Search Results

Think acupuncture is just for pain or stress? Think again. Acupuncture isn’t just a remedy for specific health challenges—it’s a proactive way to unlock peak wellness and prevent issues before they even start. From boosting your energy to keeping your immune system strong, the benefits of acupuncture go far beyond what you might expect. At Dr. Nicky Acupuncture , I encourage patients in Anoka and surrounding communities to embrace acupuncture as a cornerstone of their wellness routine. Whether you’re already feeling great or looking to stay ahead of potential concerns, acupuncture helps you stay balanced, energized, and resilient in today’s busy world. Here’s why acupuncture is an incredible addition to your wellness routine, even when you feel great. 1. 💥⚡️ Feel More Energized and Vital with the Benefits of Acupuncture Acupuncture works by improving blood flow, supporting the nervous system, and encouraging the release of endorphins. These effects enhance your body’s natural ability to restore energy, reduce fatigue, and boost overall vitality so that you can feel your best every day. 💡 Example: Whether you’re managing a busy work schedule, training for a marathon, or just keeping up with life, acupuncture can give you the extra boost you need to stay at your peak performance. 💬 Patient Story: "I've been going to see Dr. Nicky for acupuncture... extremely professional and have really helped me take a proactive approach to my health by preventing migraines rather than treating them with medications after getting one." 2. 🛡️🦠 The Benefits of Acupuncture for Boosting Immune Function Prevention is key to long-term health, and acupuncture strengthens your immune system, making you more resilient to seasonal colds, flu, and other illnesses. By supporting your body’s natural defenses, acupuncture helps you stay well year-round. 💬 Patient Story: “I started acupuncture to support my immune system during cold and flu season, and I’ve noticed I get sick far less often now.” 3. 🌿 The Benefits of Acupuncture for Reducing Everyday Stress Even if you’re not overwhelmed by stress, daily life can take its toll on your nervous system. Acupuncture calms the “fight or flight” response, promotes relaxation, and keeps stress levels in check. 💡 Example: Regular acupuncture sessions can help you feel centered and balanced, making it easier to handle whatever life throws your way. 💬 Patient Story:   "Dr. Nicky truly feels for her patients. She is wonderful at what she does and makes it a great, comfortable, and peaceful place. She has helped me so much! I highly recommend her!" Acupuncture enhances your quality of life by keeping you balanced, energized, and resilient. 4. 🌙 How the Benefits of Acupuncture Improve Sleep Quality You don’t have to struggle with insomnia to benefit from better sleep. Acupuncture regulates your body’s natural rhythms, helping you: Fall asleep Faster Stay asleep Longer Wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day. 💬 Patient Story: “I didn’t realize how much acupuncture was helping my sleep until I noticed I was waking up energized every morning. It’s been such a positive change!” 💬 Patient Story:   "I went to Dr. Nicky for sciatica pain and felt so much better after the first treatment. My whole body felt more relaxed right away and I even slept better! I’m so thankful that I found her!" 5. 🧠 Sharpen your Mental Clarity with the Benefits of Acupuncture A clear mind is just as important as a healthy body. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the brain, reduces mental fog, and enhances focus, making it easier to stay productive and alert. 💡 Example: Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or juggling a packed schedule, acupuncture helps you stay sharp and on task. 💬 Patient Story: "Highly recommend...Dr. Nicky ...helped me manage symptoms from a head injury and the corresponding therapies. Looking forward to visiting again!" 6. 🍽️ Supports Digestive Health Even when your digestion feels fine, acupuncture can optimize gut function and prevent issues like bloating, irregularity, or food sensitivities. A well-functioning digestive system also means better nutrient absorption and overall vitality. 7. ⚖️ Maintains Hormonal Balance Hormonal fluctuations can happen even when you feel healthy, especially during life transitions or due to environmental stressors. Acupuncture regulates your endocrine system, supporting balanced hormones for optimal well-being. 💬 Patient Story: “I started acupuncture to maintain balance through my hormonal shifts, and it’s made a huge difference in how I feel day-to-day.” 💬 Patient Story: "I saw Dr. Nicky for acupuncture fertility treatments when I was trying to get pregnant. I had seen other acupuncturists before and she far surpassed them with her knowledge and plan/strategy for reaching my goal. I truly believe her acupuncture played an integral role with me becoming pregnant and the resulting successful pregnancy. I would recommend Dr. Nicky to anyone!" 8. 🔧 How the Benefits of Acupuncture Prevent Health Issues Before They Arise One of the best things about acupuncture is its focus on prevention. Regular sessions can catch and address imbalances before they manifest as physical or emotional symptoms, keeping you in optimal health. 