Insomnia

Heal Insomnia Naturally with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

insomniaIt is estimated that over 10% of Americans suffer with insomnia or trouble sleeping.  If you have trouble falling asleep (takes longer than 10-15 minutes once your head hits the pillow) or your wake one or more times per night for no reason or to urinate, you may have insomnia.  This can lead to low energy, irritability or depression if the issue becomes chronic (longer than 1 month).  Other concurrent health conditions can be present that contribute to this issue.  In Chinese medicine, a long and successful history has been established to help people with this issue naturally through the use of diet, herbs, acupuncture, tuina (massage), tai chi and meditation.

In order to heal insomnia naturally, we must approach the issue holistically.  We must address the physical, electrical and emotional/spiritual aspects to this health problem if we are going to have the best chance of healing.  Most people just simply focus on possible physical aspects, when the other levels of the body may offer us profound healing.  For more information on this model of health, please see the article The Five Levels of Healing in the Body.

Physical Healing of Insomnia

In Chinese medicine, sleeping is predominately a problem of what we call deficient blood and yin, most specifically in the heart and liver.  The heart is what houses the mind and when the heart is deficient to due toxins, nutritional deficiencies, sexual excess, overwork and negative emotions, the mind is restless at night, which keeps one awake.  A mind-body connection is always at work within the Chinese understanding of health and the body.

One of the first things to address with those who wish to heal insomnia naturally will be to address dietary factors.  The foods that cause the most problems and should be avoided are all refined sugar, wheat, dairy (even yogurt), soy, alcohol, corn and fried foods.  Next, increasing vegetable intake considerably can also make a big difference.  For many, due to how toxic our world is today, a detoxification is most likely needed as well.  Clinically, we have a very complete and gentle protocol that is an invaluable help on the road to healing.  Lastly, endocrine health should be addressed because your pineal gland, which emits melatonin helping to induce sleep, can be in need of a couple of very powerful nutrients in order to cleanse and heal, so you can produce more melatonin naturally.

Electrical Healing of Insomnia

Many have used acupuncture to heal insomnia naturally with great success.  The acupuncture system is part of our body’s electrical system (like the nervous system).  When power goes off in your house or to a part of the house, it makes using things in the house harder and more difficult.  The same is true in our body.  Through acupuncture, we can strengthen and balance electrical flow in our body.  When this occurs, increased oxygen, blood flow and life giving chemicals from the brain will help the body to heal.  Many have slept more soundly because of the profound relaxation that acupuncture initiates.  Acupuncture works best in a series of treatments.

Emotional/Spiritual Healing of Insomnia

Stress or negative emotions have long been known as the biggest cause as to why people have trouble sleeping.  If you want to heal insomnia naturally, it is critical to address your emotions and past.  We are constantly re-experiencing our past in the present moment.  By learning how to let go of our negative emotions, we can sleep much better.  Every health problem has consciousness to it.  This means that very specific emotions and patterns of thinking are a part of each health problem.  Below are the ideas associated with insomnia:

“Sleep Problems (short-term disturbances)—Thinking too much. Unsure of how to turn off your mind. Feeling vulnerable, unprotected, unsafe, on guard. Thinking, If I sleep and let go, someone will hurt me or take advantage of me. Extreme fear and anxiety. Feeling threatened and helpless. Unresolved problems.

Insomnia (long-term)—Inability to relax. Feeling unsafe and unable to let go. Worrying, playing things over in your mind, dissecting situations. Feeling scattered, fearful, anxious, on guard. Harboring feelings of guilt and resentment.

Sleep Apnea—Difficulty trusting life and letting go. Overwhelmed by problems and pressures. Repressing anger, irritation, fury. Seething inside. Trying to please others to gain their approval.” (Inna Segal – The Secret Language of Your Body)

Do any of these apply to you?  Did you go through a particularly emotional time in the past when the problem really started?  What has make you feel the most unsafe, fearful and guilty?  The body will manifest a health issue sometimes to get us to pay attention to negative emotions that do not support life or health in the body.  You cannot hold onto negative emotions for decades without consequences.  By learning consciousness based releasing techniques, you can let your emotions go and you can heal naturally.

If you address the physical, electrical and emotional/spiritual components together you have the very best chance of healing insomnia naturally.  If this information resonates with you and you would like to work together with Dr. Scott, please call 407-255-0314 now to schedule your appointment.  If you are not in the Orlando, Florida area, distance and phone sessions are available.

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About Dr. Scott

Dr. Scott Graves, AP is a Board Licensed Acupuncture Physician who specializes in Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Nutrition Response Testing, General Health and more.