What Exactly Is Melatonin, Anyway?

Melatonin is actually a hormone in the body. Scientifically known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, this compound naturally occurs in animals (such as us, humans), plants and microorganisms. The amount of melatonin produced in the body vary throughout the day, depending on the darkness or lightness of our surroundings, helping set our internal body clock regulate specific bodily functions including sleep.

In human beings, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. The process starts from our eyes, which have light-sensitive receptors that capture the amount of light and relay the information to the suprachiamastic nucleus or SCN. The SCN then relays the information to the pineal gland. So, when the special light-sensitive receptors do not get enough light during night, it relays a specific message to the SCN, which prompts the pineal gland to produce plenty of melatonin, which triggers sleep.

During the day, however, when the light-sensitive receptors of the eyes receive plenty of light, it sends signals to the SCN which also prompts the pineal gland to reduce melatonin production.

Medical Uses Of Melatonin

Melatonin is used in the medical field to help treat seasonal affective disorder, depression, circadian rhythm related sleep problems like delayed sleep phase syndrome and chronic insomnia. Aside from sleep conditions, melatonin is also used as potential treatment for non-sleep related conditions like immune disorders, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Melatonin usually comes in capsules or tablets, which are taken following a specific dose provided by one’s health care provider or by the product manufacturer.

Is Melatonin Safe?

With regards to safety, melatonin is generally safe when used in recommended dosages, and when used for a short term basis. Some side effects may occur among users, which include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache and temporary loss of balance. These symptoms are general and are not generally dangerous, provided that patients do not operate any machinery or drive for several hours after taking the supplement. There are rare cases though when melatonin intake can cause vomiting, low blood ressure and increased paranoia.

In case you experience any of these side effects, make sure that you let your doctor know right away.

Who Should Not Take Melatonin Supplements?

While deemed safe for use, melatonin does influence hormone production and immune function, so it should not be used by growing children, pregnant and lactating women as well as women trying to give birth. Diabetics should also steer away from this compound because it can affect insulin levels in the body. Likewise, because it influences the immune function of the body, people with autoimmune disorders should not take the supplement.

Does Melatonin Work?

Melatonin has been found to promote sleep in patients suffering from some forms of insomnia. However, it should be noted that it can only work for sleep disorders related to the circadian rhythm, making it ineffective for secondary sleep problems, or sleep disorders caused by underlying physical conditions.

So, before taking melatonin supplements, always consult your doctor to make sure that your sleeping problem or insomnia is primarily caused by your circadian system – and not because of any other underlying physical condition.

However, if it is your first time to try massage therapy though, you may have many questions in your mind about how to prepare, what to do and how to go about with the process.

Should You or Should You Not Get A Massage?

Massages provide a wide range of benefits for the body and for the mind. It can help heal physical injuries, alleviate chronic pain symptoms, relieve stress, increase joint movement and promote mobility. Likewise, massages can help promote good sleep.

While massages are very beneficial there are some people who should avoid getting massages or should inform their health care providers before doing so, and these are people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have open wounds or contagious skin conditions, unhealed surgical scars and varicose veins. Some types of massages are also not advisable for pregnant women as well. Massages can also be done on cancer patients, but only with physician’s consent.

If you have any of these conditions or if you are in any way in doubt if you are fit for massage therapy, always ask your health care provider first. 

Finding Your Massage Therapist

There are plenty of places to get massages and the most common places are massage clinics, day spas, salons and resorts. Of course, there are also professional therapists that provide at-home service. One of the best ways to find a good massage therapist is always by word of mouth, so try asking your friends and relatives for recommendations. Remember, though that people have different therapists, so the perfect therapist for someone may not be the ideal choice for you. Always ask about the therapist’s training, experience, types of massage and fees before starting.

Scheduling Your Session

Massages can make you feel relaxed, so you may feel sleepy or drowsy after. If you are getting a massage for sleep purposes, then schedule it during the end of the day, or during the time of the day when you have nothing to do afterwards so you can continue to experience its relaxing effects without worrying about work or other obligations.

What To Expect During Your First Session

During your first massage session, your therapist or the massage clinic/spa will usually ask you to fill in a form. Your therapist should also ask you about your physical and medical history. Then, you will be led to a massage room which will either have a bed or futon.

For most types of whole body massages, you will need to unclothe down to your underwear (women need to remove their bras) and life facedown on the bed. Head, hand and foot massages are usually done on a massage chair, so you do not have to undress.