💡 Example: Think of acupuncture as a tune-up for your body—helping you stay aligned and resilient, just like regular maintenance for a car keeps it running smoothly. 💬 Patient Story: "I've been going to see Dr. Nicky for acupuncture... extremely professional and have really helped me take a proactive approach to my health by preventing migraines rather than treating them with medications after getting one." Why Make Acupuncture Part of Your Wellness Routine? Acupuncture doesn’t just treat health concerns—it enhances your quality of life. By investing in your wellness proactively, you’re giving yourself the tools to live with balance, vitality, and joy. What to Expect During a Wellness Acupuncture Session At Dr. Nicky Acupuncture , every session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Even when you’re feeling healthy, treatments focus on maintaining that balance by: Addressing subtle imbalances before they become issues. Supporting your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Helping you feel your best—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Take the First Step Toward Long-Term Wellness 📅 Take control of your wellness today! Schedule your first acupuncture session and experience the benefits firsthand. Book your appointment today: drnickyacupuncture.com 🌟 Feel great, stay great—naturally. #Acupuncture #WellnessWithAcupuncture #AcupunctureBenefits #StayHealthy #NaturalHealing #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #HealthAndWellness #HealthyLiving #SelfCareTips #MinnesotaWellness #AnokaAcupuncture #LocalHealthCare #NaturalHealingMN #IntegrativeHealth #TryAcupuncture #AcupunctureWorks #HealthyHabits #BalanceAndVitality #FeelYourBest

Who is Fertility Acupuncture For? Fertility Acupuncture is for individuals and couples whose goal is to optimize their fertility journey. Dr. Nicky, DACM, L.Ac., has over a decade of experience in all types of family expansion: Natural, IUI, IVF, FET, donor fertility (egg/sperm), surrogates, medication-assisted (Clomid, etc.), and other types of fertility and is ready to help you reach your family expansion goals! Dr. Nicky is amazing and has been a key asset in my fertility & pregnancy journey, can't say enough good things!! Benefits of Acupuncture for Fertility! Research has shown that acupuncture can improve fertility in couples trying to conceive for a long time without success. Or for those just beginning their fertility journey who want a leg-up at the very start. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulates hormone levels, reduces stress, and improves overall health and well-being. How Does Fertility Acupuncture Help? 1. Improve Ovarian Function: Acupuncture can help to improve ovarian function and increase the production of healthy eggs. Acupuncture has been increasingly recognized as a therapy for improving ovarian function in women, particularly for those experiencing infertility issues. Studies have demonstrated that this ancient form of Chinese medicine can enhance ovarian blood flow and boost the levels of reproductive hormones to improve follicular development and ovulation. 2. Increase the Success of IVF: Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can increase the success rate of IVF by up to 65%. With the potential to significantly increase the success of IVF, acupuncture is a valuable addition to any fertility treatment plan. I’m so excited I get to tell you that I am pregnant!!!! I just had my 8-week ultrasound today and baby looks good and healthy! Thank you so much for everything that you did for me, Dr. Nicky! I appreciate it more than you know! 3. Regulate Hormone Levels: Acupuncture can help to regulate hormone levels, which is essential for fertility. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture helps regulate the levels of hormones involved in the reproductive process. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen are all key hormones that play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and female fertility. Acupuncture helps balance these hormones, leading to an increase in the chances of pregnancy. 4. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, improving fertility. Let's be honest, the fertility journey is S.T.R.E.S.S.F.U.L.! Luckily, acupuncture is amazing at helping manage stress and anxiety! Infertility is stressful on both partners, not just the one who will be carrying the baby. Both of you deserve self-care during this process, so prioritize both of your well-being with acupuncture. I saw Dr. Nicky for acupuncture fertility treatments when I was trying to get pregnant. I had seen other acupuncturists before and she far surpassed them with her knowledge and plan/strategy for reaching my goal. I truly believe her acupuncture played an integral role with me becoming pregnant and the resulting successful pregnancy. I would recommend Dr. Nicky to anyone! 5. Enhance Sperm Quality: Acupuncture can improve sperm quality, sperm count, and motility in men, increasing the chances of conception. Yup, Dr. Nicky, DACM, also recommends acupuncture for male partners. I have great news!! I’m PREGNANT! It is still hard for me to believe, and I cannot thank you enough! I strongly believe you had a very significant role in this good news and am incredibly thankful I came to see you Dr. Nicky! You are super great and I am so so happy I came to you!! THANK YOU again! What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture has been used to treat various health conditions, including infertility, in both men and women. