For many women, sleep isn’t just a matter of “getting tired.” It’s about an overwhelmed nervous system that won’t shut off, hormones that are out of rhythm, or a body that feels exhausted but can't fully rest.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Acupuncture is not just a way to relax, but a way to re-regulate the nervous system and restore internal balance. It doesn’t force sleep, but it clears the pathways so the body can return to it naturally. Its goal is not sedation, but even better: regulation.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ From a biomedical lens, acupuncture modulates the autonomic nervous system, reducing sympathetic activity ("fight or flight") and increasing parasympathetic tone ("rest and digest"). It influences the release of melatonin, GABA, and serotonin (neurochemicals essential for initiating and maintaining sleep). Studies using fMRI have even shown that acupuncture deactivates areas of the brain associated with stress and overthinking (like the amygdala and default mode network).​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, sleep is a dynamic, cyclical process governed by the Heart (which houses the mind), the Liver (which processes emotions and regulates the smooth flow of Qi), and the Kidneys (the foundation of yin, which anchors us into deep rest). When these systems are out of sync, due to stress, hormonal shifts, postpartum depletion, or poor digestion, sleep is one of the first things to go.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ ✨ I’m currently accepting acupuncture clients at my office in San Clemente on Mondays and Wednesdays at @radicalwellness_co. Appointments are one-on-one, with time built in for extra support—acupressure, ear seeds, cupping, or gua sha are always included when needed.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Send me a DM or an email if you are interested in scheduling a session 🌸