Your massage therapist will leave you to prepare and undress and will knock to ask if you are ready. Some people may feel uncomfortable about getting undressed, but your therapist body will mostly be covered with a sheet or towel. The therapist will uncover sections of the body one at a time as she works on them.

If you feel any discomfort during the session – like if the temperature is too cold or if the massage pressure is too hard – always let your therapist know. It is his or her job to make you feel comfortable as possible.

Do not hesitate to ask questions or request changes during the massage. A good therapist will adjust his or her style to suit the preference of the client. Don’t worry if you fall asleep, too

Payments and Tips

Most independent massage therapists have a set price, so you really do not have to give tips. There is no stopping you from tipping, though, especially if you had an excellent experience. For therapists working at day spas or salons, though, therapists usually get only a percentage of the total fee, so it would be a good idea to leave a tip after the session.

How Often To Get Massages

If you are happy with your first massage session, you may want to come back for more. But, you may wonder, “how often is often?” Some people get as much as once a week, or once every two weeks. Some people get massages once a month on a regular basis, but a little more during stressful times or in the event of injuries. Most therapists recommend getting massages once every two weeks, but ultimately, the choice will have to be a balance between your schedule, your needs and how much you can afford.

To help improve the effects of massage on your health and your sleep conditions, try pairing it with a healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep hygiene as well.

Indeed, for many years, the healing power of touch has been used for thousands of years to improve relaxation and promote wellness. However, it does not just affect the mind but the body as well.

Massages Relieves Stress and Tension

Massage works by stimulating the autonomic nervous system, which has two parts – the sympathetic and parasympathetic. Generally, the sympathetic nervous system is the one that works during fight or flight, and is generally active during stressful moments. The parasympathetic nervous systm, on the other hand balances things and promotes relaxation and release of tension. A good massage stimulates the parasympathetic system. Thus, if tension and stress are the reasons why you cannot sleep well at night, a good massage may just change that.

Massages Alleviate Pain and Discomfort

Aside from stimulating your autonomous nervous system, massages also help promote blood circulation. Likewise, it also helps ease joint inflammation and pain. Insomnia and difficulty sleeping in older individuals are usually caused by pain related to chronic conditions like arthritis and high blood pressure. Massages can help alleviate pain, improve circulation and lower blood pressure – symptoms that usually cause disturbances during sleep.

Some Types of Massages

There are different types of massages that you might want to try if you plan to visit a spa or massage clinic. Some of the most popular types of massages are :

• Swedish Massage  - Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage in the West. It makes use of smooth strokes, circular movements and kneading of muscles. Oil or lotion is regularly used. Massage therapists can also incorporate aromatherapy oils.
• Shiatsu – Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy that makes use of finger pressure on the meridians of the body.
• Reflexology –  Reflexology is usually a massage done on the foot. However, it is more than a simple foot massage because it involves the stimulation of pressure points on the foot, which correspond to different systems and parts of the body.
• Thai Massage -  Thai massage is a little bit similar to Shiatsu because it ivolves putting gentle pressure on specific points of the body. However, thai massage also involves stretches, where the therapist moves the body to do a series of stretching poses.

How To Use Massage Therapy For Sleep Problems

Most people get massages from professional massage therapists. Always disclose your medical history (especially conditions related to muscles and joints) to your massage therapist. If it is your first time to get a massage, let your therapist know, too so he or she can go slow.

If you cannot find a massage professional near you, you do not need to worry. The good thing about massage is that you do not need to go to a massage therapist regularly to receive its benefits. You can also do self-massages or ask someone at home to give you a soothing backrub.

To help promote sleep, you may even want to make use of aromatherapy oils that contain essential oils such as lavender or Roman chamomile to help relax you even more.

Aromatherapy is used to alleviate stress, energize or in many cases, promote sound sleep.

How Does Aromatherapy  Work?

The principle behind aromatherapy is that essential oils have specific chemical components, which stimulate the olfactory system – the part of the brain that controls the powerful scent of smell.

The brain then processes these chemical signals and sends them to the Limbic system of the brain, which is the part that controls learned memories and emotions.

The chemical messengers sent from the olfactory system then triggers the limbic system to influence the emotions, making the person feel either stimulated or relaxed. Sometimes aromatherapy is combined with massage to further induce relaxation.

Lemongrass, citronella and eucalyptus contain the chemical component aldehyde, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and calming properties. Lemon, orange, bergamot and similar essential oils have the chemical component terpenes which is a strong stimulant.