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity among couples struggling to conceive and seeking alternative options for fertility treatments. How Acupuncture Works! Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms by inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin. During an acupuncture session, Dr. Nicky, DACM, L.Ac., will insert the needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to improve blood and energy flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress. This is a personalized and results-driven treatment. Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a natural way to regulate hormone levels in the body. In recent years, it has become a popular alternative treatment for couples struggling with fertility issues. Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with Natural, IUI, IVF, FET, donor fertility (egg/sperm), surrogates, medication-assisted (Clomid, etc.), and other types of fertility treatments to increase the chances of success. Acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle, promote ovulation and boost blood flow to the reproductive organs, all of which are necessary for conception. I look forward to my acupuncture appointments with Dr. Nicky every week! I started...Acupuncture to assist with fertility treatments and after a few short months, I am pregnant! I have no doubt that Dr. Nicky helped in my success of becoming pregnant and am so thankful for the guidance and expertise in acupuncture she has provided to me. Dr. Nicky provides the best acupuncture treatments tailored perfectly to my needs. When should I start Acupuncture? Start NOW Fertility planning starts early. We want to prepare the body ahead of time by taking good care of our health. Eating well, getting good quality sleep, keeping stress low, and getting acupuncture prepares the body to nurture future life. ​ The best results start with acupuncture before trying to get pregnant. Dr. Nicky has worked with people at all stages of their fertility journey. Starting NOW is always the right time. I have great news!! I’m PREGNANT! It is still hard for me to believe, and I cannot thank you enough! I strongly believe you had a very significant role in this good news and am incredibly thankful I came to see you Dr. Nicky! You are super great and I am so so happy I came to you!! THANK YOU again! Is Acupuncture Safe? Acupuncture is a natural and safe method of improving fertility in both men and women. Acupuncture can help to improve ovarian function, increase the success of IVF, regulate hormone levels, reduce stress, and enhance sperm quality. Suppose you want assistance with your fertility or are struggling to conceive and seeking alternative treatments. In that case, acupuncture may be an option worth exploring. Ready.Set.Go! Schedule a fertility consultation with Dr. Nicky, DACM, L.Ac., a Licensed Acupuncturist with over a decade of experience, to learn how acupuncture can help you reach your family expansion goals! Dr. Nicky...truly wonderful. She is passionate about her work and will develop a plan with you that will best suit your needs. I worked with her before, during, and after our fertility treatments. I truly believe that acupuncture increased our chances of success as I am currently pregnant!! She was a cheerleader for me along the way... Acupuncture not only assisted us in getting pregnant but also helped with the stress of fertility treatments and the stress that 2020 brought to everyone. Dr. Nicky provided high quality care and I am very thankful that our paths crossed. I continue to see her for pregnancy maintenance and other things that have come along the way in life. She is one of a kind and is highly recommended! #acupuncturenearme #fertilityacupuncture #anokaacupuncture #infertility #acupunctureworks

In my previous blog post, I introduced you to Evil Bone Water and its impressive history and benefits. If you missed it, be sure to read that post here . Now, let’s explore how you can seamlessly incorporate Evil Bone Water into your wellness routine and hear from others who’ve experienced its transformative effects. Integrating Evil Bone Water into Your Daily Routine As a holistic healing professional, I’m always looking for natural, effective remedies for my patients, and Evil Bone Water is one of those remarkable solutions. This herbal liniment offers powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your self-care toolkit. Here’s how you can use it: Daily Application : Apply Evil Bone Water to areas that are prone to discomfort, like your back, shoulders, or knees. Regular use can help prevent muscle stiffness and ease joint pain. Before Physical Activity : Applying Evil Bone Water before exercise can help prepare your muscles and joints, potentially reducing the risk of strains or sprains. Post-Activity Recovery : After a workout or physical activity, use it to relieve muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Part of Your Self-Care Routine : Incorporating Evil Bone Water into your stretching or yoga sessions can enhance flexibility and relieve muscle tension. What Patients Are Saying About Evil Bone Water It’s always a joy to hear how my patients respond to natural treatments like Evil Bone Water. Here are just