Acupuncture for Insomnia: Resetting the Circadian Rhythm with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture for Insomnia

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

TCM, Acupuncture,Crows Nest

I have been practicing acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Crows Nest and North Sydney for around 15 years.  Irregular sleep patterns are a common theme in my practice and I find that trying to force sleep provides only a temporary reprieve from sleepless nights; so I approach the problem with acupuncture and Chinese herbs to restore the body’s natural rhythm, so the circadian rhythm resets. This approach provides a lasting effect that helps the patient restore healthy sleeping patterns

How can Acupuncture Improve Insomnia? Let me Explain the Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural 24-hour cycle, regulating sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, and other physiological processes. When this rhythm is disrupted—due to jet lag, shift work, stress, or lifestyle choices—it can lead to insomnia, fatigue, mood disorders, and even long-term health issues. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a holistic approach to resetting the circadian rhythm, promoting balance and harmony within the body’s natural cycles.

Understanding Circadian Rhythm in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the circadian rhythm is closely tied to the flow of Qi through the body’s meridians within the Chinese organ clock. Within the organ clock, Qi moves through different organ systems in two-hour intervals, maintaining balance in bodily functions. For example, the Liver meridian, which governs detoxification, qi flow and blood circulation, is most active between 1 AM and 3 AM, while the Lung meridian, responsible for respiration and immunity, is active between 3 AM and 5 AM. When these cycles are disrupted, sleep disorders and imbalances in other areas of health can occur.

TCM views circadian disruption as a form of Qi stagnation or imbalance in the organ systems, particularly the Liver, Heart, and Spleen. These imbalances can manifest as poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, waking up at night, or waking up in the morning feeling sluggish and still tired.

How Acupuncture Helps Reset the Circadian Rhythm

I will perform a differential diagnosis on you, and prescribe a set of acupuncture points that is in line with your condition, I will then use an appropriate technique to ensure the qi and blood flows smoothly across the corresponding organ system. By regulating the flow of Qi, acupuncture helps restore balance to the body’s internal clock (Wu & Zhao., 2024; Kim et al., 2012).  Here are some common approaches I use:

·       Liver Qi Stagnation: Stress is a common disruptor of the circadian rhythm. Acupuncture points such as Liver 3 (Tai Chong) and Gallbladder 34 (Yang Ling Quan) help regulate Liver Qi, releasing stress and tension that may cause restless sleep or difficulty winding down at night.

·       Heart and Shen (Spirit): In TCM, the Heart houses the Shen, or spirit, which governs mental clarity and emotional balance. Imbalances in the Heart can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and an overactive mind at bedtime. Acupuncture points like Heart 7 (Shen Men) and Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan) calm the Shen, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.

·       Spleen and Digestion: Digestion and the Spleen’s function are tied to the quality of sleep. Overeating, poor diet, or late-night meals can disrupt the Spleen, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Acupuncture points like Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) and Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) support digestive health and aid in resetting the rhythm of digestion and sleep.

·       Oher Points: I will then prescribe other points that are in line with your condition.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Circadian Balance

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas are often prescribed to support the reset of the circadian rhythm and restore natural, healthy sleep (Singh et al., 2017). These formulas target the underlying imbalances in Qi and blood circulation, calming the mind and supporting organ health.  Here are 2 examples of common formals I use, and modify:

·       Suan Zao Ren Tang: This herbal formula is often used to nourish the Heart and Liver, calm the Shen, and treat insomnia, particularly when there is difficulty falling asleep due to stress or irritability (Oh, 2017).

·       Gui Pi Tang: For those with sleep disturbances caused by overthinking, anxiety, or digestive issues, this formula strengthens the Spleen and Heart, harmonizing both mental and physical aspects of sleep (Oh, 2017).

·       Other Herbs to modify formula: In addition to these formulations I will modify the formulas to make the prescription unique to your condition

Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Circadian Health

As an experienced Doctor of Chinese Medicine, I also address lifestyle factors that can negatively impact on sleep.  It is important we take a deep dive into how we live to help correct habits that can negatively impact health.  Here are some lifestyle modifications I advise to maintain circadian balance and promote good healthy sleep:

1.     Sleep Hygiene: Going to bed and waking up at consistent times, avoiding stimulants like caffeine or screen exposure before bed, and creating a calming evening routine can support the body’s natural rhythm.

2.     Eating Habits: Avoiding large meals late at night and eating during appropriate times of the day helps maintain the flow of Qi through the digestive system and contributes to better sleep quality.

3.     Movement and Breathwork: Gentle exercises such as Qi Gong or Tai Chi can help regulate Qi flow and improve the body's energy alignment with the natural cycle of day and night.

By addressing both the physiological and energetic aspects of circadian disruption, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offer an effective, holistic approach to resetting the body’s internal clock. With regular acupuncture treatments, herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments, restoring a healthy circadian rhythm is within reach, leading to improved sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being. 

Call Dr Luke McPherson (TCM) for a Consultation today!

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References

1.     Kim, H. M., Cho, S. Y., Park, S. U., Sohn, I. S., Jung, W. S., Moon, S. K., ... & Cho, K. H. (2012). Can acupuncture affect the circadian rhythm of blood pressure? A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(10), 918-923.

2.     OH, S. (2017). Efficacy of Herbal Formulas on Sleep Disorder.

3.     Singh, A., & Zhao, K. (2017). Treatment of insomnia with traditional Chinese herbal medicine. International review of neurobiology, 135, 97-115.

4.     Wei, X. R., Wei, G. W., Zheng, X. N., Wu, X. F., Chen, X. L., Liu, L., ... & Yue, Z. H. (2017). Effect of acupuncture stimulation of different acupoint combinations on sleep and expression of circadian clock and Bmal 1 genes in hypothalamus of insomnia rats. Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture Research, 42(5), 429-433.

5.     Wu, J., & Zhao, Z. (2024). Acupuncture in circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders and its Potential neurochemical mechanisms. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1346635.