Bloodletting therapy combined with acupuncture for treating insomnia has certain applications in traditional Chinese medicine clinical practice. Its principle and applicable situations are as follows:

Principle

Bloodletting therapy for insomnia mainly relies on its effects of opening and closing the orifices, clearing heat and purging fire, and calming the mind and soothing the spirit. Through bloodletting, one can regulate qi and blood, unblock meridians, harmonize the internal organs, and restore the normal physiological functional state of the body. For some insomniacs with real or heat syndromes, bloodletting therapy can eliminate the heat pathogen in the body, relieve restlessness and thus improve sleep. Acupuncture, by stimulating specific acupoints, regulates the balance of Yin and Yang, unblocks the meridians and qi and blood, supports the body’s resistance and eliminates pathogenic factors, thereby further enhancing the therapeutic effect. The combination of the two can regulate the body’s functions from different perspectives and jointly improve insomnia symptoms.

Applicable circumstances

Insomnia caused by liver depression with internal heat: Patients often have symptoms such as irritability and anger, red eyes and bitter taste in the mouth. Bloodletting therapy involves bloodletting the tip of the ear to promote metabolism and eliminate internal heat pathogen. Acupuncture selects acupoints such as Taichong and Xingjian to soothe the liver and relieve depression, as well as clear liver heat. The combination of the two can effectively relieve insomnia caused by liver depression and internal heat.

Insomnia caused by phlegm-fire disturbing the heart: Patients may experience symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, chest tightness and fullness in the epigastrium. Bloodletting therapy can assist in eliminating phlegm-heat pathogenic factors within the body. Acupuncture selects acupoints such as Neiguan and Fenglong to resolve phlegm, calm the mind, and stabilize the spirit. By combining bloodletting with acupuncture, the functions of internal organs are regulated and sleep is improved.

Intractable insomnia: For patients with long-term insomnia and poor response to both Chinese and Western medicine, bloodletting therapy combined with acupuncture can be used as an auxiliary treatment method. Bloodletting therapy promotes microcirculation in the body and eliminates toxins. Acupuncture regulates the qi and blood in the meridians and balances Yin and Yang. The two work in synergy to enhance the therapeutic effect.