neurological disorders, nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and high blood pressure. Insomnia also may be acute, lasting a short time, or chronic, lasting more than one month.
For those individuals who are hesitant to take allopathic medications, acupuncture is a safe and natural alternative with virtually no adverse side effects. Acupuncture has been shown to have a superior side effect profile for treatment of insomnia compared to conventional medications.
Individuals who presently are treating their insomnia with conventional therapies and medications can safely integrate acupuncture into their treatment plan of choice. Acupuncture can also reduce common ailments associated with insomnia, such as headaches, cognitive impairment and musculoskeletal pain.
Studies have shown that individuals experiencing insomnia frequently have suppressed nocturnal outputs of melatonin. This melatonin deficiency often plays a key role in both acute and chronic insomnia. By naturally increasing nocturnal melatonin secretion, acupuncture can reduce both primary and secondary types of insomnia.
Acupuncture is particularly effective in reharmonizing an imbalanced sleep-wake cycle. Acupuncture increases production of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, that aid sleep. By increasing levels of endorphins, acupuncture can minimize sleep difficulties.
Acupuncture can treat secondary insomnia caused by digestive disorders, environmental noise, nutrition, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. While treating the fatigue commonly associated with insomnia, acupuncture can enhance overall health by nourishing blood, increasing lymph circulation and strengthening the immune system.
As many as 70 million Americans, or 25 percent of the population, experience insomnia and other sleep disorders. For people who find conventional therapies to be ineffective in treating their insomnia, or who experience adverse side effects, acupuncture is a safe and natural therapy choice. Acupuncture therapy treats insomnia based on individual diagnosis, constitution and underlying pattern of disharmony.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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