Sleepless nights happen to almost everyone at some time, but
ongoing insomnia can indicate a deeper issue and could lead to further health
concerns, let alone completely debilitate your normal functioning.
Unfortunately, a common approach to treating insomnia includes prescription sleeping
medications, which can cause side effects or even chemical dependence.
Considering an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems can be a
very effective way to improve your sleep quality without side effects.
First off, it’s important to recognize if this is one bad
night…or an ongoing issue. Occasional insomnia is a very common problem,
affecting about one in four Americans. Everyday stress and the individual’s
immediate environment can hold a lot of blame in these situations. However, there
are chronic conditions that include insomnia as a common symptom. This is why a
proper diagnostic evaluation from a holistic practitioner, someone like myself,
is so important.
According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia can stem from a number of internal catalysts
such as emotional and mental stressors, improper nutrition, and chronic pain
just to name a few. To determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, I
would also take into account any external factors, including lifestyle, sleep
environment, late-night artificial light exposure, and other stimulants that
could be adding to your sleeplessness. With this ancient form of healthcare, we
can treat your symptoms, improve your overall health and well-being, and
start looking forward to a great night’s sleep, every night.
Bedtime Breathing Exercise:
Learning to relax at bedtime can be difficult for many
people. Here is a simple breathing exercise that can help you relax both your
body and mind.
Lie down with your legs straight and slightly apart. Support
yourself in any way you need to feel comfortable and ready for sleep. We
suggest placing one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Now close
your eyes and begin.
1) Exhale completely through your mouth → feel your chest and
stomach fall
2) Inhale through your nose for a count of four → think of
filling your abdomen first
3) Hold your breath for four more counts (or whatever feels
comfortable)
4) Exhale through your nose for a count of six → again feel
your chest and stomach fall
Repeat until you feel both your body and mind begin to
relax.
Bedtime Acupressure Routine:
Rubbing acupuncture points with your finger for 30 - 60
seconds can stimulate and promote the circulation of Qi within your own body,
restoring health and well-being.
Pericardium 7 (P 7): With the palm facing up, in the middle
of the wrist crease, between both tendons. Functions: Clears the Heart and
calms the spirit, expands the chest, dispels fullness from the chest, reduces
fire from the heart, and harmonizes the Stomach. The main point to treat
insomnia.
Heart 7 (HT 7): With palm facing up, on the inside of
the wrist, on the little finger side of the crease where the hand meets the
wrist. Functions: Calms the Shen (mind), pacifies the heart, clears the
channels, sleep disturbance, sedates, and regulates the internal organs.
Pericardium 6 (P 6): On the inside of the forearm, in
between the tendons, approximately 2.5 finger widths below the wrist crease.
Functions: Opens the chest, regulates Heart Qi, calms the Shen (Spirit),
harmonizes the Stomach, relieves nausea and vomiting, insomnia, opens and
relaxes chest tightness.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from insomnia acupuncture and other facets of TCM might be very beneficial. Don’t wait until your insomnia begins interfering with your everyday routine, schedule your appointment, and start feeling better today.
Call Now. Space is Limited
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM
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