Oil from roses, tea tree, sandalwood and ginger contain the checmical compound alcohol which is energizing and vitalizing. When applied topically, these essential oils have bacterial and antiviral properties.

Lavender, sage, Roman chamomile and bergamot essential oils on the other hand contain esters which are calming and sedative in nature, makng them the perfect choice for those who want to relax and sleep.

How To Do Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy employs the use of essential oils, which are natural and concentrated extractions from plants. The oils can either be applied topically to the skin or inhaled.

• Topical Application - Because essential oils are very concentrated, they should not be applied directly to the skin. Instead, they can be mixed with base oils and massaged to the body. Or, several drops of oil can be dropped in a warm tubful of water. You can also dip a washcloth in water and essential oil mixture and rub the wet washcloth on the skin.
• Inhalation - Inhalation therapy can be done through the use of  vaporizers or burners, emitting a wonderful ambiance throughout the whole room. You can also do steam inhalation by putting several drops of the essential oil in hot water, then inhaling the steam. Some people also put drops of essential oil on cotton balls and leave them on the bedside. Or, you can take a spritz bottle and mix several essential oil with water and spray the mixture on your curtains, linens and all over your room.

To achieve the desired effect (relaxation, stimulation, warming, invigoration and the like), you should choose the right type of essential oil.

For sleep purposes, some of the best options are lavender, Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, bergamot, petitgrain and clary sage.

Does Aromatherapy Really Work?

Now for the main question – does aromatherapy really work?

Essential oils have been proven to affect the limbic system, which alters the moods and feelings. Thus, the right choice of essential oil can really help you feel stimulated or relaxed. It is good to note, though, that aromatherapy is not a cure for insomnia. Instead, it can be used to calm, relax and soothe the mind which can promote good and restful sleep.

 Also see article: Flower Remedies for Insomnia

The inability to sleep can be caused by a wide range of things. It may be because of underlying conditions like heart disease or sleep apnea. But sometimes, it may simply be due to the lack of proper sleep hygiene.

What Is Sleep Hygiene?

Most people associate hygiene with cleanliness, but the word hygiene actually refers to practices and acts that preserve health. Thus, sleep hygiene refers the control of environmental and behavioral factors that may cause or interfere with sleep. Proper sleep hygiene, therefore are acts that promote better sleep.

So, if you are suffering from sleeping problems, you might just want to take a look at these and see what you can improve to help yourself sleep better.

Personal Habits For Better Sleep Hygiene

Avoid Naps
Naps work well for some people, but if you are already having trouble sleeping to begin with, then you should actually be avoiding them. If you do feel like you need to take a nap in the afternoon, keep it within thirty to forty-five minutes. Naps that are longer than that may keep you awake at night.

Cultivate proper sleeping time
Even if you cannot fall asleep at night, try cultivating a set “bed time” because most of the time – the body gets used to it eventually.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Some people think alcohol can help them sleep, but it can actually work as a stimulant especially several hours after drinking. Thus, try to avoid alcohol or at least refrain from drinking six hours before your bedtime. The same goes for caffeine which should also be avoided six hours before bedtime.

Exercise
Exercising regularly helps deepen your sleep because it uses up your excess engery during the day and gets you tired at night. You can do any kind of exercise that you like, as long as you avoid doing them quite close to bedtime.

Better Sleep Hygiene With Your Environment

Reserve The Bed For Sleep
The bed should be used for sleep (and sex), so ditch the habit of bringing your laptop or watching TV while in bed. Keeping your bed solely for sleep helps your brain associate it with sleeping.

Proper Ventilation and Temperature
Your bedroom should be well ventilated to allow you to breathe better. Likewise, it should be cool or warm enough so you feel comfortable.

Eliminate Light
Sleep comes best when all the lights are off, so turn of all the lights if you can. If you cannot sleep with the lights off, then use lamps with dim lights instead.

Make Your Bed Comfortable
A comfortable bed is one key to good sleep, so make sure that your mattress, pillows and beddings all feel good and comfortable for you. Otherwise, try to invest a little to improve what you have right now.

These tips may sound so common and simple, but a lot of us tend to overlook some of these.

So, if you are suffering from the occasional sleepless night, try to take a look at these habits and ask yourself – am I practising good sleep hygiene, or am I missing out on some of them?

If you are, try practicing them to see if your sleep condition improves within the next few days or weeks. If they don’t, then you may also want to try natural sleeping remedies or seek professional help to find a more suitable remedy for your condition.

