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Sleepless in Seattle According to the Alternative Medicine Review, approximately 14 I'm sure we've all had those nights when we have trouble sleeping. For many people, however, the occasional insomnia can turn into a chronic problem and be quite severe. I cannot tell you how many times I have had people come to me and say, "You know, I keep waking up in the middle of the night, and I just can't get back to sleep." For years, I have used a technique that has produced a positive change in hundreds of people's sleeping behaviors. I have seen people who did not sleep well for years who, after one to three treatments, can now sleep fine. I call this technique "Resetting the 24-Hour Clock." Dr. Wally Schmitt, an applied kinesiology chiropractor, taught me this simple and easy-to-use technique. For this article, I have modified it slightly from the one we use in our office — but it is just as effective. What you are about to learn will give you the tools to help you or someone you know to sleep through the night with just a few treatments. This technique is based on the acupuncture concept of the "24-hour clock." The points stimulated on the Governing Vessel meridian change the internal clock and allow the brain to be in synch with a normal night rhythm, also known as our circadian rhythm. First, have the person think of 9:00 p.m. He must imagine this hour as clearly as he can, whether that means seeing the hour on a clock, or visualizing an activity he often does at that time. The more clearly he can see the hour or experience it, the better the result. Next, stimulate the following four points on his body by tapping them with your fingertip or by using a laser pointer (most office-supply stores carry them for about $20). Tap 50 times on each point for a total of 200 taps. If you are using a laser pointer, shine the laser on the points for 30 seconds each. The first two points are directly above the center of each eyebrow. Stimulate these two points while the person thinks of 9:00 p.m. Then stimulate in the middle of the head, just above the hairline. The last point is directly on top of the crown of the head. After clearing 9:00 p.m., proceed to 11:00 p.m. and repeat the procedure. Have the person think of this hour just as he thought of 9:00 p.m. and stimulate these points in the same way. Repeat this procedure 10 more times for the hours of 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. If you're not seeing a change in sleeping patterns after two days, repeat all of the above. Usually this procedure has to be done two to three times for good results. If sleep is still difficult, repeat the entire procedure, selecting the hours that were not yet addressed: 10:00 p.m., 12:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m. and so on. The brain should now be in rhythm with our nocturnal settings. It has been my experience that most everyone wakes up around 3:00 a.m., give or take an hour. According to the theory of acupuncture, this is because there is a circulation of energy based on a 24-hour clock, with each organ and gland represented in two-hour blocks. The hour of the liver is 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. I have often found that a person with insomnia has an imbalance in blood sugar, and because of that, the liver has to do excessive work to release glucose to help the brain sleep. To counteract this, we recommend everyone eat a light snack consisting of three to four almonds (or other nuts), a fourth of an apple or other fruit and one ounce of protein (a slice of turkey or cheese) one half hour before bed. This very light snack can make a big difference. If the insomnia is chronic, most likely both the acupuncture-point stimulation and the snack are needed. If sleep is still difficult, there may be a hormonal imbalance or other problem that needs further attention. As a first step, I recommend that the patient take a liver supplement to support healthy liver function: Milk thistle, choline, taurine, B6 and artichoke leaf are good (see my article on liver detoxification called "Spring Cleaning" in issue #1). I would also recommend lipotropics (herbs to flush the liver) such as Lipotropics from Enzymatic Process or Lipo Gen from Metagenics. Almost any liver support works just fine. Usually one tablet two times per day is sufficient. Have fun with this procedure and see how quickly it works. You may end up with your insomniac neighbors knocking on your door for treatment.
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