Acupuncture for menopausal women to improve insomnia can be approached from aspects such as point selection, operation methods, treatment course planning, and comprehensive intervention. The following are specific strategies:

Acupoint selection strategy

The Baihui point on the head is located at the intersection of the midline of the top of the head and the line connecting the tips of both ears. Needling this point can help boost qi and Yang, open the orifices and invigorate the brain, alleviating symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia and forgetfulness caused by menopausal syndrome. The Shenting acupoint is located 0.5 cun directly above the center of the anterior hairline on the head. It can open the orifices, refresh the mind, calm the heart and soothe the spirit, and improve symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations and dizziness.

Acupoints on the limbs: The Neiguan acupoint is located on the palmar side of the forearm, 2 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the palmar longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Acupuncture can calm the mind, soothe the spirit, regulate qi and relieve pain, alleviating symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia and forgetfulness. The Sanyinjiao acupoint is located on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the inner ankle, behind the inner edge of the tibia. It can strengthen the spleen and stomach, regulate the liver and kidneys, and benefit qi and blood, alleviating symptoms such as weak spleen and stomach, insufficient liver and kidneys, and deficiency of qi and blood. The Zhaohai acupoint is located on the inner side of the foot, in the depression below the tip of the medial malleolus. It can promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, clear heat and remove dampness, and relieve symptoms such as irregular menstruation, night sweats, dizziness, and bitter and dry mouth.

Other acupoints: Taichong can soothe the liver and regulate qi, Guanyuan can nourish Yin and assist Yang, Shenshu, Ganshu and Pishu can regulate the functions of corresponding internal organs, and Anmian can effectively relieve insomnia and frequent dreams.

Operation method

Needle selection: Generally, filiform needles are used for needling. Triangular needles, plum blossom needles, magnetic round needles, etc. can also be selected according to the situation.

The depth of acupuncture and the intensity of stimulation: The depth of acupuncture is generally about 0.5 to 1 inch, and the operation should be carried out according to the position and depth of the acupoint. The intensity of the stimulation should not be too high. It is appropriate for the patient to be able to tolerate it and feel local soreness and distension. Excessive stimulation of the acupoints should be avoided to prevent damage to the body.

Retention of needles and auxiliary treatment: After acupuncture, the needles should be retained for 20 to 30 minutes. During this period, appropriate massage or moxibustion can be performed to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Treatment course planning

The course of acupuncture treatment for insomnia usually consists of 10 to 15 sessions, with 2 to 3 sessions per week. The specific course of treatment and the number of treatments need to be determined based on the patient’s specific condition. During the treatment process, it is necessary to regularly assess the improvement of the patient’s sleep and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.

Comprehensive intervention

Lifestyle adjustment: Maintain a regular schedule, get up at a fixed time and limit your nap to within 30 minutes. Do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking or Baduanjin, but avoid vigorous exercise three hours before going to bed. Soak your feet in warm water before going to bed and combine it with foot massage. For dinner, choose foods rich in tryptophan such as millet porridge and bananas, avoid high-fat and high-sugar diets, strictly control caffeine intake, and refrain from drinking strong tea after 4 p.m.

Psychological counseling: Menopausal women are prone to mood swings. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to correct bad sleep beliefs, or they can participate in menopausal health management courses to systematically regulate and divert excessive attention to symptoms.

Combined with other therapies: It can be used in conjunction with auricular point pressing of beans. Apply the seeds of Wangbu Xingxing to the reflex zones such as the heart, kidney, and Shenmen of the ear, and press 3 to 5 times a day. It can also be combined with traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. For instance, ingredients like jujube seeds and lily bulbs that are both food and medicine can be combined to make tea. The whey protein contained in warm milk helps to calm the nerves.