Acupuncture techniques for improving insomnia among student groups

　　First, common causes of insomnia among students and ideas for acupuncture treatment

　　Insomnia among students is often caused by academic pressure, irregular schedules, excessive use of electronic devices or anxiety. Acupuncture treatment focuses on harmonizing qi and blood, balancing Yin and Yang, and calming the mind. It relieves tension and improves sleep quality by stimulating specific acupoints. The treatment should be combined with the physical characteristics of students, avoid excessive stimulation, and focus on safety and comfort.

　　Second, common acupoints and operation techniques

　　Acupoints on the head

　　Baihui: Located at the center of the top of the head, gently prick 0.3 to 0.5 cun to lift Yang qi, invigorate the mind and calm the spirit.

　　Sishencong: One cun each in the front, back, left and right of Baihui, and prick 0.3 to 0.5 cun horizontally. It can regulate the qi and blood in the brain, relieve insomnia accompanied by dizziness and memory decline.

　　Anmian: At the midpoint of the line connecting Yifeng and Fengchi, point 0.5 cun directly. This is an effective acupoint for treating insomnia.

　　Acupoints of the upper limbs

　　Shenmen: At the ulnar end of the transverse wrist crease, directly prick 0.3 to 0.5 cun. It is the yuan point of the Heart Meridian. It can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, and improve frequent dreams and easy awakening.

　　Neiguan: It is located 2 cun above the transverse wrist crease and 0.5 cun directly. It is a point of the pericardium meridian, which can broaden the chest, regulate qi and relieve anxiety.

　　Acupoints of the lower limbs

　　Sanyinjiao: It is located 3 cun above the tip of the inner malleolus, with a direct puncture of 0.8 to 1 cun. It is a point where the liver, spleen and kidney meridians meet. It can strengthen the spleen, nourish blood, tonify Yin and calm the mind, and is suitable for insomnia caused by deficiency of both heart and spleen.

　　Taichong: Located in the depression in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones on the top of the foot, a direct puncture of 0.5 to 0.8 cun is needed. It is the yuan point of the liver Meridian and can soothe the liver and relieve depression, as well as alleviate irritability and anger.

　　Acupoints on the back

　　Xinshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, with an oblique puncture of 0.5 cun. It can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, and improve palpitations and insomnia.

　　Ganshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra and 0.5 cun oblique. It can soothe the liver and regulate qi, and is suitable for insomnia caused by liver depression and internal heat.

　　Third, acupuncture operation skills

　　Acupuncture technique

　　Students have sensitive constitutions. Acupuncture should be done gently to avoid strong stimulation.

　　For the acupoints on the head, use flat or oblique thrusting, while for the acupoints on the limbs, use straight thrusting. The depth should be such that qi is obtained (with a local sensation of soreness and distension).

　　The needle should be retained for 20 to 30 minutes. During this period, the needle can be inserted every 10 minutes to enhance the stimulating effect.

　　Safety Precautions

　　Before acupuncture, it is necessary to confirm that the student has no history of fainting from needles and avoid treatment on an empty stomach or when fatigued.

　　The Angle and depth of needle insertion for acupoints on the back must be strictly controlled to avoid damaging internal organs.

　　After acupuncture, press the needle hole to prevent bleeding or hematoma.

　　Course arrangement

　　The treatment is administered 2 to 3 times a week, with 10 sessions constituting one course of treatment.

　　It is recommended to continue the treatment for 2 to 3 courses to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

　　Fourth, classification treatment techniques

　　Liver depression with internal heat type

　　Symptoms: Insomnia accompanied by irritability, bitter taste in the mouth, red eyes, red tongue with yellow coating.

　　Technique: Apply heavy thrusting to Taichong and Xingjian, and use the purging method (quickly lift, insert, twist and turn) to clear liver heat.

　　Deficiency of both heart and spleen type

　　Symptoms: Insomnia with frequent dreams, palpitations, forgetfulness, sallow complexion, pale tongue with white coating.

　　Technique: Gently prick Shenmen and Sanyinjiao, and perform the tonifying method (slowly lift, insert, twist and turn) to strengthen the spleen and nourish the heart.

　　Heart-kidney disharmony type

　　Symptoms: Insomnia accompanied by palpitations, soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, tinnitus, forgetfulness, and a red tongue with little coating.

　　Technique: Acupuncture at Xinshu and Shenshu points, combined with Taixi, to promote the connection between the heart and kidneys.

　　Neck and shoulder muscle tension type

　　Symptoms: Insomnia accompanied by neck and shoulder pain, dizziness and headache.

　　Technique: Needling Fengchi and Jianjing, combined with local massage, to unblock the meridians.

　　Fifth, combine with other therapies

　　Auricular point pressing beans

　　It can be combined with auricular point pressing (such as Shenmen, Xin, subcortical, etc.). Press 3 to 5 times a day, each time for 1 to 2 minutes, to enhance the calming effect.

　　Acupoint massage

　　Guide students or parents to massage acupoints such as Anmian, Shenmen and Neiguan 1 to 2 times a day, for 5 to 10 minutes each time, to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

　　Suggestions for lifestyle adjustment

　　Schedule adjustment: It is recommended that students maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and refrain from using electronic devices one hour before going to bed.

　　Exercise for relaxation: Engage in appropriate aerobic exercises (such as jogging and yoga) to relieve study pressure.

　　Dietary adjustment: Avoid overeating at dinner or consuming spicy and stimulating foods. You can drink warm milk or jujube seed tea to help you sleep.

　　Sixth, Precautions

　　psychological counseling

　　For insomnia caused by academic pressure, psychological counseling should be combined to help students adjust their mindset and relieve anxiety.

　　Parental cooperation

　　Parents should pay attention to their children’s daily routines and emotional changes, avoid excessive pressure, and create a relaxed family atmosphere.

　　Safety first

　　Acupuncture treatment should be performed by professional physicians. Do not perform it by yourself or use non-standard acupuncture tools.