Many social media users have claimed that using mouth tape while sleeping can reduce snoring, and even eliminate it altogether. The mouth taping trend has sky-rocketed via marketing by well-known influencers promoting tape with attractive colors and designs.

Snoring is a common occurrence. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 45% of adults snore occasionally causing disturbance to overall sleep to themselves and their bed partners, including pets.

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Instead of quickly jumping to mouth taping to address these night disturbances, it’s important to figure out why you’re sleeping with your mouth open. Factors that may lead to a person breathing through their mouth while sleeping (therefore causing the snoring sound) include:

  • Being a habitual mouth breather
  • Blocked nasal passages
  • Deviated septum
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Dangers of Mouth Tape

Using mouth tape while sleeping can cause serious consequences. For people who are accustomed to breathing through their mouths, the use of tape blocks this option of normal airflow.

There is also increased risk of aspirating, should one vomit or experience acid reflux while the mouth is taped shut. Stomach contents may travel into the lungs, resulting in pneumonia or death.

People who have sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, may not be able to breathe while sleeping and using mouth tape. Other health considerations include skin irritation or allergic reactions from the tape’s adhesive.

There is not much research and scientific evidence to show us true benefits of mouth taping, but there are proven methods to treat snoring and mouth breathing during sleep.

Solving Sleep Disruptions

Receiving weekly acupuncture injections may assist in the elimination of snoring, mouth breathing, insomnia, sleep apnea, allergies, nasal congestion, anxiety, and stress.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice used to treat an array of conditions and symptoms by stimulating precise points on the body. Needles are strategically placed in the skin to release pain-blocking chemicals, reduce inflammation and improves immune response.

An acupuncture point, also sometimes called an acupoint, refers to the exact location on the body where the acupuncture needle can be inserted to prevent or treat symptoms. These points are thoughtfully chosen by an acupuncture practitioner based on their assessment of the individual seeking treatment.

The following acupoints are often targeted by acupuncturists when treating snoring:

Ying Ling Quan (SP-9) is an acupoint located on top of the calf. Stimulation of SP-9 helps soothe many different health issues including diarrhea, urinary incontinence, as well as knee pain. It also regulates the body’s production of phlegm, which can contribute to an improvement in snoring.

Zhong Wan (CV-12) is an acupoint located on the abdomen. This acupoint helps soothe any digestive issues, but it will also help eliminate snoring as well. Stimulating the CV-12 is recommended to those struggling with snoring due to emotional stress and sleep issues.

Lie Que (LU-7) is an acupoint located on the underside of the forearm near the wrist. Le Que means “broken sequence” and is one of the most frequently stimulated acupoints for patients with breathing and lung issues. It is also effective for shortness of breath and swelling of the throat.

Ying Xiang (LI-20) is another popular acupuncture point that is effective for snoring. You’ll find this pressure point on the face, beside the nose, at the midpoint of the border of the outer bottom of the nostrils. Because LI-20 is at the crossing point of the large intestine and the stomach, pushing it helps to chase off wind, open the nasal passageways, and clear heat. It is a well-known point for relieving snoring caused by nasal congestion. 

Ren Ying (ST-9) is an acupuncture point is located on the neck, beside the Adam’s apple and borders one of the neck’s largest muscles. ST-9 is effective for relieving discomfort from a swollen throat, asthma, and high blood pressure. This point also improves blood circulation around the neck, which may reduce snoring.

Ultimately, it’s important to seek health and medical advice from professionals instead of receiving advice online and on social media platforms as these “solutions” are often trends or fads. To learn more about the traditional Chinese medicinal practice of acupuncture and explore how it can improve your life, visit https://acupuncture-scottsdale.com/

Author: Dr. Constance Bradley Acupuncture is accessible and personalized acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese Medicine in a professional, private setting. Whether customers are looking to reduce stress, get out of pain, or explore natural beauty, Dr. Constance Bradley is passionate about helping them create and maintain optimum health. To learn more about the traditional Chinese medicinal practice of acupuncture and explore its benefits, visit https://acupuncture-scottsdale.com/