If you have been researching or reading about natural sleeping remedies, then you have probably come across some research and findings on hypnosis for sleeping problems.

Indeed, hypnosis is no longer just for stage performance because it is now also used to help promote better sleep.

What Is Hypnosis?

If you hear the word hypnosis, you may eventually imagine a man swinging a golden medal back and forth in front of another person. But, it is actually more than that.

Hypnosis basically refers to the state of relaxation, heightened imagination and suggestability. The mental state or trance is induced by a hypnotic induction or through hypnotherapy. The state of hypnosis can be induced by another individual or it can also be self-administered. The practice of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes is called hypnotherapy.

Is Hypnosis Good For Sleep?

Because the state of hypnosis allows the individual to be more open to suggestion, it is used to alter different kinds of behaviors, reactions and habits, including those that contribute to sleep disorders such as insomnia. It can also induce a state of relaxation which can help people sleep better.

There have been several studies done on hypnosis, and research results show that hypnosis may help alleviate insomnia, especially when paired with sleep hygiene procedures. Aside from insomnia, the use of hypnosis has also been found to be beneficial for problems like insomnia, nightmares, bed wetting and sleep walking.

How To Use Hypnosis For Sleep

If you are having trouble falling asleep, it is a good idea to first consult your doctor to make sure that your sleep problems are not caused by any underlying medical problem. Once that is cleared, you can consult a reliable hypnotherapist or even ask your doctor if he can recommend one.

If there are no hypnotherapists in your area, you can actually take a look at books, audio and video materials which you can use as resources to learn self-hypnosis. A lot of people do self hypnosis all the time for relaxation and deep sleep, but it is important that you do a lot of research before trying it out.

How To Help Improve Your Sleeping Condition

Trying hypnotherapy for sleep is a good idea – because it might just work for you. However, you can help improve the possible effects of hypnosis by practicing good sleep hygiene as well. Sleep hygiene refers to the control of behavioral and environmental aspects that affect your sleep such as your food and beverage intake, lifestyle habits and bedroom condition.

Practicing good sleep hygiene involves trying to go to bed on time, avoiding caffeine especially during the later part of the day, exercising and keeping your bedroom clean and conducive for sleep.

Aside from practicing good sleep hygiene, you can even try other non-invasive sleep therapies like yoga and meditation. Or, you may consider investing in a more comfortable bed or pillow such as an orthopedic pillow.

These extra efforts can be done in conjunction with hypnosis and should help improve your chances of sleeping better.

Insomnia is a common problem for older people and it is caused by a wide range of reasons.

Health conditions such as high blood pressure or the regular intake of maintenance medication can interfere with the sleep of older adults, causing a lower quality of sleep and an overall lower quality of life. However, there are always ways to help alleviate sleep problems, and one of these methods is by practicing tai chi.

What Is Tai Chi?

Tai chi is an ancient practice that involves slow meditative like movements.

Today, tai chi is popularly practiced in China by older adults. Tai chi is somewhat similar to yoga in movements, which are slow and steady. The practice involves following a sequence of slow martial art movements movements which are called forms or sets.

Today, especially in the west, Tai Chi is practiced early in the morning and is done in large groups with one instructor leading the practitioners from one slow movement to another.

tai chi by the lake

A study done on elder individuals tried to compare the effects tai chi and low impact exercise in sleeping problems and it was actually found that tai chi practitioners had better improvements in sleep than low impact exercise practitioners. The improvements found from the study were similar to the effects of using prescription medication for sleep.

Why Is Tai Chi Great For Older Adults?

Tai Chi is recommended for older adults because it is a very slow and mindful form of exercise.

Because of its slow and steady transitions – the risk of injury is very minimal, in comparison to other mild forms of exercise like Pilates and Yoga.

But aside from being easy and safe to do, one cannot underestimate the other health benefits of tai chi.

Because it is practiced for more than thirty minutes, it can be considered an aerobic form of exercise, which has plenty of cardiovascular benefits such as lowered blood pressure.

Tai chi has also been seen to improve muscle strength and flexibility, increase stamina, promote relaxation and help control weight.

Aside from its physical benefits, it also has numerous mental benefits, which are great for older practitioners.

Practising this exercise reduces stress, improves concentration and gives the mind a good work-out.

Of course, Tai Chi is not just for older adults, because anyone can actually practice it .

What Beginners Can Do

If you are a beginner and you plan to practice the exercise, you may want to start by looking for a good teacher who can teach you the basic movements.