a few statements from those who have used it: One patient shared, “I’m not sharing with my husband; he keeps trying to steal mine, so I need to buy him one of his own.” This is a testament to how effective and fast-acting the product is—it’s become such a staple in their wellness routine that they don’t want to share! Another patient mentioned how much quicker they recover from muscle soreness after using Evil Bone Water. "I used it after my workout, and within minutes, I felt relief. It’s become my go-to for recovery." Many have also reported using it for chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or muscle stiffness. The combination of cooling relief and anti-inflammatory action makes it ideal for daily pain management. The Benefits of Evil Bone Water Pain Relief : The cooling and soothing effect of Evil Bone Water helps alleviate pain in muscles and joints quickly. Reduces Inflammation : If you’re dealing with arthritis or muscle strain, Evil Bone Water can reduce inflammation and promote faster healing. Supports Mobility : Regular use can help restore mobility and flexibility, especially for those suffering from stiff or tight muscles. Post-Workout Recovery : It’s a favorite among my active patients for easing post-exercise soreness and reducing recovery time. Important Precautions to Remember While Evil Bone Water is made with natural ingredients, it’s important to follow a few basic guidelines for safe use: Patch Test : As with any new product, I recommend doing a patch test first to ensure your skin doesn’t react negatively. Caution with Open Wounds : EBW is safe to use on open wounds of all sorts, with the caution  that upon first application, it may cause a burning sensation but numbs within the first few seconds of use. Consult a Healthcare Provider : If you have any underlying health conditions, or if you're pregnant (safe to use but do NOT apply on the abdomen during pregnancy. Only apply EBW on the sacrum area during or prior to labor) , it's always a good idea to check with me or another healthcare provider before using new products. Check out the original Blog: Unveiling the Mysteries of Evil Bone Water: Should You Add It to Your Wellness Routine? , where I answer many of your frequently asked questions about Evil Bone Water. Get Your Own Bottle at Your Next Appointment Evil Bone Water is available for purchase directly at my clinic. If you’re interested in trying it for yourself, just let me know during your next appointment, and I can make sure you leave with a bottle that will support your wellness journey. It’s a great option for enhancing your recovery and managing pain naturally, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Wrapping It Up: Why Evil Bone Water Could Be Your New Best Friend Evil Bone Water is a powerful tool for anyone looking to support their wellness routine, whether for pain relief, inflammation reduction, or faster recovery. As a solopreneur clinic owner, I believe in the value of integrating natural remedies like this into everyday life. If you're interested in trying it, I’m happy to provide guidance on how to incorporate it into your wellness regimen. Remember, I’m here to support your healing journey—whether through acupuncture, natural products like Evil Bone Water, or personalized wellness plans. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and don’t forget to check out my other blog posts for more helpful tips! 3 ways to apply Evil Bone Water These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. #EvilBoneWater #AcupunctureHealing #NaturalPainRelief #DrNickyAcupuncture #JointHealth #ChronicPainManagement #WellnessRoutine #Recovery #MuscleSoreness #InflammationRelief #AlternativeMedicine #HolisticHealing #PainReliefNatural #BuyInClinic

If you’re looking for smoother, firmer skin and an overall boost to your wellness, why not experience the  ultimate skincare combo ?  Microneedling + Body Acupuncture  work together to take your skin and overall health to the next level! 🌿  Microneedling  stimulates collagen production and helps with fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture—giving your skin that rejuvenated glow. 🌀  Body Acupuncture  enhances the process by improving circulation, reducing stress, and addressing underlying imbalances, which supports faster healing and long-lasting results. Together, they provide: ✨ Smoother, firmer skin ✨ A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles ✨ Increased collagen production ✨ Healthier, glowing skin from the inside out ✨ Faster recovery with holistic support Ready to take your skin to the next level? Let’s combine the best of both worlds for glowing, youthful skin and total body wellness. 