Acupuncture for Snoring – A Natural Remedy for Sleep
Many former “snorers” know first-hand that acupuncture for snoring works! This natural sleep remedy can help you (and your partner) fall asleep fast and sleep the whole night through. Here, acupuncturists and Chinese herbal medicine specialists describe acupuncture for snoring, and other ways to stop snoring.
Before the tips, a quip:
“A use has been found for everything but snoring,” said Mark Twain.
Indeed. For more information on how to stop snoring and the more complicated sleep apnea, read Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Sleep Well, Feel Better
Acupuncture for Snoring
Acupuncture can treat sinusitis and allergic reactions, which cause snoring. “I’ve treated clients with sinusitis caused by allergic reactions with good results,” says Ontario-based acupuncturist and herbalist Nancy Winlove-Smith. “ If the source of the snoring is an obstructed nasal passage due to chronic sinusitis, acupuncture can effectively help snoring. Many people have chronic nasal congestion due to allergies; acupuncture could relieve and even reverse the condition. When the nasal cavity is constantly obstructed by edema (the by-product of inflammation), the tissue is starved of oxygen and nutrients and becomes dysfunctional. Acupuncture dilates blood vessels, allowing oxygen and nutrients in to help support and repair the tissue. Acupuncture also allows edema to enter into the lymphatic system to be removed. Voila: reduced congestion!”
Winlove says some causes of snoring are hormonally driven. If so, acupuncture won’t help people stop snoring. Instead, try these natural sleep remedies.
Acupuncture opens blocked nasal passages. “Acupuncture can help open nasal passages for patients who have chronic allergies, and help re-establish balance within the systems of energy in the body,” says licensed acupuncturist Beth Kohn of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI. “To help people stop snoring, I recommend a daily sinus wash using warm water, epsom salt and perhaps a diluted grapefruit seed extract solution. I may use traditional Chinese herbal remedies to help balance the underlying patterns related to the chronic inflammation. I also review their diets to see if decreasing certain mucus producing foods (eg, dairy products and others) helps improve their health.”
Environmental irritants cause snoring; acupuncture removes irritants. “Sinuses can swell as a result of environmental irritants,” says Kohn. “Some people also have odd shaped sinuses which don’t allow for proper drainage, thus causing recurrent infections. Also if their diet is rich in mucus producing foods, they may also have issues with chronic sinus problems. For more serious issues related to sinues (eg, polyps, etc) they should see their doctor or a specialist, such as an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT).”
If snoring is due to a structural problem related to the tongue slipping to the back of the throat during sleep, then acupuncture won’t be as effective. For more info, read Why People Snore, Plus 6 Ways to Stop Snoring.
Acupuncture decreases mucus in airways, which cause snoring. “Anything that blocks the air flow can cause the vibration that is snoring,” says licensed acupuncturist Ruth Krill, founder of Arlington Acupuncture and Wellness in Arlington, MA. “Sinusitis, for instance, is the inflammation of the sinuses that blocks the narrow channels connecting the sinuses to the nose. The mucus cannot drain properly and can easily become infected. The inflammation is usually the result of the common cold. People with low immunity get frequent colds that can cause recurrent sinusitis. Acupuncture works for snoring by improving the circulation in the nasal cavities, allowing the body to heal itself quicker. Acupuncutre also improves and regulates the immune system.”
Qi Deficiency can lead to snoring; acupuncture unblocks Qi. “Qi Deficiency is having a weakened immune system that over-responds to everything,” says licensed acupuncturist Becca Seitz, of To The Point Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic in Portland, OR. “The swelling associated with sinusitis or allergies is created by two mecanisms: either a blockage of the normal flow of Qi due to Qi Deficiency or Wind Invasion (think of it as a traffic jam on the freeway), or heat in the nose, drying the nasal tissues. An acupuncturist will choose acupuncture points to Tonify Qi, Dispel Wind or Clear Heat, as needed. Often, herbal formulas will speed the process.”
If you’re not ready for a natural herbal remedy, you might find a Stop Snoring Mouth Piece
Breathe Right Nasal Strips are also an effective way to fall asleep faster — depending on the cause of the snoring.
If you have any questions or thoughts on acupuncture for snoring, please comment below!
Dear Readers, thank you for your comments and questions -- I read every one! I do my best to respond, but may not be able to reply to everyone. ~ Warmest Wishes, Laurie
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Comment by Laurie PK on 6 March 2009:
Here’s another tip for stopping snoring with acupuncture treatments, from Eunice Kan, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Burlingame, CA.
“Snoring can be caused by obstructed nasal passages, sinusitis, or allergies – and it’s important to find a remedy that treats the underlying cause,” she says. “If snoring is caused by sinusitis, the tissues in the nasal passages become inflamed. Phlegm can get stuck, obstruct the airway, and lead to snoring.”
Kan explains that acupuncture can help snoring by reducing inflammation and draining nasal congestion. “When you have clear nasal passages, you breathe better.”
Comment by bodydetoxboy on 30 September 2009:
i am always astonished how Acupunture helps in dealing with my migraine. it works wonders on other diseases like anxiety and allergy.
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 30 September 2009:
Thanks for your comment! My husband did a few sessions of acupuncture, and said it made him feel incredibly relaxed. He didn’t have any problems like migraines or snoring, though.
I’ve always wanted to try it, but have no real reason to justify the expense…though I imagine some acupuncturists are less expensive than others.
Comment by Utah Acupuncture on 28 October 2009:
Hmmmm..Maybe I could ask my brother who snores loud to try acupuncture, who knows it will help him.
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 28 October 2009:
Since there aren’t any negative side effects to acupuncture (that I know of), then it’s definitely worth a try to as a way to stop snoring! Worse case scenario is that it doesn’t work, and he feels relaxed and happy…
Comment by arthritisguy on 10 January 2010:
Acupuncture is really a good alternative medicine technique for common ailments such as allergies, minor headaches and pains. I have been practicing acupuncture for 4 years now.
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 13 January 2010:
Thanks for your tip, arthritisguy! I didn’t know that acupuncture was good for snoring before I wrote this article…nor did I know that it’s good for other common ailments.
Comment by Provo Chiropractic on 22 February 2010:
I wouldn’t have thought that acupuncture could help with snoring, but I suppose if you’re on the receiving end of the spectrum, that you would try anything to get some rest.
Comment by Abigail Clark on 3 May 2010:
i have been suffering from sinusitis for so many years and i can only relieve the stuffiness of the nose by means of decongestants.:*~
Comment by Benji on 4 June 2010:
If acupuncture works to reprogram muscle & tissue activity then yeah , it might work. Snoring is a lot to do with jaw position and airway restriction.
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 7 June 2010:
I think any remedy for snoring — natural or not — depends on the reason for the snoring. Acupuncture is worth trying because it’s been proven to be relaxing and restorative…though I don’t know if they’ve studied the effects of acupuncture on snoring or sleep.
Comment by VJ on 13 June 2010:
Now, I’ve never had acupuncture before, I’ve always been wary of it since I’ve never got the fact that poking/piercing someone with needles contributes to your health.
However, it is something I am curious about.