Joining a class is always recommended for beginners, as opposed to learning at home. This way, your instructor can correct any poses which are not done the right way. It is also good to cultivate a daily regimen – because results take some time before they start manifesting.

To help improve the effects of tai chi, you can incorporate other natural remedies for sleep that you can practice at home.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure on the hands, feet and other parts of the body to treat specific ailments and conditions of the body.

The underlying premise and theory behind reflexology is that touching, pressing or stimulating these areas or zones rebalance the energy on the body part associated with that zone, improving the inherent health of that associated body part…

How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology follows that principle that all parts of the body are reflected on specific reflex areas or zones which are located on the hands and feet.

This form of treatment promotes natural healing by stimulating the own healing potential of the body. Aside from trying to treat a specific area, reflexology also aims to promote overall wellness by adjusting the balance in the body.

How Does Reflexology Work With Sleep?

Insomnia is brought about by a wide range of underlying conditions like anxiety, stress, tension, high blood pressure and specific illnesses. Reflexology can target these underlying conditions, improve body circulation, alleviate pain and simply induce relaxation.

If you want to try reflexology, make sure that you let your reflexologist know about your sleeping condition so that he or she can zone in on specific areas.

Here are some reflex zones or reflex areas which are helpful for inducing sleep:

• Brain reflexes – The brain reflexes, especially that of the hypothalamus gland, controls the body’s sleeping patterns.
• Pineal reflex – The pineal gland is responsible for the production of melatonin, which is an important hormone that regulates sleeping patterns in your body.
• Spine reflexes – Spine reflexes relax the spinal muscles and soothe the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress.
• Solar Plexus – The solar plexus induces relaxation.
• Thyroid reflex – The thyroid reflex regulates calcium levels in the body, relaxing the muscles.
• Kidney reflexes – This zone balances the blood pressure of the body and improves circulation.
• Lung reflexes – This zone improves the levels of oxygen in the body, reducing pain and promoting relaxation.
• Pituitary gland reflexes – This zone helps balance the hormones which usually interfere with your sleeping patterns.
• Musculo-skeletal reflexes – These reflex zones relax the body and help manage pain.

To get the best results, you should always visit a reflexologist who is trained and familiar with zonal points which are related to sleep. Most reflex sessions can last for 45 to 60 minutes, and will include therapy on either the hands or feet. Your reflexologist will exert firm pressure, which may feel a little bit painful for some people. Some people do reflexology on themselves at home with the help on hand and foot maps.

Things To Consider If You Want To Try Reflexology

If you want to consider reflexology as an alternative option for treating your sleeping problem, then here are some things that you should keep in mind.

First, make sure that you pick a qualified reflexologist. The practice of reflexology is unregulated, and there may be a lot of people who claim to know the practice without any training at all. Choose someone with the right training and qualification to make sure that you are in excellent hands.

Second, you may want to ask the practitioner if he or she has had experience in dealing with insomnia or other sleep related disorders such as sleep apnea.

Then, create a plan. Make sure your reflex session is not crammed into a busy schedule. A session of reflexology can leave you tired and sleepy, so try to schedule your session when you have free time. Likewise, one session alone will definitely not be enough to improve your sleep problems, so device a treatment plan or schedule with your reflexologist which will work well with your schedule and your lifestyle.

Help Reflexology Work

While reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years, it is good to keep in mind that it should not be the only tool inside your bag. That said, it should not be the only thing you should rely on to help improve your sleeping problems.

Try to incorporate other helpful practices such as adequate exercise, proper diet, good sleeping routines, avoiding stress, avoiding caffeine and making bedroom more conducive for sleep. You can also try other natural remedies for sleep to use in conjunction with reflexology.

Along with reflexology, these are some proactive measures that you can use to help battle insomnia – and they usually work. If these measures still do not work, then you may wish to visit a sleep clinic so that the root cause of your sleep disorder may be determined and treated right away.

There are plenty of natural approaches for sleep, including exercise, yoga, acupuncture and even flower remedies.

Exercise, yoga, tai chi and other natural approaches are quite familiar to many, but many people may have not heard of flower remedies.

What Are Flower Remedies?
While the first thing that may come in your mind is aromatherapy, flower remedies are completely different from that.

Flower remedies refer to the use of diluted flower materials for the remedy of different conditions.

Also known as Bach flower remedies, it was developed by Edward Bach back in the 1930’s. Edward Bach was an English homeopath and pathologist, but was also very much interested in homeopathy.

