I started having weekly acupuncture sessions 3 years ago for insomnia. It began to work very slowly, but now, after all this time, it is very easy to sleep 15 straight hours - with no sleeping medication. She uses needles not only for that, but for keeping my skin in good condition, weight maintenance, sprained ankles, sore muscles, even feeling "blue" at times...you name it - it works. I'm not complaining, but WHY does it work? No one has been able to really explain it to me.
119515
To dismiss professional acupuncture as a placebo serves no other purpose than to show ones ignorance of the subject. Many professional medical studies have proven beyond doubt it's effectiveness in the relief of pain and stress. The only reason public doubts have arisen is due to what is termed as 'sham acupunctute', which have very little connection to the original practice developed in China. \n\nAcupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.\n\nThe term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.\n\nThe following is an excerpt from the NCCAM health website...\n\nAcupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.\n\nPreclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States.9-14 It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.15,16\n\nhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#work\n\nResearch carried out in the field of acupuncture has proven that if the practice is carried out by a professional in the field of the original Chinese art of acupuncture then it's effectiveness is undeniable. Clearly your practitioner is well versed in this art as it's effects clearly show, and she should be commended for her professionalism.\n\nMore information can be found at these websites...\nhttp://members.rediff.com/therapies/acpwork.htm\nhttp://www.lhj.com/lhj/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/lhj/story/data/Harvard_acupuncture_12152002.xml&catref=cat460027\nhttp://www.rzuser.uni-heidelberg.de/~yzhao/acu_work.html\nhttp://www.biancastroll.com/faq.html\n\nI'm glad to hear that acupuncture is working for you Libby, and I hope you continue with the treatment. In days where medication and quick-fixes are too often resorted to, it is refreshing to see that traditional art-forms such as acupuncture are still the best remedy available.
539523
It's very relaxing. I've never done it for a long period of time, but I have had a few treatments here and there. It seemed to give me immediate benefits, but I don't think I gave it enough time to see if it would work long term. Try it and see, I think it will help.
13402
Yeah, it does seem to do wonders. I make it and drink it about 4 times per year, and usually combine it with a weekend of fasting. It stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems, which increase a person's energy. It also treats these conditions:\n\n1. Chronic fatigue\n2. Insomnia\n3. Weakness\n4. Anxiety\n\nIt even helps to increase attractiveness! (Brightening the eyes, improving vision, prolonging youth and invigorating the body)\n\nAncient Chinese tradition also says that it: Quiets the animal spirits (whatever that means - I think this is referring to its help with anxiety and insomnia) and stabilizes the soul.\n\nYou can make your own ginseng tea like this:\n\n(2 servings)\n\n1 sliced ginseng root\n2 cups water\n\nPlace ginseng root in a small glass jar and pour in two cups boiling water and cover. Place this at the cottom of a larger pot with water and let the water simmer for 6-8 hours, watching water levels. (to prevent the jar from breaking, place it on top of a small cloth or towel when in the bigger pot) Drink one cup of tea before bed and another in the morning.\n\nSome experts think one should only drink this tea on a once per month basis or when fasting. The Chinese believe it should only be taken at the beginning of each seasonal cycle.
632341
i am also a insomnia sufferer and so was my father.all you need is melatonin.its an all natural herbal dietary supplement.take 1 like 30min before bedtime and you will be out like a light until the morning.its non addictive and its made to out you on a regular sleep pattern.now i sleep like normal people and i dont use it anymore.and you dont feel all groggy in the morning.good luck
501607
Here is an article that may help, in addition to all the other answers you've received:\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine/PN00001\n\nGood luck!
101492
I feel sorry for you.\n\nI used to be in a similar situation like you. I eventually stopped through some soul-searching and help from individuals.\n\nAcupuncture can stop addictions, improve health and relieve stress. I would know, my friend is experienced in this area and insists in giving me free sessions :)\n\nIf you want more information about Acupuncture and Quit Smoking feel free to visit my sources.
