Key points of acupuncture treatment for Insomnia caused by deficiency of heart and gallbladder qi

First, analysis of causes and symptoms

Insomnia of the heart and gallbladder qi deficiency type is often caused by insufficient innate endowment, long-term mental stress or sudden fright, leading to deficiency of heart qi and restlessness of gallbladder qi. It is manifested as insomnia with frequent dreams, easy awakening, easy shock when encountering things, palpitations and timidity, shortness of breath and weakness, pale tongue with white coating, and taut and fine pulse. Patients often wake up awakened by external sounds or minor stimuli, and have difficulty falling asleep again after waking up, accompanied by anxiety.

Second, treatment principles

Acupuncture treatment focuses on tonifying qi, calming the mind and stabilizing the will. By tonifying heart qi, strengthening the gallbladder and calming the spirit, it harmonizes the functions of the heart and gallbladder, restores the balance of Yin and Yang, and improves sleep quality.

Third, core acupoints and key points of operation

Main acupoint

Shenmen (the original point of the Heart Meridian) : Pierce 0.3 to 0.5 cun directly, gently twist and nourish, to calm the mind and soothe the spirit.

Neiguan (a meridian point of the pericardium) : Insert 0.5 to 0.8 cun directly and perform the lifting, thrusting, twisting, turning and tonifying techniques. This can broaden the chest, regulate qi, calm the mind and soothe the spirit.

Danshu (the back-shu point of the Gallbladder Meridian) : Insert 0.5 to 0.8 cun obliqually and perform the twisting and turning tonification method to strengthen the gallbladder qi and soothe the liver and gallbladder.

Xinshu (the back-shu point of the Heart Meridian) : Insert 0.5 to 0.8 cun diagonally and perform the twisting and turning tonification method. It can tonify heart qi, calm the mind and relieve palpitations.

Acupoint selection

Qiu Xu (the Yuan point of the Gallbladder Meridian) : Prick 0.5 to 0.8 cun directly. It is a balanced tonic and purgative point to soothe the liver and gallbladder, calm the mind and soothe the spirit.

Baihui (a key point on the Governor Vessel) : Gently prick 0.3 to 0.5 cun flat, which can raise Yang qi, invigorate the brain and open the orifices.

Sishencong (an extraordinary acupoint outside the meridians) : Prick 0.3 to 0.5 cun horizontally to regulate the qi and blood in the brain and improve sleep.

Fourth, acupuncture operation skills

Acupuncture technique

The main method of tonification is to gently twist the back-shu points such as Xinshu and Danshu, and avoid strong stimulation. For acupoints such as Shenmen and Neiguan, slow lifting, thrusting, twisting and turning are mainly used. After the qi is obtained, the needles are retained.

The retention time for the needle is 20 to 30 minutes. During this period, the needle can be administered every 10 minutes to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Avoid excessive stimulation: The patient has a sensitive constitution. During acupuncture, their reaction should be closely observed to prevent fainting.

Adjuvant therapy

Moxibustion: Gentle moxibustion can be applied to the Xinshu and Dangshu acupoints for 10 to 15 minutes each time to warm and tonify the qi of the heart and gallbladder.

Auricular point pressing: In combination with auricular points such as heart, Gallbladder, Shenmen, and subcortical, press 3 to 5 times a day, each time for 1 to 2 minutes, to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

Fifth, addition and subtraction of types and precautions

Symptom addition or subtraction

Accompanied by chest tightness and costal pain: Add Qimen and Taichong to soothe the liver and regulate qi.

For dizziness and tinnitus: Add Fengchi and Xuanzhong to dispel wind, unblock meridians, nourish the marrow and replenish essence.

For loss of appetite: Add Zhongwan and Zusanli to strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach.

Precautions

Treatment timing: Avoid administering injections when the patient is fatigued, hungry or emotionally agitated.

Psychological counseling: Psychological counseling should be combined to help patients relieve anxiety and enhance their confidence in treatment.

Living habits: It is recommended that patients maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and refrain from drinking strong tea, coffee and other stimulating beverages before going to bed.

Sixth, course of treatment and therapeutic effect evaluation

Course arrangement: 2 to 3 sessions per week, with 10 sessions constituting one course. It is recommended to receive continuous treatment for 2 to 3 courses.

Therapeutic effect evaluation: A comprehensive assessment is conducted based on sleep quality, the degree of improvement in palpitations and timidity symptoms, and the patient’s self-report.

Seventh, combination with other therapies

Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning

You can take prescriptions such as Anshen Dingzhi Pills and Suanzao Ren Decoction as prescribed by a doctor to tonify heart qi, calm the mind and soothe the spirit.

Dietary adjustment

It is recommended to consume more foods that nourish the heart qi, strengthen the gallbladder and calm the mind, such as lotus seeds, lily bulbs, longans and millet porridge.

Exercise therapy

It is advisable to engage in gentle exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin to harmonize qi and blood and enhance physical fitness.

Eighth, Taboos and Risk Warnings

Contraindicated groups: Pregnant women, patients with severe heart disease, and those with skin infections or broken areas should avoid acupuncture.

Risk Warning: Acupuncture treatment should be performed by professional physicians. Do not perform it by yourself or use non-standard acupuncture tools to prevent infection or injury.

Through the above key points of acupuncture treatment, the symptoms of patients with insomnia caused by deficiency of heart and gallbladder qi can be effectively improved, the functions of the heart and gallbladder can be restored, and the quality of sleep can be enhanced. During the treatment process, it is necessary to closely monitor the patient’s reaction and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.