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How Acupuncture Affects Melatonin

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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. One of the key ways in which acupuncture can help improve sleep quality is by regulating melatonin production, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the sleep-wake cycle. In this blog post, we will how acupuncture influences melatonin levels to enhance sleep quality, ultimately leading to better rest and overall well-being.

Understanding Melatonin and Its Role in Sleep

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, signaling the body that it is time to sleep. Low levels of melatonin can result in difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Acupuncture can help regulate production by targeting specific acupoints related to the pineal gland and circadian rhythms.

The Link Between Acupuncture and Melatonin Production

Studies have shown that acupuncture can increase melatonin levels in the body, promoting more consistent and restful sleep patterns. A study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences found that acupuncture treatment led to a increase in levels in patients with insomnia. The researchers observed improvements in sleep latency, duration, and overall sleep quality following acupuncture.

Scientific Research on Acupuncture and Sleep Quality

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific acupoints along energy pathways, known asidians, to rebalance the body’s energy flow and promote overall health. By targeting acupoints related to the pineal gland, acupuncturists can regulate melatonin production and support a healthy sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to more restorative sleep, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive.

Additional Benefits of Acupuncture for Sleep and Well-Being

In addition to increasing melatonin levels, acupuncture can also help reduce stress and anxiety, two common factors that can interfere with the body’s natural sleep patterns. By promoting relaxation and reducing tension, acupuncture can create a more conducive environment for sleep, allowing individuals to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.

Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Sleep Routine

Overall, ability to regulate melatonin levels can have a profound impact on sleep quality and overall well-being. By addressing imbalances in melatonin production and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can help individuals achieve better sleep patterns and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re struggling with sleep issues due to low melatonin levels, consider incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine to experience the transformative benefits of better sleep.

To learn more about acupuncture in Edmonton, check out our clinic @ ocwc.ca.

Better Sleep With Acupuncture

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How Acupuncture Supports Sleep

Acupuncture has long been recognized as a potent healing modality in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wide range of benefits extending beyond pain relief to include improvements in sleep quality. One of the key ways in which acupuncture can help enhance better rest quality is through its ability to regulate hormone production. In this blog post, we will explore how acupuncture influences hormone activity in the body to promote better rest @ night.

The Role of Melatonin

Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. hormone is produced by the pineal gland in to darkness, signaling to the body that it’s time to rest. However, disruptions in melatonin production can lead to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep. Acupuncture has been shown to help melatonin levels, thereby promoting more consistent and restful patterns. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to the pineal gland and circadian rhythms, acupuncturists can stimulate the production of melatonin, leading to improved quality of rest.

Managing Cortisol

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone,” plays a significant role in our body’s response to stress and anxiety. Elevated cortisol levels, especially in the evening, can disrupt sleep and lead to poor quality of rest. Acupuncture has been found to lower cortisol levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” mode. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture can help to regulate cortisol production, creating a more conducive environment for restful nights.

The Connection Between Acupuncture and Serotonin

Another hormone that acupuncture can influence is serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good hormone.” Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation, anxiety reduction, and overall well-being. Acupuncture has been shown to increase serotonin levels, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation that can improve sleep quality. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to serotonin production, acupuncturists can help balance this hormone, enhancing quality rest and promoting a sense of relaxation.

Scientific Research on Acupuncture for Better Sleep

Research studies support the benefits of acupuncture in regulating hormones to improve quality of rest. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders found that acupuncture significantly increased melatonin levels in patients with insomnia, leading to improvements in sleep latency and duration. Another study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research demonstrated that acupuncture reduced cortisol levels and improved sleep quality in individuals with anxiety-related disturbances.

Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Sleep Routine

Acupuncture’s ability to regulate hormone activity, including melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin, can play a vital role in improving sleep quality. By addressing hormonal imbalances and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can help individuals achieve better patterns and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with the above issues, consider incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine to experience the transformative benefits of a good night’s rest.

Lower Back Pain chiropractic benefits

How Chiropractic Can Improve Your Sleep

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Most people know that a chiropractor can help with musculoskeletal problems, such as backaches and slipped discs, but many people do not realize that chiropractic can do much more. In fact, chiropractic can even improve your sleep.

Getting enough quality sleep each night is good for your health. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions, according to Harvard Medical School.

But what if you allow yourself plenty of time but still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

Chiropractic can help you sleep. In fact, one-third of people who undergo chiropractic adjustment report sleeping better immediately, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

3 Ways Chiropractic Might Improve Your Sleep

1. Pain relief

Pain can prevent you from getting a decent night’s sleep, especially if you have chronic pain that lasts for three or more months. In fact, one study shows that 20 percent of people with chronic pain experience at least one symptom of insomnia, compared with only 7.4 percent of people without chronic pain. Chiropractic can alleviate pain associated with backaches, headaches, whiplash, migraines and more to help you get the sleep you need.

Chiropractic can also help you sleep by providing a drug-free approach to pain relief. Many prescription pain relievers, such as those containing morphine, oxycodone and opioids, can make you drowsy throughout the day. Daytime drowsiness might cause you to take naps throughout the day, which can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. The drug-free approach of chiropractic allows you to stay alert all day and sleep well at night.

Extensive research presented by the National Institutes of Health shows that chiropractic is as effective as other treatments, such as drugs, at relieving pain. Perhaps the best part of chiropractic is that the research shows that the pain relief lasts up to 18 months of treatment – which means you can remain pain-free without using drugs for a year and a half.

2. Relieves muscle tension and stress

Stress can prevent you from falling asleep or sleeping well. Stress can also cause uncomfortable muscle tension that interferes with sleep. The National Sleep Foundation lists muscle tension as one of the three signs that you are under too much stress to sleep. Tension and poor sleep can be a vicious cycle, as tension can cause poor sleep and poor sleep can cause tension.

Chiropractic often includes massage to melt away painful muscle spasms. These therapeutic massages are relaxing, which helps you unwind enough to fall asleep. Chiropractic also stimulates blood flow, which helps bring oxygen to your brain and other parts of your body.

Your chiropractor may also be able to suggest gentle exercises, stretches and relaxation techniques to help you relax tense muscles and quiet your stressed-out mind.

3. Suggested sleeping positions

Your chiropractor may offer suggestions on sleeping positions and other ideas about how you can sleep better. Your chiropractor may discourage you from sleeping on your stomach if you are having back pain, for example, or be able to recommend a particular pillow or mattress to help you sleep better at night.

For more information on how chiropractic can improve your sleep, talk with your chiropractor.  Check out our website @ ocwc.ca to learn more about our office. You may start sleeping better as soon as your first visit.