629586
I've not only heard of it, I have many masterships in various forms of Reiki and I teach it.  I have seen it "work" many times, and also not work. There are complicated reasons why any therapy works or doesn't work, some having to do with the mind and resistance and others having to do with the nature of the illness or problem. But I've seen it "work" too many times on animals not to believe there's something there.
154640
Hi there. I have listed some info on Insomnia and Acne for you that I give to my patients. Hope this helps you out.\n\n \nDifficulty in falling or staying asleep. Insomnia affects almost one third of the population.\n\nSymptoms\n\nInability to fall asleep\n\nWaking up throughout the night and not being able to get back to sleep\n\nWaking up too early\n\nSymptoms of tiredness and irritability are commonly experienced during the day due to lack of sleep\n\n\n\nCauses\nOccasional and temporary disturbance of one's normal sleeping pattern is normal and not cause for concern - anxiety, depression, worry or excitement are the most common causes, and the insomnia goes away when the cause is resolved.\nOther causes include excessive pain, caffeine consumption, abuse of alcohol, certain recreational and medicinal drugs, and poor sleeping habits (such as excessive napping during the day, or doing shift work) .\n\n\nPhysical ailments that can interfere with your sleep include disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and digestive system. \n\n\n\nInsomnia, sometimes in conjunction with night sweats, can also be one of the symptoms of menopause. \nNatural Therapies\n\n\nValerian, Passionflower and Hops are sedative herbs that can help you to sleep; they should be taken approximately one hour before going to bed\n\nHelping your body to cope with stress commonly results in better sleeping patterns; try taking a B group vitamin complex supplement, preferably with magnesium, during the day to help your sleep at night time\n\nHypericum can help if depression is associated with insomnia \n\nPrevention\nA well-balanced lifestyle incorporating a healthy diet with regular exercise and relaxation is the best prevention from insomnia.\n\n\nEnsure your bedroom is quiet, dark and well-ventilated. Ear plugs and eye-shades may help to reduce noise and light, and are particularly valuable for shift workers.\n\nACNE\n\nAcne is usually considered an adolescent affliction affecting up to 80 percent of teenagers. Although acne occurs most commonly in adolescent males, it can affect people of any age.\n\nSymptoms\nAcne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deep cysts that appear mainly on the face and to a lesser extent on the chest, shoulders and back. \n\nAcne is often worse during winter, improving during summer. \n\n\nCauses\nAcne commences when the sebaceous ducts in the skin become blocked by skin overgrowth to form a whitehead, or by plugs of sebum which darken on exposure to air forming a blackhead. \n\n\nWhen the sebum trapped in the whitehead or blackhead is forced into the deeper skin layers, an inflammatory reaction causes a red lump called a papule. If infection follows, pus collects and the classic pimple (pustule) is seen. When the inflammatory condition is severe, large, painful cysts may form.\n\n\nAcne is associated with hormonal imbalance, and will typically develop during puberty when hormonal activity increases the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. Some women also experience acne as a component of pre-menstrual syndrome.\n\n\nThe naturopathic view is that acne is aggravated by ineffective elimination from the body, which may be related to a build up of toxins in the system due to an inability of the liver to effectively break down circulatory toxins. It can also be initiated by food sensitivities, poor diet and stress.\n\n\n\nNatural Therapies\n\n\n\n\nZinc is an essential mineral used for wound healing and the normal oil gland function of the skin. It is also involved in the maintenance of vitamin A levels, transport and usage; for protein synthesis, (particularly collagen synthesis); and to help maintain hormonal balance. \n\nBeta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in the body. These two nutrients act as skin antioxidants, and may be of assistance in the treatment of acne, other skin conditions, and the healing of wounds. \n\nSulphur is traditionally indic
536608
Acupuncture is useful for:- \nanxiety \ndepression \narthritis \nasthma \nback pain \ncirculatory problems \nmigraines \nrheumatism \nfertility treatment\npregnancy pain \nsciatica \nskin conditions \nulcers. \n\nIt costs about £30 an hour. But I would probably go to a doctor first, just in case. You could also have a massage for around the same cost which can work wonders for stress related illnesses.
