Can acupuncture and herbal medicine help you sleep better?

Sleep is one of the most essential functions of the human body, yet for so many, it’s also one of the most elusive. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, waking in the early hours, or simply never feeling rested, disrupted sleep affects our mood, focus, immunity, and overall well-being.

At her clinic in Lincolnshire, Alison Seymour uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support healthy, restorative sleep. Her treatments are gentle, personalised, and grounded in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which sees sleep not as an isolated issue, but a reflection of the body’s internal balance.

How Chinese medicine views sleep

In TCM, sleep is closely connected to the Shen – the mind or spirit, which resides in the heart. For restful sleep to occur, the Shen must feel safe and settled. When the heart is disturbed, often due to excess heat, emotional stress, or a lack of nourishment, the Shen becomes restless – and so do we.

TCM also considers the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys in relation to sleep. Each of these organ systems plays a role in regulating energy, processing emotions, and maintaining hormonal balance, all of which can affect sleep quality.

Insomnia is never seen as “just” a sleep problem. It might be linked to anxiety, overthinking, night sweats, hormonal changes, digestive issues, or physical pain. The key is to understand the root cause.

“Good sleep doesn’t come from knocking the body out – it comes from bringing it back into balance.”

Alison Seymour, acupuncturist and herbalist, Lincolnshire

How acupuncture supports better sleep

Alison uses acupuncture to calm the nervous system, nourish the Heart, and balance the flow of Qi. Treatment points are selected based on your specific presentation, whether that’s difficulty falling asleep, light sleeping, vivid dreams, or early waking.

Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s internal clock, reduce cortisol levels, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” state). Many people report sleeping more deeply, waking less frequently, and feeling more rested even after just a few sessions.

The role of Chinese herbal medicine

Herbs can be a powerful addition to acupuncture, especially for persistent or hormonally linked sleep problems. One well-known Chinese herb used for sleep is Suan Zao Ren (spina date seed), which has calm relaxing, sedative properties and is often used to anchor the Shen.

Alison creates personalised herbal formulas that reflect the complexity of each person’s symptoms. Herbal medicine is particularly helpful in cases where sleep disturbances are connected to menopause, anxiety, digestive issues, or emotional tension.

Simple lifestyle support for sleep

At Eight Branches, lifestyle advice is also an important part of treatment. Alison encourages clients to eat earlier in the evening, wind down before bed, and avoid screens at night. Gentle breathwork or restorative yoga may also be recommended, depending on the person’s constitution.

Sometimes small changes can make a big difference – especially when combined with treatments that work to rebalance the body from within.

Sleep support in Lincolnshire

If you’re tired of being tired, there are gentle, effective ways to help your body rest again. At her clinic in Lincolnshire, Alison Seymour offers acupuncture, reflexology and herbal medicine treatments that support deep, nourishing sleep, without reliance on sleeping pills or harsh interventions.

To find out more or book a consultation, get in touch here. You don’t have to lie awake night after night – support is available.