📅  Book your appointment today  and experience the powerful synergy of microneedling and acupuncture! #Microneedling #Acupuncture #GlowingSkin #SkinCare #CollagenBoost #HolisticBeauty #HealthySkin #BeautyFromWithin #WellnessJourney Why 4-6 Microneedling Sessions Are Key to Optimal Results: Microneedling is an incredibly effective treatment for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and addressing concerns like acne scars and hyperpigmentation. While you may notice visible improvements in your skin as early as  2 weeks  after your first session, achieving  optimal results  requires a series of treatments—typically  4-6 sessions  spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. Here's why multiple sessions are crucial to getting the most out of your microneedling treatment: Collagen Production Takes Time Microneedling works by creating micro-injuries in the skin that trigger the body's natural healing response. This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin—two key components responsible for healthy, youthful skin. However, collagen production is gradual. After your first session, your skin will start to heal and regenerate, and you may notice some immediate improvement. But to truly optimize collagen remodeling and achieve long-lasting, smoother, more radiant skin, you need a series of treatments to encourage continuous collagen production and cell turnover. Cumulative Benefits Over Time Each microneedling session builds upon the last. While the skin will look smoother and more refreshed after just one treatment, multiple sessions allow for deeper penetration, more consistent collagen stimulation, and  progressive improvement . As the treatments accumulate, the benefits become more pronounced, leading to: Firmer, more youthful-looking skin Reduced fine lines and wrinkles Smoother texture Even skin tone and reduced pigmentation Think of it like exercise—one workout won't transform your body, but with consistency, the results are transformative. Target Deeper Layers of Skin While your first microneedling session targets the top layers of skin, later sessions can reach deeper layers, where more significant changes occur. The skin's ability to regenerate increases with each session, allowing the treatment to improve not only surface-level concerns but also deeper skin issues like scarring, stretch marks, and larger pores. Long-Lasting Results with Maintenance By completing a full series of 4-6 sessions, you're setting the foundation for  long-term, lasting results . Once you've achieved your desired outcome, maintenance treatments every 3-6 months will help you maintain that youthful, glowing skin. Personalization for Your Skin's Needs Every person's skin is unique, and the number of treatments needed can vary based on individual concerns and skin types. As you progress through your treatment plan, we'll tailor the approach to optimize results based on how your skin responds. Ready to Transform Your Skin? While microneedling delivers noticeable improvements quickly, a  series of 4-6 sessions  is the best way to ensure you achieve  maximum results  and keep your skin looking its best for the long term. If you're ready to take your skincare to the next level, let's work together to create a treatment plan that meets your unique goals. Book your appointment today  to transform your skin and keep you glowing all year round! #Microneedling #SkinRejuvenation #CollagenBoost #GlowingSkin #YouthfulSkin #HealthySkin #BeautyFromWithin See our Pricing tab for upfront, transparent pricing.

Sleep Series: Part 1 of 3 Sleep-Deprived Society Feeling like walking dead? Dragging your way through the day, the week, or the month? Feel as if you could be an extra in a zombie movie, as your dark undereye bags are already top-of-the-line scary? According to the American Sleep Association, you are not alone. Scary sleep statistics: 50 - 70 million American adults have a sleep disorder; 37.9% have unintentionally fallen asleep during the day in the last month; and almost 5% have nodded off or fallen asleep while driving in the preceding month (“Sleep Statistics—Data About Sleep and Sleep Disorders,” n.d.). Sleep disorders can include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, sleep deprivation, snoring, melatonin issues, night terrors, circadian rhythm disorders, and many others. Some sleep disorders need western medical intervention and should be managed by a medical doctor. However, let us address general sleep issues and discuss how acupuncture and self-care may help you ditch the zombie life and start feeling human again. How Much Sleep Do We Really It is important to know that our sleep needs change as we age. Other conditions can also determine how much sleep we need, such as our health, stress, and quality of sleep we currently are getting. The American Sleep Association provides a basic guideline based on age needs alone, which can be used as a starting point to determine your own unique needs. Infants and young children need more sleep than teenagers and adults: · Adults: 7–9 hours · Teenagers: 8-10 hours · Children aged 6-12 years: 9-12 hours · Children aged 3-5 years: 10 -13 hours (including naps) · Children ages 1-2 years: 11- 14 hours (including naps) · Infants 4-12 months of age: 12-16 hours (including naps) (“Sleep Statistics—Data About Sleep and Sleep Disorders,” n.d.) According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep or poor sleep affected the daily activities of 45% of Americans at least once in the previous week (“Lack of Sleep is Affecting Americans, Finds the National Sleep Foundation | National Sleep Foundation,” n.d.). Many people already sleep the recommended hours per night. Yet 20% of us are not waking up feeling refreshed, and another 35% report poor sleep quality (“Lack of Sleep is Affecting Americans, Finds the National Sleep Foundation | National Sleep Foundation,” n.d.). Lack of Sleep and the Cost to Our Health We need sleep to fight infectious diseases Zombie infections aside, studies