The acupuncture treatment situations for insomnia in different groups of people are as follows:

Middle-aged and young people

Young and middle-aged patients with insomnia often suffer from insomnia due to factors such as high stress and emotional fluctuations. Acupuncture can regulate the function of the central nervous system, relieve tension and anxiety, and thereby promote sleep. For instance, needling acupoints such as Shenmen and Neiguan can regulate the qi and blood of the Heart Meridian and relieve anxiety. Meanwhile, young and middle-aged patients with insomnia can also undergo comprehensive conditioning by combining cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, exercise therapy and other methods.

The elderly population

Acupuncture is effective for some mild to moderate cases of insomnia in the elderly. The causes of insomnia in elderly patients are mostly due to the decline of physiological functions caused by aging. Acupuncture can promote blood circulation, relax the body and mind, and thereby improve sleep quality. However, for severe insomnia in the elderly, it is necessary to combine drug treatment and other methods to improve the condition. For severe insomnia in the elderly, relying solely on acupuncture may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. It is necessary to combine it with anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants for intervention.

People with special diseases

Patients with brain diseases, such as sequelae of brain trauma and Parkinson’s disease, have difficulty falling asleep at night or sleep restlessness due to neurological dysfunction. In such cases, acupuncture at acupoints such as Baihui, Fengchi, and Taichong can be used for conditioning. At the same time, massaging acupoints like Taiyang and Yintang can be combined to achieve a calming effect.

Patients with mental and psychological disorders: Common ones include those with depression, anxiety and other diseases. Due to being in a long-term state of tension and unable to relax, sleep disorders occur. For such patients, under the guidance of a doctor, treatment can be carried out by needling acupoints such as Yongquan, Zusanli, and Fenglong, and combined with moxibustion and other methods to promote the recovery of a healthy state of the body.

Children’s population

Acupuncture improves children’s sleep quality by stimulating specific acupoints and regulating the function of the nervous system. When performing acupuncture, doctors will select appropriate needles and acupuncture techniques based on the child’s age, physical condition and illness. Generally, shallow pricking and light stimulation are adopted to avoid causing excessive pain and discomfort to children. For instance, for younger children, a technique of quickly inserting the needle and slowly removing it can be adopted to reduce the fear of needling. For slightly older children, the retention time of the needle can be appropriately extended based on specific circumstances to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Pregnant women

Whether acupuncture can be used for insomnia in pregnant women depends on the specific circumstances. Generally speaking, it is not recommended that pregnant women undergo acupuncture treatment during pregnancy, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. This is because acupuncture may pose potential risks to the fetus. However, in some cases, such as when a pregnant woman’s insomnia is caused by specific health issues like back pain or morning sickness, and these problems can be relieved through acupuncture treatment, the doctor may recommend acupuncture after a careful assessment. Before deciding whether to undergo acupuncture treatment, pregnant women should consult a doctor or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.