646370
I find that accupuncture is a niche therapy. Some of my patients love it and say it's a life saver for them, others say it didn't do a darn thing. There just doesn't seem to be a middle ground. I personally have not attempted accupuncture but would not rule it out as a possible form of therapy. All I can say is try it, if it works for you, great.
258109
I know you said no medicine but I have a tip. I too am into natural healing but you need to regulate your sleep patterns in order to fix your issue. When the sun goes down someone with normal sleep patterns will have in increase in their melatonin. It is a brain chemical that helps us to sleep through the night. You may have a shortage of this for a variety of reasons. You can take a melatonin supplement 20min before you want to fall asleep. After taking this supplement for as little as two weeks your body will start to regulate it's own melatonin levels and return you to a normal sleep schedule. I take it every few years when I feel like my lack of sleep is negatively effecting my life. Give it a shot. It is totally natural and non addictive. \nIt may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine it's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. So it is actually good for you!
306975
I know someone who used it. 2-3 times per day for about 10min each time.\n\nOften used AFTER a training session, the rider would fall asleep during the session (lack of oxygen).\n\nWe didn't notice any huge improvements. However we didn't do any blood testing to confirm physiological changes.\n\nIt's pretty easily accessable nowdays. Try it for yourself.
563338
It does not work - you need a conventional therapy. However, herbs, supplements and other alternatives can help in dealing with inevitable harmfull effects of conventional therapy.
531472
Some drugs claim to slow the progess of the disease but this has rarely been the case in my experiences with this disease. The best is to look for a local support group. Herbally, things like Ginkgo Biloba are found to improve blood flow to the brain. I  believe in alternative therapies as there is little else that can help. If caught early enough, the results can be very pleasing. I am a homoeopath but my mother refused treatment when she was lucid enough to decide. It's not ethical to give it with refusal. Funnily enough now, she has agreed to go to a colleague of mine so I'm hoping for some improvements but I feel it's too late realistically now.
37460
Has he gone to a sleep lab?  I can only help you chip away the sleep thing.  I use one of those CPAP thing nightly, now I am 61 years old and was diagnosed at 60.  I feel like I am in my 40's!  True sleep is wonderful, my whole adult life I never had a good night's sleep!  I also had a knee twitch that kept my brain from going into REM stage of sleep.  Thats where the eyes dart around, its like perfect sleep time, anyway I lived without it for 40+ years.\n\nI hated going to the lab and did not enjoy the whole idea of it. The idea of having something poked up my noise was not comforting! I HATED IT! BUT MY WIFE MADE ME GO !!!!\n\nThe lab was tolerable, but the results are unbelieveable!\n\nTHE DARN MACHINE WORKS MIRACLES!  SO ... LIKE A SAVED SINNER,  I AM HERE TO SPREAD THE WORD, TELL THE WORLD WHERE THEIR REDEMPTION MAY BE FOUND ( WELL MAYBE A LITTLE PUSHY )!\n\nWISH YOU LUCK ON ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS,  BREATHING THROUGH THE NIGHT SERIOUSLY HAS RE-STARTED MY WHOLE PERSONAL LIFE!\n\nHAVE A GOOD DAY.\n\n\nAPS
312175
I've had really good success with melatonin.  Its a natural substance that's secreted by our pineal glands and regulates our sleep cycles.  I started taking it to help overcome jet lag but now, when I can't "turn my head off" I'll take it and get sleepy within 1/2 an hour and generally sleep very well.  No side effects as its completely natural and already produced for this exact purpose, by our bodies.
57702
I was also having problems falling asleep, doing so around 3-4am, au aunt told me about Melatonin, its a natural pill. i tried it...and literally about 30-60 minutes later i could barely keep my eyes open. its over the counter so no need for a doc visit, and actually when i visited my doc for other reasons...i did ask about melatonin and she didnt see any problem with me taking it. it worked for me, dont know if it will work for you..but you can give it a try. hope it helps.