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Insomnia

Restful, regenerative sleep is a foundation for good health. We’ve all had a bad night’s sleep at one time. We don’t feel at our best or execute well the next day. Because our body performs important functions when we sleep, extended poor sleep eventually leads to health issues. Insomnia can include difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, not enough sleep time or poor sleep quality. Healthy sleep requires that we maintain adequate sleep in all three stages, deep, light and REM sleep.

Sleep issues are common among my Scottsdale and Paradise Valley patients. And, there’s a growing number of young people in their teens, 20’s and 30’s with sleep issues. Insomnia in the United States is estimated at 15%-24% of the population.i People try a variety of different supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and CBD or THC products, some of which do induce sleep but don’t solve the problem. Many leave the person groggy and even more tired in the morning. Forcing the body to sleep with medications does not provide good quality sleep or get to the actual problem and fix it.

In Chinese medicine, sleep problems can arise from several health patterns that need to be treated differently with personalized acupuncture and herbs that address the pattern. These patterns can include:

"I've lived with anxiety and depression for many years. It's difficult to feel motivated, even to do the things I love. I also have Fibromyalgia which exacerbates the problem causing aches, foggy head and fatigue. There are times when I can't get out of bed. I've tried many anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, but still didn’t feel as good as I know I could. I was skeptical that acupuncture would help. After my first treatment, I felt relaxed and less anxious. After several weeks of treatment, I am sleeping better, have more energy and I'm now working. Acupuncture has made a big difference in my life. Linda has been a great help to me, making me feel relaxed and comfortable to receive treatment. I look forward to continued treatments and starting herbs." -F.E.

Blood Deficiency

Blood deficiency patterns present as difficulty falling asleep, fatigue even with adequate amounts of sleep, heart palpitations, dry skin, and pale tongue and complexion. Nourishing blood and calming spirit allow the person to fall asleep more easily and naturally with energy upon waking.

Heart, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

This type of insomnia is caused by a deficiency of Yin energy in one or more of the organ systems. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry eyes, mouth and throat, palpitations and a feeling of mild agitation and restlessness that can affect falling and/or staying asleep. Yin energy is cooling and grounding. Acupuncture and herbs restore the balance of yin and yang, and moisten and cool the system thereby alleviating the conditions that disrupt sleep.

Liver Qi Stagnation

When Qi (energy) in the liver organ system is inhibited because of stress or anxiety, our energy stagnates, leading to frustration, irritability and often pain symptoms such as headaches, jaw tightness, neck and shoulders tension, abdominal and chest discomfort, even bowel issues. Correcting sleep issues in Chinese medicine almost always involves a multi-pronged approach. It is especially true in the case of Liver Qi Stagnation. Alleviating stress and anxiety, moving qi and blood, reducing heat and areas of pain must all be addressed.

Excess Phlegm with Heat

Phlegm is congealed fluids that can derive from any number of things, most commonly poor diet and digestion (often chronic) or residual nasal or chest congestion (usually temporary). Phlegm combined with heat causes fitful sleep with excessive vivid dreaming and waking in early morning hours unable to fall back. It also causes extreme restlessness, dizziness or vertigo, heavy or wooly headedness, irritability and bitter taste in the mouth. To properly treat the sleep issue, the underlying phlegm and heat must be addressed, usually with herbs and lifestyle adjustments.

In short, most sleep aids do not address these underlying causes and in some cases can exacerbate them. CBD and THC products are not suited to phlegm and deficiency patterns. I can help you get to the bottom of your sleep problem so you can get quality sleep and wake properly restored. Call today for a free consultation.