Unfortunately, there is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating sleep apnea. Ideally, the most recommended treatment for OSA includes lifestyle changes – positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances and surgery. Acupuncture helps to increase blood oxygen saturation level and subsequently decreases the severity of OSA. It may help to improve symptoms by promoting deep relaxation and reduce stress.
Over the years Acupuncture has gained attention for its incredible therapeutic benefits. In fact, it also includes huge potential as complementary and alternative treatment for sleep apnea.
OSA or obstructive sleep apnea refers to a common sleep disorder when person’s airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep leading to frequent pauses in breathing. Though there are several activities and surgeries to get rid of the symptoms — acupuncture and sleep apnea is used in combination with conventional medical treatments.
How Does Acupuncture Work in Yang?
Well, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice used to treat for various conditions and reduce symptoms by stimulating precise points on your body. This method is usually used with conventional medical treatment when therapy and medication alone cannot treat an issue. Typically, it involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific locations.
Though there are hardly any proven medical records of how acupuncture works, many medical experts suggested that:
- The insert of the thin needle causes the body to release pain-blocking chemicals
- It helps to reduce inflammation
- Improves immune system
This treatment has been shown a great level of efficacy in treating many medical conditions. It includes various types of pain, digestive disorder, menopausal disorders, anxiety, insomnia and depression.
How Acupuncture Helps in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Unfortunately, there is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating sleep apnea. Ideally, the most recommended treatment for OSA includes lifestyle changes — positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances and surgery.
Acupuncture helps to increase blood oxygen saturation level and subsequently decreases the severity of OSA. It may help to improve symptoms by promoting deep relaxation and reduce stress. Several studies have found that — acupuncture can potentially reduce OSA-related breathing events and improve daytime sleepiness. There should be higher quality research to fully understand acupuncture’s potential to treat conditions like OSA.
What Happened During The Session?
The entire process is usually administered by inserting thin stainless steel needles into 365 acupuncture points on your body.
Acupuncture points or acupoint refers to the precise location on your body where the needles can be inserted to prevent the symptoms. Well, these points are carefully chosen by an acupuncturist based on their assessment of the individual seeking treatment. Based on the medical reports of the patient, the doctors suggest the number of session they require. After carefully analyzing the patient — the acupuncturist inserts five to twenty needles that are typically left in the position for 10 to 15 minutes.
During the session, patients can experience range of sensation including throbbing, numbness, aching and heaviness. In fact, acupuncture session involves the use of heat, magnet and electrical stimulation.
