Using acupuncture for sleep apnea can over time correct whatever imbalances are causing sleep apnea, minus any side effects. Apart from improved sleep, people who have used acupuncture for sleep apnea obtained a greater feeling of well-being and improvement in health. 

A recent study appearing in the October 3, 2006 issue of Sleep Medicine looked at 26 subjects with obstructive sleep apnea. The subjects were randomly placed into three groups. One group received acupuncture. One group received “sham” acupuncture, which is superficial needling at points that are not acupuncture points. A third group did not receive treatment. The group receiving the acupuncture had improvements in the apnea-hyponea index and in the apnea index (50.5% and 79% respectively). They also had a decrease in the number of respiratory events (43%); the control group had a 53% increase in respiratory events. 

The acupuncturist will have to look at the the specific signs and symptoms of your condition as well as the state of your overall health to determine if Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you.  Each case is unique and it would be difficult to determine your Chinese medical diagnosis or treatment plan without a full assessment.

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