The principle of acupuncture in treating insomnia is based on the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine and the theory of meridians. By stimulating specific acupoints, it regulates the body’s qi and blood, the functions of internal organs and the nervous system, achieving the purpose of balancing Yin and Yang, calming the mind and promoting sleep. Its core mechanism includes the following aspects:

First, regulate the balance of Yin and Yang

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of insomnia is “Yang not entering Yin”, that is, the imbalance of Yin and Yang in the human body leads to excessive Yang energy or insufficient Yin energy at night, making it difficult to enter the sleep state smoothly. Acupuncture, by stimulating acupoints, can balance Yin and Yang, allowing the excited Yang energy to be reined in and the weak Yin energy to be nourished, thus restoring the normal physiological state of “Yin in balance and Yang in harmony”. For instance, needling the Baihui point can enhance clear Yang, while needling the Zhaohai point can nourish Yin and reduce internal heat. The combination of the two helps to balance Yin and Yang and improve sleep.

Second, unblock the meridians and qi and blood

Meridians are the channels for the circulation of qi and blood. Patients with insomnia often suffer from blocked meridians and poor circulation of qi and blood due to emotional distress, improper diet or excessive fatigue, which in turn affects the peace of mind. Acupuncture, by stimulating acupoints, can unblock meridians, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and nourish the mind and spirit. For instance, needling the Shenmen point (the original point of the Heart Meridian) can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, while needling the Sanyinjiao point (the meeting point of the three Yin meridians in the foot) can harmonize qi and blood. The combination of the two can help relieve symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, frequent dreams and easy awakening.

Third, regulate the nervous system

Modern research shows that acupuncture can regulate the excitation and inhibition processes of the cerebral cortex through neural reflex mechanisms and promote the recovery of sleep rhythms. For instance, needling acupoints on the head such as Baihui and Sishencong can regulate the function of the cerebral cortex and inhibit overly excited neuronal activities. Acupuncture at acupoints such as Neiguan and Shenmen can regulate the autonomic nervous system, relieve sympathetic nerve tension, and promote parasympathetic nerve excitement, thereby improving sleep quality.

Fourth, regulate endocrine and neurotransmitters

Patients with insomnia often have endocrine disorders and imbalances of neurotransmitters, such as abnormal levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Acupuncture can regulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) by stimulating acupoints and promote the normal secretion of neurotransmitters. For example, needling the Taichong point can regulate liver qi and relieve anxiety. Acupuncture at Zusanli can regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach, improve the source of qi and blood production, and thereby indirectly regulate the levels of endocrine and neurotransmitters.

Fifth, calm the mind and stabilize the will, and harmonize emotions

According to traditional Chinese medicine, emotional imbalance is an important cause of insomnia. For instance, liver depression turning into fire and deficiency of both heart and spleen can both lead to restlessness of the mind and spirit. Acupuncture, by stimulating specific acupoints, can soothe the liver and regulate qi, strengthen the spleen and nourish the heart, thereby harmonizing emotions and calming the mind. For instance, needling the Taichong point can soothe the liver and relieve depression, while needling the Xinshu point can nourish the heart and calm the mind. The combination of the two can help alleviate insomnia caused by emotional fluctuations.