show that we are more likely to get sick after exposure to a virus when we do not get quality sleep or enough sleep. And once we get sick, lack of sleep can detrimentally affect our recovery timetable. The Mayo Clinic explains that our immune system releases cytokine proteins that help promote sleep (“Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic,” n.d.). Lack of sleep can interrupt the production of these protecting proteins, which are needed during times of infections, inflammation, or when we are under stress, and therefore we need sleep to fight infectious diseases (“Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic,” n.d.). Increased risks to your health from long-term lack of sleep include “…obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease” (“Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic,” n.d.). We seem to have a lot of zombies behind the wheel and are putting others at risk. Drowsy driving is associated with nearly 20% of all serious car crash injuries (“Sleep Statistics Reveal The (Shocking) Cost To Our Health And Society,” n.d.). Sleep and Attitude Feelings of irritability, being stressed, anxious, sad, angry, mentally exhausted, short-tempered, and frustration are everyday firsthand experiences affecting our mood as a result of a bad night’s sleep. Sixty million people are suffering from insomnia (“Sleep Statistics Reveal The (Shocking) Cost To Our Health And Society,” n.d.). The good news is when our sleep returns to normal, our mood bounces back as well, and we are less likely to be mistaken for a rogue zombie movie extra. Sometimes poor sleep comes first, and then our poor mood follows. Occasionally our feelings, like anxiety or stress, originate first and affect our quality of sleep. Did you know that lack of sleep and depression are connected? Seventy-five percent of depression sufferers also suffer from a lack of sleep (“Sleep Statistics Reveal The (Shocking) Cost To Our Health And Society,” n.d.). #sleep #insomnia #sleeptips #acupunctureforsleep #acupunctureworks #stress References Acupuncture Relieves Insomnia and Extends Sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1550-acupuncture-relieves-insomnia-and-extends-sleep Grant, L.-E., & Cochrane, S. (2014). Acupuncture for the Mental and Emotional Health of Women Undergoing IVF Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, 9(1), 5–12. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=awh&AN=96980653&site=eds-live Guo, T., Jia, M., Jin, Y., Xu, N., & Peng, T. (2018). Acupuncture for perimenopausal insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Medicine, 97(24), e11083. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011083 Han, J.-S. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. Neuroscience Letters, 361(1–3), 258–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2003.12.019 Huang, W., Kutner, N., & Bliwise, D. L. (2011). Autonomic activation in insomnia: The case for acupuncture. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine: JCSM: Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 7(1), 95–102. Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757 Lack of Sleep is Affecting Americans, Finds the National Sleep Foundation | National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/lack-sleep-affecting-americans-finds-national-sleep-foundation Li, S., Yin, P., Yin, X., Bogachko, A., Liang, T., Lao, L., & Xu, S. (2019). Effect of acupuncture on insomnia in menopausal women: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 308. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3374-8 Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari, & Ramin Sadeghi. (2017). Effects of Acupuncture on Anxiety in Infertile Women: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health, (1), 842. https://doi.org/10.22038/jmrh.2016.7949 Scientists pinpoint dosage of melatonin for insomnia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from MIT News website: http://news.mit.edu/2001/melatonin-1017 6 steps to better sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379 Sleep Statistics—Data About Sleep and Sleep Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from American Sleep Association website: (Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari, & Ramin Sadeghi, 2017) Sleep Statistics Reveal The (Shocking) Cost To Our Health And Society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from https://www.thegoodbody.com/sleep-statistics/ Wang, J.-X., Yang, Y., Song, Y., & Ma, L.-X. (2018). Positive Effect of Acupuncture and Cupping in Infertility Treatment. Medical Acupuncture, 30(2), 96–99. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2017.1265 Yin, X., Gou, M., Xu, J., Dong, B., Yin, P., Masquelin, F., … Xu, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Medicine, 37, 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2017.02.012