He believed that the dew which was found on flower petals retained most of the healing properties of that specific plant. The flower remedies were intended for a host of conditions – primarily emotional ones like anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia.

How Are Flower Remedies Made?
Remedies are made by diluting flower material in a liquid solution, which is usually 1 part brandy and 1 part water. The flower materials are quite diluted, so there is no taste or scent left of the plant.

The idea behind flower remedies is simply to dilute the dew from the flowers, however, since Bach found it impractical to collect dew from individual flowers, he soaked whole flowers in the solution instead.

For insomnia, Bach recommended the use of flowers from these specific plants:

• Agrimony
• Impatiens
• Honeysuckle
• Olive
• Scleranthus
• Vervain
• White Chestnut

These flowers can be used individually or can be used together.

How Are Flower Remedies Taken?
The remedy is taken orally with the use of a dropper. All you have to do is drop the liquid on to the tongue. Likewise, you can also drop the liquid and mix it with water. You can actually make flower remedies yourself, or purchase small bottles from health supply and homeopathy store outlets. Most bottles have recommended doses so make sure that you follow them.

Flower remedies are also used for house pets and domestic animals. They can be used alone or can be used with other remedies. Likewise, it can also be used in conjunction with other natural sleep remedies such as meditation or yoga.

Are They Safe?
Bach flower remedies are generally safe for most individual. However, it is good to note that the solutions contain one part alcohol and should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women, as well as those who have hypersensitivity to alcohol. Some people may also have allergies to specific plants or flowers, so keep these in mind when you plan to take flower remedies.

Are They Effective?
Flower remedies have not been widely studied due to its homeopathic nature. A study by the National Institute of Health even mentions that the remedy is an effective placebo.

While that is said, it does not necessarily mean that this form of remedy is ineffective. Because it is generally safe, you might want to try it first to see if it works for you. Likewise, you can also use flower remedies along with other practices to help improve your sleep quality.

Also see article: Acupuncture for Sleeping Problems

There are many treatments for insomnia which can range from pharmaceutical drugs to holistic treatments.

If you have problems falling asleep at night, you may want to reach for some sleep medicines. While these sleep aids can be quite effective, some people become dependent on the medications, leading to unwanted side effects. The good news is that there are other ways to treat chronic insomnia, and one of these methods include acupuncture.

What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine dating back to thousands of years. Rooted in Oriental healing practices, the procedure involves the insertion of thin and long into specific parts of the body.

The principal behind acupuncture starts with the Qi, or the energy that flows through the body.

This Qi flows through passages called meridians, which are blocked over time. Lack of Qi or too much Qi in a certain part of the body or certain meridian is believed to be the cause for most conditions – including insomnia. Thus, needles are inserted into specific portions of the meridian to balance this energy flow.

Acupuncture is not just for insomnia, but a host of other physical conditions as well, and the traditional points to be stimulated with needles will depend on the kind of condition one suffers from.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
Most people look at acupuncture with plenty of skepticism – especially in the Western scientific community, but this is due to the lack of studies and research. Today however, plenty of strong evidence back up acupuncture as an effective treatment for pain management and for treating other types of conditions.

Some people are worried about having needles stuck in their bodies, and are worried about pain related to the treatment.

Generally, acupuncture is safe and should not cause any infection – provided that your acupuncturist uses sterilized and single disposable needles.

Some acupuncturists require patients to bring their own single-use sterilized needles.

People suffering from specific conditions should undergo acupuncture with caution, and these include those taking blood thinners, suffering from bleeding disorders or are pregnant. It is important to let your acupuncturist know any condition that you might be taking so that proper caution and vigilance can be taken.

While a lot remain skeptical about acupuncture, it is now slowly being embraced by Western science, with some doctors even recommending the procedure to patients for rehabilitation or pain management purposes.

Thinking Of Acupuncture?
There are plenty of research cases that confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture, and you might want to try it for yourself. If you plan to try acupuncture for your sleep disorders, make sure that you go to a reliable – if not licensed. You can ask around or check online to find a list of reliable acupuncturists in your vicinity. Likewise, you should also make sure that your acupuncturist of choice uses sterile and disposable needles to lessen the possibility of infection and avoid the transmission of blood born diseases.

If you’re still a little bit wary about needles, you can try acupressure instead. Acupressure is a close cousin of acupuncture. Acupressure relies on the very same principle of meridians, yet uses finger pressure instead of needle pressure to stimulate the points on the meridians.