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Acupuncture for Snoring and Sleep Apnea




Snoring can result from a number of factors including allergies, colds and mouth anatomy. The noisy breathing occurs when the nasal passages become obstructed. Chronic nasal congestion associated with snoring can often be relieved and even reversed with acupuncture. Inflammation of the nasal passages clogs the nostrils causing restricted breathing. Acupuncture can help by dilating the blood vessels allowing oxygen and nutrients in to support the nostril tissue and eventually reduce inflammation. This reduces congestion and clears the airways which can help solve the problem..




Sleep apnea is a more serious medical condition where a person can stop breathing many times throughout the night. People with sleep apnea will struggle to breathe and will awaken briefly or often. Sleep apnea can be a debilitating condition resulting in variety of symptoms and conditions such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness and impaired memory and cognitive performance. Sleep apnea can also lead to irritability, depression, erectile dysfunction, and even cardiac and metabolic conditions.


Traditional Chinese medicine recognises a number of potential causes of sleep apnea. One of these is qi (energy) stagnation and phlegm accumulation. These can be relieved by acupuncture and herbal medicine which can help to increase the flow of qi and reduce the presence of excess phlegm.


Sleep apnea may also be caused by the muscles in the throat relaxing. This narrows the airways and restricts or prevents the flow of air causing difficulty breathing. Less airflow also leads to reduced levels of oxygen in the blood. Acupuncture and acupressure can help by stimulating the muscles and tissues in the upper respiratory airways so they are more robust and less likely to collapse during sleep.



Acupuncture can also help to strengthen the tongue muscle in order prevent it from subsiding and blocking the airway during sleep.


Before receiving treatment our Chinese medicine practitioner will give a full Chinese medicine consultation to evaluate your health history and understand the potential causes of your condition. They will then formulate a treatment plan specific for your needs. Common treatments include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, auriculotherapy and dietary advice.


Care Cure are Irelands leading TCM practitioners with clinics in The Merrion Shopping center Dublin 4 and 53 Georges St Lwr, Dun Laoghaire. We offer free online video consultations and free consultations in our clinics. Our team of practitioners are trained in both Chinese and western medicine practices ensuring you receive the best possible treatment and care.


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