Feedback Form



rVita Answers

 
Search for questions:
 
Home » Answer
 
Charles

Q

What are alternative treatments to insomnia?

07-22-08 (Question)
Answersadd
A lot of CAM treatments are proven effective in treating insomnia. See list here: http://www.rvita.com/conditions/insomnia.html

In particular music therapy and melatonin (herb and supplement) have strong evidence of treating insomnia. Yoga, Ayurveda, massage and guided imagery have also been proven effective.

4 months ago
Votes: +2
report abuse
vote down
vote up

Cheryl Lo
rVita Practitioner
There are wonderful sound techniques as well as crystal therapy that can help with insomnia. I have also heard of homeopathic remedies. There are many stones such as lepidolite, lithium quartz, blue lace agate, and much more. There are characteristics of some stones that can help alleviate stress and calm the mind. Also sound therapies and breathwork can help. My sister has suffered from insomnia and with the combo of crystals and certain cds that work with brain waves were very effective for her.

Also through getting energy work and/or learning meditation, they are wonderful ways to relax and help you learn how to access that relaxing state.

4 months ago
Votes: +1
report abuse
vote down
vote up

Dr. Leah Sherman
rVita Practitioner
I would suggest finding the cause of your insomnia before pursuing a treatment. As pointed out in the rVita article, insomnia can be defined as an inability to fall asleep or not being able to stay asleep. Looking at blood sugar, neurotransmitter function, cortisol levels, or any underlying health condition is key. You want to address the cause, not just use an alternative treatment to mask the symptom.

4 months ago
Votes: +2
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Hypnotherapy!! 15 mins of hypnotherapy is like a two hour nap. Refreshing, invigorating, and it retrains the body to "relax". -Donna Jean Rains, CCHt: Midtown Hypnotherapy, Sacramento, Ca.

3 months ago
Votes: +0
report abuse
vote down
vote up

Bina Jangda
rVita Practitioner
Chinese Medicine breaks insomnia down into 3 main patterns and 2 minor patterns. The main patterns are:
Heart and Liver Blood Deficiency characterized by insomnia manifesting as a difficult time falling asleep. Other symptoms may include dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, pale complexion, brittle nails and hair, poor memory.

Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency characterized by insomnia manifesting as a difficult time staying asleep. Other symptoms may include night sweats, poor memory, palpitations, soreness of the low back, chronic dry throat, thirst, red cheeks

Heart and Gallbladder Qi Deficiency characterized by insomnia manifesting as a waking up in the early morning between the hours of 3-5 am. Other symptoms may include, timidity, difficulty making decisions, easily startled or frightened.
The minor patterns are:
Liver and Heart Fire characterized by insomnia usually stress-related. Other symptoms may include flushed face, stress, ulcers in the mouth or tongue, deep yellow urine, thirst, possible depression, irritability, irregular menstruation

Food Stagnation characterized by insomnia due to eating late at night. Other symptoms may include distension and pain in the abdomen, foul breath, belching, constipation

Clinically, these patterns occur in combination. A board certified acupuncturist can prescribe a herbal formula tailored to the patient in addition to regular acupuncture treatment. Dietary suggestions are also valuable. Duration of treatment varies depending on the pattern or patterns responsible for the insomnia. Some patterns are easier to treat. From my own experience, treatment may last anywhere from 2-6 months. Length of treatment also depends on how committed the patient is to the prescribed treatment.

3 months ago
Votes: +1
report abuse
vote down
vote up
I totally agree with Dr. Leah Sherman. Find the cause for the insomnia and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms....

1 month ago
Votes: +0
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Write Answer
smaller | bigger
Please note: The questions and answers on this page not a substitute for professional consultation. Always consult your medical professional for diagnostic and treatment purposes. rVita does not endorse or recommend the information included in the questions and answers.

busy
  Ask a Question
 
 
Enter question title here
(110 characters max)