Sleep Wellness
Acupuncture & TCM for Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep. This can lead to poor-quality sleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Insomnia can be acute, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, lasting for months or even years. It can be caused by a variety of factors — including stress, anxiety, depression, certain medications or medical conditions, and poor sleep habits. If left untreated, insomnia can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues.
I.
Physical Health Issues
Insomnia can cause physical health issues in a number of ways. Lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Chronic insomnia has also been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Insomnia can also contribute to weight gain, as lack of sleep affects the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This can lead to an increased risk of obesity and related health problems.
In addition, insomnia can cause daytime fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. It can also lead to decreased productivity and difficulty with daily activities, which can impact overall quality of life.
The physical health consequences of untreated insomnia can be significant and long-lasting, making it important to seek treatment and address the underlying causes of sleep disturbance.
II.
Mental Health Issues
Insomnia can cause or worsen mental health issues by disrupting the natural balance of brain chemicals that regulate mood, emotions, and behaviour. Lack of sleep can lead to an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also lead to a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for maintaining healthy mood and emotional balance.
Chronic insomnia has been linked to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate symptoms of existing mental health conditions, making it harder for individuals to cope with their symptoms and manage their daily lives.
III.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional insomnia treatment options include prescription medications (sedatives and hypnotics), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and sleep hygiene practices. Sedatives and hypnotics can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, and may also lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. CBT can be effective in the long-term, but may take several weeks to show results. Sleep hygiene practices — such as establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment — can also be helpful, but may not be effective for all individuals. It is important to discuss any potential side effects and risks with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment for insomnia.
IV.
Ancient Chinese Saying
子午流注 · The Body Clock
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of the “body clock” or “circadian rhythm” is known as the 子午流注 (Zi Wu Liu Zhu) system. This system divides the day into twelve two-hour intervals, each of which is associated with one of the twelve main meridians in the body. The gallbladder meridian is most active during the hours of 11 pm to 1 am, while the liver meridian is most active during the hours of 1 am to 3 am.
According to this system, it is recommended to be asleep during the hours when the gallbladder meridian is most active, which is why the ideal time for sleep in TCM is often said to be between 11 pm and 7 am. During this time, the body is believed to be in a state of restoration and rejuvenation, allowing for optimal physical and mental health.
V.
TCM Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine views insomnia as an imbalance in the body’s energy or Qi, particularly in the organs related to sleep — the heart, liver, and spleen. Acupuncture works by targeting specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance to these organs.
Acupuncture may also increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood stabilisers that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. In addition, acupuncture may help regulate the release of certain hormones — such as melatonin and cortisol — which can impact sleep patterns.
Research has also shown that acupuncture may stimulate the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Low levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Overall, acupuncture aims to address the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to insomnia, promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, and regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles.
VI.
Acupuncture Points
There are several acupuncture points commonly used to treat insomnia:
Extra Point
Anmian
Located behind the ear; often used to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
HT 7
Shenmen
Located on the wrist; believed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and to calm the mind.
Extra Point
Sishencong
Located on the top of the head; believed to calm the mind and improve sleep quality.
PC 6
Neiguan
Located on the inside of the wrist; believed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
KD 3
Taixi
Located on the inside of the ankle; believed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
BL 62
Shenmai
Located on the outside of the ankle; believed to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
These points may be used individually or in combination based on the individual’s specific symptoms and diagnosis.
VII.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Several Chinese herbal formulas can be used for insomnia. The specific formula prescribed depends on the individual’s symptoms and TCM diagnosis:
Suan Zao Ren Tang 酸枣仁汤
Includes sour jujube seed, which is believed to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Gui Pi Tang 归脾汤
Includes ginseng, astragalus, and other herbs to tonify the Qi and blood — helpful for insomnia caused by stress and anxiety.
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan 天王补心丹
Includes Chinese angelica root and other herbs to nourish the Yin and calm the mind — helpful for insomnia caused by imbalances in the heart and liver.
Bu Nao Wan 补脑丸
Includes Polygonum multiflorum, believed to tonify the liver and kidneys and nourish the blood — helpful for insomnia caused by deficiency.
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang 柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤
Includes bupleurum, believed to regulate the liver and alleviate depression and anxiety, as well as dragon bone and oyster shell to calm the mind and promote sleep.
Chinese herbal medicine should only be prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner, as the specific formula used depends on the individual’s unique diagnosis and constitution.
At Huatuo Clinic · Sleep Wellness
Huatuo Clinic offers a holistic approach to sleep wellness that includes both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Our experienced practitioners work with each patient to identify the underlying causes of their insomnia and develop an individualised treatment plan to address their unique needs.
Acupuncture can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by stimulating specific points on the body that promote relaxation and reduce stress. The use of Chinese herbal medicine can also help to balance the body’s energy and promote restful sleep.
At Huatuo Clinic, we also provide lifestyle and dietary recommendations that can contribute to a better quality of sleep. If you are struggling with insomnia or other sleep-related issues, please contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our approach to sleep wellness.