Not every sleep problem is the same problem
Some people can't fall asleep because their mind won't stop, some fall asleep easily and wake at three in the morning, and some sleep eight hours and still wake up tired. In Chinese medicine these are different patterns, and each is treated differently.
So in our first session I'll ask exactly when your sleep breaks, what's happening in your mind and body at that moment, and what your days, meals and stress look like. Often sleep is simply where the load of the day shows up.
What happens in a treatment?
- Acupuncture at points used in Chinese medicine for calming, on the hands, legs, feet and head.
- Herbal medicine in a personal formula, when you need support between sessions too.
- Small habits you can do at home, such as the time of your last meal, light in the evening and breathing before bed.
The session itself is quiet. The needles stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes, and most people feel a pleasant heaviness and calm. Many fall asleep on the table, which is a good sign.
What does the research say?
A Cochrane review of acupuncture for insomnia, updated in 2012, found that the existing studies are small, very different from each other and of low quality, so it's not yet possible to say that acupuncture works for insomnia. I think it's important to know this before you start: the treatment is safe and pleasant, but I won't promise a result the research doesn't show.
Source: Cheuk et al., Acupuncture for insomnia, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012.
When should I see a doctor?
Get a medical check-up, before treatment or alongside it, if:
- You snore loudly or stop breathing in your sleep, even if only the person next to you notices.
- You're very sleepy during the day, for example while driving.
- Low mood or anxiety is affecting your daily life.
- The sleep problem started after you began a new medication.
Questions
Can I come if I take sleeping pills?
Yes. Don't stop any medication without the doctor who prescribed it. Tell me about everything you take, especially if we use herbs.
What time of day is best to come in?
Whatever suits you. Some people like an evening session because they leave calm and ready for the night.
How many sessions will I need?
We usually start with one session a week for a few weeks, then look together at what has changed in your sleep. It helps to note when you fall asleep and wake up in the meantime, so we can see the change in numbers and not only in how you feel.
Want to see if this is right for you?
Send me a few words on WhatsApp about what brings you in, and I'll get back to you to find a time that works. Sessions can be in English or Hebrew.