Insomnia on the rise: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] offer relief?

Suffering from sleepless nights? Find out how TCM can provide relief and restore balance.

One of the things so many of us struggle with today is sleep. Whether it’s the endless juggling act of work, family, and the constant buzz of notifications from our phones, sleep disorders like insomnia are on the rise. Did you know that in the USA, over half of adults have reported trouble sleeping? And it’s not just limited to the US, Western Europe and Japan are also seeing huge numbers of people tossing and turning all night. Globally, about 30% to 35% of adults deal with some form of insomnia, and it only gets worse with age. For older adults, that number shoots up to a staggering 75%! Many people turn to medication or try different sleep hygiene routines to fix the issue, but those approaches don’t always offer long-lasting relief.

This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comes into the picture. Unlike Western treatments, which often focus on quick fixes, TCM takes a holistic approach. It looks at the root cause, not just the symptoms. As Dr Salma Dudekula, a Consultant Naturopath and Acupuncturist in Egypt, explained: “Western medicine treats insomnia with medications like sedatives or cognitive therapies. But TCM sees insomnia as a disruption in Qi, often linked to imbalances like ‘Heart Fire’ or ‘Liver Qi Stagnation.’ Acupuncture focuses on restoring balance in these areas.”

Acupuncture, one of the main pillars of TCM, has shown impressive results in treating insomnia. A study published in Front Neurol even highlighted that acupuncture not only improves sleep but also helps lower blood pressure, which can be a game-changer for people dealing with both insomnia and hypertension.

On my podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jasmine Modi, an expert in acupuncture and TCM. She gave a fascinating explanation of how acupuncture works: “When an acupuncture needle is inserted, the body releases about 16 amino acids, which act as messengers to signal the brain. These signals target specific areas, helping activate the central nervous system and promoting healing.”

One thing that keeps popping up when talking about TCM and insomnia is that the body needs balance. Dr Jinal Katariya, who has treated more than 500 clients, including those from the CISF unit, shared her insights: “Acupuncture helps by regulating the nervous system, balancing hormones like serotonin and melatonin, and enhancing blood flow to the brain. It can also reduce pain, which is a big deal for getting restful sleep. Common acupuncture points for insomnia include HT7 (on the wrist), SP6 (on the inner thigh), and GV20 (at the top of the head).”

For those who might be a little sceptical of acupuncture, TCM also offers herbal remedies. Darren Rose, a UK-based TCM expert, who was also on my podcast talked about using Suan Zao Ren (SZR), a traditional Chinese herb that’s great for sleep.

“In Chinese medicine for sleep issues, we would use something called Suan Zao Ren (SZR), but if their resistance to Chinese herbs is there, people can very safely take magnesium. Magnesium is a great tool for aiding sleep, relaxing the central nervous system and muscles.”

As Dr. Salma explained, “Most patients see results after 3 to 5 sessions, but for chronic insomnia, it might take around 8 to 10 treatments. The good thing is many feel immediate relaxation after just one session.”

So why are more people turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine? It’s because TCM offers a holistic approach, treating the root causes of insomnia rather than just masking the symptoms. Through acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes, TCM helps restore the body’s natural balance, promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being. Sure, it may take a little longer to see results, but for those suffering from insomnia, the long-term benefits are often worth the wait. In our fast-paced world, slowing down and addressing the body’s needs holistically may just be the key to better sleep.