Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder, usually characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or frequently waking up during the night and having difficulty getting back to sleep. If left untreated, insomnia can lead to more significant health issues, which can have terrible consequences on work performance, overall health, and quality of life.
How can one achieve good sleep? Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) offers some unique methods—acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina massage, gua sha, and cupping—that can help alleviate stress and facilitate relaxation for better sleep.
How does TCM view insomnia?
TCM believes that insomnia stems from a fundamental imbalance of energy or yin and yang qi. Sleep is a part of the natural rhythm of yin and yang qi within the body. These opposing forces play different roles—during the daytime, yang qi predominates, providing energy for bodily activities, keeping us warm and alert. But as night falls, the cooling, nourishing yin qi takes over, aiding in slowing down bodily activities, inducing relaxation, and calmness for a good night’s sleep. When this natural rhythm is disrupted, the balance of yin and yang qi is disturbed, leading to insomnia.
Some factors that contribute to the imbalance of yin and yang:
- Dietary habits, such as overeating or consuming beverages containing caffeine and alcohol;
- Emotional states such as anger, sadness, and extreme joy;
- Exhaustion due to overexertion or excessive mental stimulation;
- Chronic illnesses;
- Aging.
5 ways to help you sleep well
You can utilize various Chinese medical therapies to improve sleep quality. Whether it’s acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina massage, gua sha, cupping, or herbal medicine, let Chinese medicine guide you into a stress-free, sleep-filled paradise.
Acupuncture – Key to a calm mind
Acupuncture can improve sleep quality to relieve stress and anxiety. By inserting tiny needles into acupressure points, it stimulates these points to release happy chemicals, creating a serene atmosphere.
Moxibustion – Winter’s warm embrace
Ever experienced the warm embrace of mugwort? That’s moxibustion. It spreads warmth and a positive atmosphere throughout your body, perfect for those cold, stressful days.
Tuina Massage – Antidote to tension
When stress makes your muscles tense, tuina comes to the rescue. It’s like a stress-relieving massage. Massaging acupoints like Neiguan and Shenmen can help circulate qi, dissipating heat accumulated in corresponding areas.
Gua Sha – Stress eliminator
Gua sha might sound fancy, but it’s just a stress eliminator. Like erasing tension lines from your skin, it promotes good blood circulation, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and energized.
Cupping – Detoxifier
Using cups to create suction on your skin, cupping draws out stress and brings a balanced energy flow. Release stress, restore balance.
Apart from these five treasures, herbal supplements can also alleviate symptoms for insomnia patients. Adding herbs like sour jujube seed, lily bulb, longan flesh, or Chinese wolfberry into your daily diet, and drinking warm herbal teas like chamomile and mimosa flower. Mimosa and rose flowers may help balance yin and yang qi.
Learn more: How to Cure Insomnia in 12 Minutes
Lifestyle habits helpful for alleviating insomnia
- Soaking feet in warm water for about 20 minutes before bedtime
- Practicing breathing exercises or meditation
- Listening to soothing music
- Avoiding the use of electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime
Sleep experts by your side
In the world of Chinese medicine, stress and sleep are not major issues. From acupuncture to moxibustion, tuina massage, gua sha, and cupping, they help you relax your body and mind, relieving stress. Chinese medicine can tailor personalized approaches for you through unique diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
At the Shanghai Dubai Clinic, we adopt a comprehensive approach, harmonizing body and mind, allowing Chinese medicine to escort you into a peaceful night’s sleep!
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Make a call at + 971 44225238
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