Sleep Series Part 2 of 3 Research and Acupuncture for Sleep Could acupuncture be the insomnia cure? Research has shown that acupuncture can be a safe and beneficial means to help general insomnia (Yin et al., 2017). For those suffering from poor quality of sleep due to menopause, recent clinical trial results “…confirm(ed) that acupuncture is effective and safe for the treatment on (sic) insomnia in menopausal women…" (Li et al., 2019). Other research shows women who are suffering from insomnia during perimenopause can also benefit from acupuncture (Guo, Jia, Jin, Xu, & Peng, 2018). Several research studies show acupuncture helps reduce anxiety and stress for women undergoing assisted fertility methods such as In Vetro Fertilization (Grant & Cochrane, 2014) ; (Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari, & Ramin Sadeghi, 2017); (Wang, Yang, Song, & Ma, 2018). How Acupuncture Works Acupuncture is not magic; it is science. Studies have shown that acupuncture increases beta-endorphins, serotonin, noradrenaline, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which are all central nervous system hormones. Those suffering from pain that interferes with sleep benefit as acupuncture increases beta-endorphins that reduce pain and discomfort (Han, 2004). Many people are familiar with serotonin as a natural mood stabilizer and sleep regulator. Serotonin promotes sleep and relaxes the body, and acupuncture has been demonstrated in several studies to increase serotonin levels (“Acupuncture Relieves Insomnia and Extends Sleep,” n.d.). Feelings of being wired or the inability to turn your brain off at night are partly related to noradrenaline, the primary stress hormone associated with "fight or flight" responses. Acupuncture can help flip that "fight or flight" response to one of "rest and digest," allowing you a better night's sleep. Circadian rhythms are our body's internal clock and decide when we sleep and when we wake. ACTH is part of that internal clock where levels of ACTH are lower in the evening and higher in the morning. ACTH can be thought of as the opposite of melatonin, which helps induce sleep. Acupuncture can help normalize circadian rhythms and assist with regular sleep (Huang, Kutner, & Bliwise, 2011). Some people try over-the-counter (OTC) melatonin to help them fall asleep. More research is needed on melatonin and potential issues regarding its safety of use. Melatonin is produced naturally in the brain, so people do not always consider the safety of an OTC version. OTC melatonin is a supplement and not regulated by the FDA. Many OTC melatonin doses are about ten times higher than the recommended dose of 0.3 milligrams (“Scientists pinpoint dosage of melatonin for insomnia,” n.d.). Acupuncture can help the natural secretion of melatonin and assist with better sleep. #sleep #insomnia #sleeptips #acupunctureforsleep #acupunctureworks #stress #menopause #perimenopause #fertility References Acupuncture Relieves Insomnia and Extends Sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1550-acupuncture-relieves-insomnia-and-extends-sleep Grant, L.-E., & Cochrane, S. (2014). Acupuncture for the Mental and Emotional Health of Women Undergoing IVF Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, 9(1), 5–12. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=awh&AN=96980653&site=eds-live Guo, T., Jia, M., Jin, Y., Xu, N., & Peng, T. (2018). Acupuncture for perimenopausal insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Medicine, 97(24), e11083. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011083 Han, J.-S. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. Neuroscience Letters, 361(1–3), 258–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2003.12.019 Huang, W., Kutner, N., & Bliwise, D. L. (2011). Autonomic activation in insomnia: The case for acupuncture. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine: JCSM: Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 7(1), 95–102. Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757 Lack of Sleep is Affecting Americans, Finds the National Sleep Foundation | National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/lack-sleep-affecting-americans-finds-national-sleep-foundation Li, S., Yin, P., Yin, X., Bogachko, A., Liang, T., Lao, L., & Xu, S. (2019). Effect of acupuncture on insomnia in menopausal women: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 308. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3374-8 Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari, & Ramin Sadeghi. (2017). Effects of Acupuncture on Anxiety in Infertile Women: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health, (1), 842. https://doi.org/10.22038/jmrh.2016.7949 Scientists pinpoint dosage of melatonin for insomnia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from MIT News website: http://news.mit.edu/2001/melatonin-1017 6 steps to better sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2019, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379 Sleep Statistics—Data About Sleep and Sleep Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from American Sleep Association website: (Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari, & Ramin Sadeghi, 2017) Sleep Statistics Reveal The (Shocking) Cost To Our Health And Society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2019, from https://www.thegoodbody.com/sleep-statistics/ Wang, J.-X., Yang, Y., Song, Y., & Ma, L.-X. (2018). Positive Effect of Acupuncture and Cupping in Infertility Treatment. Medical Acupuncture, 30(2), 96–99. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2017.1265 Yin, X., Gou, M., Xu, J., Dong, B., Yin, P., Masquelin, F., … Xu, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Medicine, 37, 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2017.02.012