Amherst Acupuncturist Case Study on Sleep Troubles

As an acupuncturist practicing in Amherst, MA, I try to post case studies as often as I can, written specifically so the layperson can get a grasp on how five element acupuncture can help. This post is one about sleep challenges and how treatment helped my patient.

I began working with a patient in her 70s who had a primary complaint of sleep troubles. She was getting between 2-4 hours of sleep per night, and finding herself very tense and jittery in the evenings in preparation for sleep, even though she had developed a solid nighttime routine to wind herself down.

In addition to her sleep concerns, she was working on weight loss (specifically her willpower and ability to make clear choices) and significant trauma from her childhood.

I began working on addressing the trauma and sleep, knowing that the importance of helping these issues and that they would impact her whole self. I used trauma clearing treatments through five element acupuncture and paired them with essential oils to compliment the healing.

After the second treatment, I got a text from the patient that she slept 12 hours that night. After the third treatment, I got a message saying that agin, she slept 12 hours. I was not surprised, as the body can swing in the opposite direction as it tries to recalibrate and find balance.

When I next saw her, she reported that she was sleeping 8 hours at night as desired and far less jumpy in the evenings. As the patient continued regular treatment she maintained 8 hours of sleep per night unless disturbed by a significant change in life that day, either via food sensitivity or a response to a challenging situation. She reported being less jittery in general, and better able to assess triggers as they arose instead of letting them overpower her. She also became much better with willpower in relation to food as a result of feeling more connected to her body.

I am sharing this case study with you as this is a very typical response to treatment for someone struggling with sleep, trauma, and weight loss.

If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues and could use help, please contact Kristin to schedule a treatment! 413/544-0108.