Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medical treatment method, has shown unique advantages in dealing with insomnia issues. Here are several acupuncture methods and their operating procedures:
Skin needle therapy for insomnia commonly selects acupuncture points including the sides of the 1st to 7th cervical vertebrae and the sides of the 5th to 12th thoracic vertebrae. Backup points involve the forehead, head, brow, shenmen, zusanli, sanyinjiao, etc. During the operation, first lightly to moderately prick the common points on both sides, from the cervical vertebrae down, then horizontally prick the specific area of the thoracic vertebrae, three needles in each area, 20 to 50 routine pricks around each point until the skin slightly reddens or lightly bleeds. This therapy is performed every other day, with one regimen consisting of 12 sessions, and a week’s rest between regimens.
Ear acupressure pellet therapy commonly uses the heart, middle border, and shenmen ear points, with additional backup points such as kidney, subcortical, liver, endocrine, and spleen if necessary. During treatment, wang baliuxingzi, mung beans, or small ice pieces are applied to one side of the ear points, followed by massage to induce ear warmth. Patients are required to self-massage 3 to 5 times daily, especially before bedtime, for about 1 to 2 minutes each time. Alternate between both ears, change the pressure point every two days, with a total of 10 sessions per regimen, and a 4-day interval between regimens.
Bloodletting therapy mainly targets sensitive points detected at the root of the ear (ashi point), occasionally supplemented with inner middle pes. After disinfection, quickly prick to induce bleeding, treating one side of the ear each time, depending on the situation every other day or daily, for 5 to 7 sessions per regimen.
Insomnia has various causes, including physical illnesses (such as pain, cough), lifestyle changes (night shifts, consumption of caffeinated drinks), psychological factors (anxiety, excitement), and certain medication side effects. The reason acupuncture can alleviate insomnia is due to its multifaceted mechanisms:
– Regulating meridians: By needling specific acupoints, it promotes the circulation of Qi and blood, harmonizing yin and yang, and preventing and treating diseases. – Balancing yin and yang: Based on individual constitution and symptoms, selecting appropriate acupoints for treatment corrects the imbalance of yin and yang in the body. – Strengthening the body and expelling pathogens: Acupuncture can enhance the body’s immunity through different techniques (strengthening the body) while helping to eliminate pathogenic factors in the body (expelling pathogens).
In summary, acupuncture has become a popular treatment method due to its rapid efficacy, immune enhancement, analgesic and sedative effects, and high safety. It is particularly suitable for combination with other therapies to collectively promote health recovery.
