Key points for acupuncture treatment of insomnia in manual workers

Manual workers, due to long-term engagement in high-intensity physical labor, are prone to problems such as depletion of qi and blood, muscle strain, and blocked meridians, which in turn can lead to insomnia. The following elaborates on the key points of acupuncture treatment from aspects such as point selection, acupuncture operation, treatment cycle, and daily life cooperation.

First, accurately diagnose and select acupoints

Deficiency of qi and blood type: Physical laborers are overworked and their qi and blood are depleted, presenting symptoms such as insomnia, frequent dreams, dizziness, pale complexion, and fatigue. Acupoints such as Zusanli, Qihai, Xuehai, Xinshu and Pishu can be selected. Zusanli is a meridian point of the stomach. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach and tonifying qi and blood. The sea of Qi is the sea of primordial energy, capable of tonifying qi and restoring Yang. The sea of blood can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, nourish and replenish blood. The Heart Shu and Spleen Shu respectively regulate the functions of the heart and spleen and promote the production of qi and blood.

Muscle strain type: Long-term labor can easily lead to muscle strain, and the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians is not smooth, resulting in insomnia accompanied by symptoms such as limb soreness and numbness. Acupuncture can be performed on points such as Ashi (the painful area), Shenshu, Weizhong, and Chengshan. The Ashi point directly acts on the lesion to relieve local pain. The Shenshu point can tonify the kidney and strengthen the waist. Weizhong is a bladder meridian point that can regulate the qi of the meridians, promote blood circulation and unblock the collaterals. Chengshan can relax the muscles and tendons and relieve muscle tension.

Heart-kidney disharmony type: Excessive fatigue depletes the Yin of the heart and kidneys, leading to excessive heart fire and insufficient kidney water, which is manifested as insomnia, irritability, soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, hot flushes and night sweats, etc. Acupoints such as Shenmen, Neiguan, Taixi, Yongquan, Xinshu and Shenshu can be selected. Shenmen and Neiguan calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Taixi and Yongquan nourish Yin and tonify the kidneys. The Heart Shu and Kidney Shu points regulate the functions of the heart and kidneys and connect them.

Second, standardize the acupuncture operation

Needle selection: Choose the appropriate filiform needle based on the location of the acupoint and the patient’s constitution. For areas with thick muscles such as Zusanli and Weizhong, thicker fine needles can be selected. For acupoints on the face, ears and other areas, thinner filiform needles should be selected.

Acupuncture depth: Master the acupuncture depth well to avoid damaging important organs and blood vessels. For instance, when needling Zusanli, the depth of the needle is generally 1 to 2 cun. When needling Weizhong, the depth of the needle should be 0.5 to 1 inch.

Intensity of stimulation: Physical laborers have a relatively higher tolerance for pain, but the intensity of acupuncture stimulation still needs to be adjusted according to the patient’s response. Techniques such as lifting, thrusting, twisting and turning can be used. It is appropriate when the patient feels a local sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, heaviness and other sensations of qi, to avoid excessive stimulation causing discomfort.

The retention time for the injection: The retention time for the injection is generally 20 to 30 minutes. During the period of needle retention, the needle can be inserted every 5 to 10 minutes to maintain the sensation of the needle. However, for patients with weak constitutions or those who are more sensitive to acupuncture, the retention time of the needle can be appropriately shortened.

Third, arrange the treatment cycle reasonably

Initial treatment: Acupuncture treatment should be conducted 2 to 3 times a week to quickly relieve insomnia symptoms. In the early stage of treatment, the frequency of treatment can be appropriately increased to help the body adapt to the stimulation of acupuncture as soon as possible, promoting the circulation of qi and blood and the unblocking of meridians.

Consolidation treatment: After the insomnia symptoms have significantly improved, acupuncture treatment can be conducted 1-2 times a week to consolidate the therapeutic effect. During the consolidation treatment stage, the treatment frequency can be gradually reduced. Meanwhile, the patient’s sleep condition should be observed, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to the actual situation.

Long-term conditioning: For manual laborers, prolonged high-intensity labor can easily lead to repeated problems such as deficiency of qi and blood and unsmooth meridians in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular acupuncture treatment, 1-2 times a month, to maintain good physical condition and prevent the recurrence of insomnia.

Fourth, emphasize the coordination of life

Reasonable rest: Manual workers should ensure adequate sleep time and avoid overwork. During breaks at work, it is advisable to take appropriate breaks and relax, such as closing your eyes to rest or doing simple stretching exercises.

Dietary adjustment: Pay attention to a balanced diet and nutrition. Consume more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits, etc. Avoid eating spicy, greasy and irritating foods to prevent increasing the burden on your body. For patients with insomnia due to deficiency of qi and blood, they can appropriately consume some foods that nourish qi and blood, such as red dates, longans, and yams.

Moderate exercise: Although physical laborers have a relatively high level of daily activity, appropriate exercise still helps promote the circulation of qi and blood and unblock the meridians. You can choose some light forms of exercise, such as walking, Tai Chi, yoga, etc., to avoid excessive fatigue caused by intense exercise.

Psychological adjustment: Long-term engagement in physical labor may bring certain psychological pressure to manual workers, such as work pressure and economic pressure. One should learn to regulate one’s emotions and keep a pleasant mood. Stress can be relieved by listening to music, chatting with friends and other means to prevent insomnia from worsening due to emotional problems.