Acupuncture for Snoring

Acupuncture and Snoring

The sound produced when the airways are blocked during sleep is known as snoring. When the tissues in the airways vibrate the sound is produced.

Snoring can cause problems in sleep patterns. Breathing problems can disrupt sleep patterns, intake of oxygen, REM or deep sleep. Disruption of sleep can lead to more serious conditions, like sleep apnea. Nose strips can help clear the nasal passages. There are several different causes behind snoring. Allergies cause snoring, obstructing the nasal passages which cause heavy breathing.

Chronic congestion due to allergies can be released with acupuncture. Swelling usually clogs the nostrils and acupuncture can help by dilating the blood vessels and decreasing the swelling. When the congestion is reduced, the airways become cleared and fixes the snoring.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a deficiency in qi weakens the immune system. The swelling associated with allergies is due to a blockage of qi. Acupuncture can restore proper flow of qi.

Allergic rhinitis is a learned response by the immune system where rapid physiological changes resulting in itchy eyes and throat, sinus congestion and sneezing, asthma, and diarrhea are produced. Exposure to an allergen, such as pollen, triggers a huge release of IgE antibodies which attach to mast cells. These cells are located in the lungs and respiratory tract and stomach lining and skin. When stimulated, mast cells release histamine which produce the allergic response.

IgE mediated allergies result in immediate symptoms and can be lifelong or fixed. There are other types of allergic responses that can be fleeting. One example is the delayed hypersensitivity reaction in which the allergic response can take up to 3 days for symptoms to occur. These immune reactions are IgE mediated and commonly occur with food.

Acupuncture is used in treating symptoms of allergies such as itchy eyes and throat, headaches, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. According to traditional chinese medicine, these symptoms mean that energy or qi is not flowing smoothly inside the body. Therefore the channels need to be opened to restore the flow of energy inside the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine often views allergies as related to wind, since symptoms come and go quickly, cause congestion, and make the person likely to avoid windy conditions. This Wind is often related with a Protective Qi deficiency. The closest resemblance to Protective Qi in western medicine is a strong immune system. People with protective qi deficiency catch colds easily and allergy symptoms are worse in the spring and fall, seasons which are generally windy.

Acupuncture is excellent in treating symptoms of allergies. Many allergy symptoms are located above the neck (headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose). This means the energy is not flowing smoothly from the head to the rest of the body and vice versa. All the yang meridians flow from the hands to the head and from the head to the feet. Acupuncture can open the channels in the neck and shoulders and allow the energy to flow smoothly. Needles can be placed directly on the areas of pain (such as the head) to treat symptoms more locally as well.

Acupuncture looks at the whole body when treating someone with allergies. Often those with chronic allergies show signs of spleen or kidney deficiency as well as lung signs. The goal of treatment is to develop a plan which addresses the acute symptoms and provide relief as well as addressing the underlying imbalance with the immune system.

Traditional allopathic therapies rely on suppressing the allergic response, antihistamines such as Benadryl are a good example. Other types of drugs used may act on the nervous system such as Albuterol. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone and decongestants such as Sudafed are also used. Despite their effectiveness, they are known to cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects cause people to seek alternative methods to manage allergies such as acupuncture.

Another cause of snoring can be attributed to weight gain. Acupuncture can help in weight loss in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise. It can help reduce stress, control appetite and cravings, increase energy, and help with relaxation. Acupuncture is a treatment which gives additional help to accomplish weight loss goals, but is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

When the digestive system is strengthened, it works more efficiently in getting nutrients from food and releasing toxins and improving bowel movements. This is important for people who have lost and gained weight throughout their life. Over time, the body’s digestive qi becomes decreased and cannot function properly.

Weight loss and gain can happen over a period of time, According to traditional chinese medicine, spleen qi is decreased and cannot function at its best. Sleep, stress, and hormones are some of the important factors in weight gain and loss. Sleep helps maintain the balance of the body and some of the extra weight can be released naturally through sleep. If stress levels are high in the body, it can interfere with eating and sleeping.

The balance of hormones in our bodies is important. It helps minimize cravings and keeps our emotions in balance. Increased stress levels cause the production of cortisol. This can cause difficulty in sleeping, inflammation, along with weight gain. Estrogen and progesterone, which are increased during the menstrual phase, can lead to mood swings and cravings. Acupuncture can help with weight loss with the help of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

The video below describes how acupuncture is performed and commonly asked questions. Many people seek acupuncture for ta variety of conditions and injuries. Acupuncture is also very effective when combined with conservative therapy and medical treatments.

Learn more about Acupuncture in our Chandler AZ Clinic. Chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture can be used alone or combined to enhance many types of treatments and injuries. Many people with chronic pain find significant relief when combining these treatments.

Low level lasers are excellent treatments for decreasing pain and inflammation inside joints and around injuries. Class IV Cold Lasers produce a specific frequency and wavelength of energy that decrease inflammatory molecules inside joints. Many people pain and injuries find relief when low level lasers are added to their treatment. Learn more about cold laser treatment and joint pain.

Alpha Chiropractic and Physical Therapy provides treatment for many patients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and Maricopa. Most patients have never seen a clinic that combines treatments from different providers into improving your pain. Chiropractic Adjustments are enhanced with physical therapy exercises and stretches.

Therapy and treatments for many types of conditions can be improved with a combination of acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy. Learn more about our unique Chandler Chiropractic Clinic.