The mechanism by which acupuncture improves the circulation of qi and blood in insomnia is mainly based on the theory of meridians and qi and blood in traditional Chinese medicine. It regulates the circulation and balance of qi and blood in the human body by stimulating specific acupoints, thereby alleviating insomnia symptoms. The following is an analysis of its mechanism from the perspective of qi and blood circulation:

1. Unblock meridians and promote the circulation of qi and blood

The relationship between meridians and qi and blood: According to traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are the channels through which qi and blood circulate, and qi and blood nourish all the internal organs and tissues of the body through meridians. If the meridians are blocked and the circulation of qi and blood is not smooth, it will lead to the dysfunction of the internal organs and subsequently cause insomnia.

The function of acupuncture: By needling specific acupoints (such as Baihui, Shenmen, Neiguan, Sanyinjiao, etc.), it can unblock the meridians, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and improve insomnia caused by poor qi and blood flow. For instance, needling the Baihui acupoint can regulate the qi and blood in the head, calm the mind and stabilize the will. Acupuncture at the Shenmen point can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, promoting the circulation of qi and blood in the Heart Meridian.

2. Harmonize Yin and Yang and balance qi and blood

The relationship between Yin and Yang and qi and blood: The imbalance of Yin and Yang is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms of insomnia. The generation, circulation and distribution of qi and blood are closely related to Yin and Yang. If the balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted and the circulation of qi and blood is disordered, it will lead to restlessness of the mind and spirit, and subsequently cause insomnia.

The function of acupuncture: Acupuncture regulates the balance of Yin and Yang by stimulating specific acupoints, thereby restoring the normal circulation of qi and blood. For instance, needling acupoints such as Zusanli and Taichong can harmonize the spleen and stomach and promote the generation of qi and blood. Needling the Yongquan acupoint can nourish Yin, reduce internal heat and balance Yin and Yang.

3. Regulate the functions of internal organs and improve the production of qi and blood

The relationship between the zang-fu organs and qi and blood: The generation and circulation of qi and blood depend on the functions of the zang-fu organs. If the functions of the internal organs are out of balance, and the production or circulation of qi and blood is insufficient or not smooth, it can lead to insomnia. For instance, deficiency of both heart and spleen, liver depression and qi stagnation, etc. can all cause insomnia.

The function of acupuncture: By needling the acupoints related to the internal organs, it regulates the functions of the internal organs and improves the production of qi and blood. For instance, acupuncture at Xinshu and Pishu points can nourish the heart and spleen and promote the generation of qi and blood. Acupuncture at Ganshu and Taichong can soothe the liver and regulate qi, alleviating liver depression and qi stagnation.

4. Calm the mind and regulate the spirit

The relationship between the heart spirit and qi and blood: The heart spirit governs a person’s mental activities, and qi and blood are the material basis for the activities of the heart spirit. If the qi and blood are insufficient or their circulation is not smooth, the heart spirit will be deprived of nourishment, which can lead to insomnia.

The function of acupuncture: By needling acupoints that calm the mind and stabilize the will (such as Shenmen, Neiguan, Baihui, etc.), it regulates the heart spirit and improves sleep. For instance, needling the Shenmen acupoint can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, promoting the circulation of qi and blood in the Heart Meridian. Acupuncture at the Neiguan point can regulate the qi and blood of the Pericardium Meridian and relieve symptoms such as palpitations and insomnia.

5. Promote blood circulation and improve blood supply to the brain

The relationship between the brain and qi and blood: The brain is the sea of marrow. Abundant qi and blood is the foundation for maintaining the normal function of the brain. If there is insufficient qi and blood or their circulation is not smooth, the blood supply to the brain will be inadequate, which can lead to symptoms such as insomnia and frequent dreams.

The function of acupuncture: By needling acupoints on the head (such as Baihui, Sishencong, etc.) and acupoints that regulate qi and blood (such as Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, etc.), it promotes qi and blood circulation, improves blood supply to the brain, and thereby alleviates insomnia.