The branches of this shrubby plant are so thorny that farmers use it as fencing to keep their animals contained. Suan Zao Ren has the effect of nourishing Heart Shen and Liver Blood, as well as regulating Liver Chi. Several studies have proven that it can help people to sleep deeply and stay asleep longer. People who take this formula tend to feel more refreshed and energetic in the morning. It can also be used to treat the nervous exhaustion that comes with depression.
Acupuncture is also effective treatment for insomnia.
Many of my patients who come for other problems such as migraine, back pain, or depression notice that their sleeping has improved, too, even though they may not have considered insomnia to be a problem. Patients will comment that they ve been sleeping really well since they started acupuncture. One of my patients had multiple health problems including chronic insomnia. She had only slept one or two hours a night for many years, and suffered from fibromyalgia, which is generally considered to be related to chronic insomnia. After acupuncture treatments twice a week for three or four weeks, plus herbs, her sleep improved dramatically.