The beneficial effects of acupuncture for insomnia in relation to sleep quality and daytime social functioning, have been backed up by the results of electronically monitoring patients’ cyclical sleep patterns.
Forty-seven patients with chronic insomnia, received four courses of electroacupuncture treatment. Patients themselves reported on various aspects of the quality of their sleep, whilst polysomnogram measurements were used to objectively assess the cyclical stages of their sleep. Electroacupuncture was found to not only improve sleep quality and daytime social functioning, but also to exert a repairing effect on disrupted sleep continuity. Furthermore, it prolonged slow wave sleep time, and rapid eye movement sleep time.
(Electroacupuncture Treatment of Chronic Insomniacs. Chinese Med Journal (Engl) Dec 2009.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
View all posts by Robin Costello
