Our New Start Sleeping Program Is Here!

Get a Good Night's Sleep ... Naturally!

A woman, Michelle W., came in to see us for her sleeping problem. She had been unable to sleep through the night for some time.  Her lack of restful sleep was starting to impact all areas of her life.  She was often irritable with her two young boys at home as well as with her co-workers at her part time job.  At work she found herself unable to focus on the task at hand and she felt herself losing enthusiasm for her work.  By the end of the week she felt too tired to share time with her husband and felt it was starting to wear on their relationship.

Michelle W. is not alone. Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation show that almost 74% of all Americans do not get enough sleep each night. 51% of adults have problems sleeping at least a few nights each week and almost 1/3 have trouble sleeping every night. Statistics indicate those with sleep problems are twice as likely to feel stressed and tired.  These issues adversely affect one’s physical and mental health.

We helped Michelle W. with her insomnia by giving her several recommendations:

• Acupuncture treatment weekly:  Acupuncture has an inherent relaxing effect as it can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s ‘feel good’ chemical. As well, acupuncture treatment can help adjust the body system’s imbalances that can contribute to sleep disorder.

• General lifestyle considerations:  Lifestyle factors play an important part in one’s health.

• Specific to sleeping issues are, reducing stimulants in one’s diet: alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar (especially that late night bag of pretzels that seems so harmless), daily exercise and stress management.

Insomnia is often related to stress. Stress has become part of our everyday reality and is often unavoidable. The key then, is to manage stress so it doesn’t take a toll on our bodies and our sleep!

Quick and simple stress relief is offered by techniques such as aromatherapy.  One can use the aroma of Essential Oils to affect the body system in positive ways. Lavender has a calming effect. Keep a vial at your desk or in your purse to take a soothing whiff when pressure mounts. It may help calm you right when you need it. I’ve also recommended that patients rub a small amount behind their ears at night and let the soothing aroma help you relax to sleep. We often incorporate essential oils into your acupuncture treatments. We’ve researched essential oils and carry a pure and powerful line of products. Easy, safe and effective. Please feel free to ask us about how essential oils may complement your treatments.

One can also integrate simple calming exercises throughout the day. Before going into a stressful meeting or situation, do a ‘static sweep’.  Mentally move the negative thoughts and irritated feelings from the top of your head down to your feet to de-stress yourself.  Just take a breath in, exhaling the sound of  ‘Heeeeee’ (like air coming out of a tire), mentally guiding the ‘static’ or stress out of your system, feeling your body and mind relax. You can then lightly stamp your feet to add a nice grounded feeling. This can also be done at bedtime to clear your system for a restful sleep.  This exercise can be effective because it engages your body and mind. It comes from a system of exercises called Qigong that I have learned from studies with Mantak Chia, a world reknown master and teacher.  Qigong offers time tested exercises that have been shown to be stress relieving. Watch for our upcoming new Qigong class at FirstHealth for an opportunity to learn more!

With a course of treatment and self care methods, Michelle W. was able to better manage her stress and regain healthier sleep patterns. She can again enjoy her family and work life. We can help you too.  FirstHealth of Andover is launching a new Start Sleeping Program. Call us for an appointment to get your peaceful sleep back!    

-- Lee McCarthy, Lic.Ac.