What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?: Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is holistic approach to treating diseases including insomnia. TCM focuses on physical, emotional and psychological changes in the body that can lead to illness and health.
How TCM Works: According to TCM theory, our bodies have a vital energy force called Qi (pronounced key). If energy in the body is not balanced, a person may suffer from various ailments including insomnia, depending on where energy imbalances exist within the body. For example, a TCM healthcare provider might suggest there is an imbalance or lack of vital energy or life force in the blood and liver, which may result in difficulty falling asleep.
What to Expect When Visiting a TCM Doctor : Many healthcare providers practicing TCM look for imbalances in the heart and kidney or kidney and spleen. Most use acupuncture and various herbs to help restore balance in the body and promote better sleep. Many also recommend massage as a tool for promoting relaxation and relieving primary insomnia or transient insomnia. Still other TCM practitioners will look for other causes for insomnia including medical conditions or poor digestion. A TCM provider may work with your primary care doctor to help diagnose and treat insomnia.
How to Find a Qualified TCM Pracitioner: There are many places you can find information about TCM and find out whether a TCM practitioner is licensed to practice. You want to find a TCM provider with experience, and one that has a reputation for reliable service. Most states require anyone offering medical advice or assistance have some training, certification or qualification. You can visit The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or NCCAOM to locate a list of TCM providers that are properly licensed to provide reliable advice about insomnia.