Acupuncture for insomnia

Pthree

Acupuncture, does it work?

I have suffered from really bad insomnia for years, I have tried lots off different remedies, pill, potions, drinks etc.. and the latest pills from the Dr are making me feel awful.

So my next move is acupuncture.. I know people who have had it for pain etc.. but wondered if it might be good for sleep.

It can be quite pricey here in London so if anyone has any experience I would love to hear.

P3

A.Penny.Saved

It might be worth you checking out the effects of ammonia on the brain and nervous system. High levels can disrupt the body clock but it often also makes people feel terrible in the morning with difficulty getting up. It can cause a shifted body clock, awake into the night and asleep until late or a great deal of difficulty getting up.

It could be other things but is at least worth considering as a possibility.

[Deleted User]

Pthree wrote: »

Acupuncture, does it work?

Apparently not.

maddiemay

I cannot comment on acupuncture for insomnia, however, in the past it has worked for me (2 different practitioners) for female problems and general well being. Also some of my animals were treated by Vets who also trained in it's use and offered it at their practice. The 2 elderly dogs that had the treatment did benefit (muscular/skeletal problems from overuse and old age), no placebo effect in animals! Of course what I cannot know is whether manipulation, massage or other hands on therapies would also have worked.

I think there is only one way for you to know! and unfortunately it is expensive. (I speak as one who pays for physio, massage etc, for the simple reason that for my condition the prescribed drugs make my stomach bleed and cause anaemia, and the offered alternatives are either addictive or ineffective). Acupuncture is in my armoury, waiting to be tried if necessary though - mainly due to a change of area and the need to find a new practitioner:(

lalapinkfluff

I know that they have pop up acupuncture sessions the first Saturday of the month in limewharf in London..I think these are reasonably priced (have never been there) if you follow the healing needles on twitter there is information on there.
I have been doing auricular acupuncture for substance users for 10 years. 5 points in each ear. one of the most frequent after effects of this is improved sleep.
Hope you find something that works for you, insomnia can be awful.


la

kerri_gt

I can't say from personal experience but recently I've had two people remark separately about benefits for other ailments they have felt from acupuncture. Personally, I would say if you can afford it then its worth a try. Hope you find something that works for you.

esuhl

Pthree wrote: »

Acupuncture, does it work?

It's based on a superstitous model of the human body, made up of an invisible substance (qi or ch'i) flowing through invisible magic lines (meridians).

As an example of some of the ways that the mechanism of acupuncture has been explained, consider this quote from a textbook:

Epilepsy is generally caused by rising air and congestion causing the heart to be stuffed and confused. The disease is in the heart, the liver, and the bladder. Treatment should be designed to ease the liver, to stop the rising air, to eliminate congestion, and to open up stuffed circulation.

http://www.acuwatch.org/general/taub.shtml

If you believe that, you'll believe anything! Acupuncture is probably as effective as any other placebo. So rather than waste lots of money on a placebo, why not make your own cheap sugar pills and take them instead?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture

mrsbatch

Here is what I am trying and so far so good, I still wake up early around 5am but past few nights have slept through.
3 magnesium tablets at night
Almond oil ( £1from wilkinsons)mixed with either lavender oil of frankinsense on my throat and chest area.
Bought some tisserand sleep oil on sale and also Bach sleep spray( both were about a £1 each so happy to try)
For me it is since the menopause wish someone had told me how horrid insomnia can be
I wish you luck

mrsbatch

I mean how wonderful it is to just go to bed and wake up to the alarm!