Originating from China, acupuncture has been used for its health-giving effects for thousands of years. Lately, it has gained even more attention for the benefits acupuncture provides for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

In short, obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of adults and is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to collapsed airways. It can also remarkably reduce a patient’s quality of life and sleep, including insomnia, which is why it needs professional medical treatment.

Luckily, although more research is required, acupuncture can provide great results when used together with the standard OSA therapy. So, let’s learn more about it!

What is Acupuncture?

As already noted, acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that dates back approximately 3,000 years. It was traditionally used to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, like digestive disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin stainless steel needles into the skin at precise locations on the body, called acupoints. The acupuncture practitioner will first assess their patient’s condition  and then insert five to twenty needles, left for about 15 minutes.

Moreover, when receiving acupuncture, a patient typically experiences a variety of sensations such as aching, tingling, numbness, throbbing, and heaviness. Yet, after the session, experts claim that acupuncture provides relief by:

• Stimulating the release of pain-blocking chemicals
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving immune response

The Use of Acupuncture for OSA

Even though further research and scientific proof are needed, current evidence shows the effectiveness of the use of acupuncture for relieving obstructive sleep apnea.

First, acupuncture can reduce the severity of the OSA symptoms by increasing blood oxygen saturation levels, as well as by reducing stress and encouraging relaxation. Furthermore, studies found that acupuncture can potentially decrease daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea episodes, also known as respiratory events.

Acupoints for OSA Relief

An acupoint, short for acupuncture point, is the term used for the precise location on the body where needles are inserted to provide prevent or treat symptoms. Namely, there are 365 acupoints on the body, but here are the six main acupoints typically used for treating obstructive sleep apnea:

• KI6 (Zhaohai) – Located on the inside of the foot, underneath the ankle bone, along the kidney meridian, zhaohai is linked with yang and the element of water.
• SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Located at the intersecting point of the kidney, liver, and spleen meridians, sanyinjiao is linked with yin.
• EX-HN1 (Sishencong) – Located on the top of the head, sishencong is a group of four acupoints used to clear the mind and provide calmness.
• HT7 (Shenmen) – Located on the crease of the wrist underneath the pinky finger and along the heart meridian, shenmen is considered the spirit gate.
• ST36 (Zusanli) – Located below the knee along the outside of the leg and the stomach meridian, zusanli is a acupoint used to treat digestive issues.
• CV23 (Lianquan) – Located on the throat right above the Adam’s apple, lianquan is part of the conception vessel meridian promoting yin.

Final Thoughts

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice used for treating and preventing a range of conditions and symptoms. Recent studies, although limited, show that acupuncture can also be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common sleep disorder.

Therefore, if you suffer from OSA and are looking for alternative treatments, ensure you consult your doctor and try acupuncture.