The key points of acupuncture on foot acupoints for treating insomnia are as follows

Acupoint selection

Yongquan point: Located at the front one-third of the line connecting the second metatarsal arch and the heel on the sole of the foot, it is the starting point of the kidney Meridian. Stimulating the Yongquan acupoint can nourish Yin, reduce internal heat, calm the mind and soothe the spirit, which is helpful in improving insomnia.

Taixi point: Located on the inner edge of the foot, behind the ankle joint, it is the yuan point of the Kidney Meridian. It can nourish kidney Yin, regulate the balance of Yin and Yang in the human body, and is helpful for insomnia caused by insufficient kidney Yin.

Zhaohai Point: Located on the inner side of the foot, 1 cun below the tip of the inner malleolus, in the depression at the lower edge of the inner malleolus, it belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. The Zhaohai acupoint can connect to the Yinqiao Meridian, which governs sleep. Appropriate massage or acupuncture can help relieve insomnia.

Shenmai point: Located in the depression directly below the lateral malleolus on the outer side of the foot, it belongs to the Bladder Meridian of the Foot Sun. The Shenmai point can connect the Yang and Qiao meridians. When stimulated together with the Zhaohai point, it can regulate Yin and Yang and further help relieve insomnia.

The Sanyinjiao acupoint is located on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the inner malleolus of the foot, at the posterior margin of the inner tibia. It is the convergence point of the spleen meridian, liver meridian and kidney meridian. Acupuncture at the Sanyinjiao point has the effects of strengthening the spleen and kidneys, calming the mind and soothing the spirit, and can relieve symptoms such as insomnia and frequent dreams.

Yinbai point: Located 0.1 cun beside the corner of the toenail on the inner side of the big toe of the foot, it can strengthen the spleen and stomach, calm the mind and soothe the spirit. It is of certain significance for insomnia caused by disharmony of the spleen and stomach.

Operation method

The patient should be in a supine or sitting position. The doctor selects an appropriate needle to directly puncture the acupoint.

The depth and force of acupuncture should be adjusted according to the acupoints and the individual’s constitution, with a feeling of local soreness and distension as well as a radiating sensation being appropriate for the patient.

Acupuncture can last for 15 to 30 minutes. The initial force can be slightly lighter and gradually increased until the patient experiences sensations such as soreness, numbness, distension, and heaviness.

After acupuncture, pay attention to local hygiene and do not touch it with your hands to avoid affecting the recovery of the wound.

Notes

Acupuncture treatment for insomnia should be carried out under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Do not perform it blindly by yourself to avoid discomfort caused by improper operation.

Acupuncture treatment for insomnia can only play an auxiliary role. Patients still need to seek medical attention in a timely manner and receive comprehensive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

During acupuncture treatment, patients should maintain a good daily routine and avoid staying up late and overwork.

The following introduces the application of hand acupoints for improving insomnia from aspects such as acupoint location, mechanism of action, and operation methods:

1. Shenmen point

Location: It is located at the ulnar end of the transverse wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnar tendon. A simple way to locate this point is to slightly clench your fist and feel inward from the transverse crease of the wrist on the side of the little finger. You can feel a protruding tendon, and the depression on the inner side of the tendon is the Shenmen point.

Mechanism of action: The Shenmen acupoint is the source point of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian. The heart governs the spirit. Acupuncture or massage of the Shenmen acupoint can regulate the qi and blood of the Heart Meridian, calm the mind and soothe the spirit, and alleviate insomnia caused by restlessness of the heart spirit and excessive heart fire.

Operation method: Gently press the Shenmen point with the pad of your thumb until you feel a slight soreness and distension. Press for 3 to 5 minutes each time. You can do this several times a day. You can also use a moxa stick for gentle moxibustion. Keep it 2 to 3 centimeters away from the acupoint and moxibustion for 5 to 10 minutes until the local skin turns slightly red.

2. Neiguan point

Location: On the palmar side of the forearm, 2 cun above the transverse wrist crease on the line connecting Quze and Daling, between the palmar longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. A simple way to locate this point is to measure three transverse fingers above the transverse wrist crease with the palm facing upwards. The area between the two cord-like tendons is the Neiguan point.

Mechanism of action: Neiguan point is a collateral point of the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, and it has the functions of calming the mind and soothing the spirit, regulating qi and relieving pain. The pericardium represents the heart to be affected by pathogenic factors. Massaging the Neiguan acupoint can regulate the qi and blood of the pericardium meridian, relieve insomnia caused by restlessness and anxiety of the heart spirit, and is also effective for insomnia patients with symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations.

Operation method: Use your thumb to press and knead the Neiguan acupoint with moderate force, until a sensation of soreness and distension is felt and transmitted to the elbow. Press and knead for 5 to 10 minutes each time, 2 to 3 times a day. You can also gently tap the Neiguan point with your fingertips, 50 to 100 times each time.

3. Laogong point

Location: In the palm of the hand, between the second and third metacarpal bones, closer to the third metacarpal bone, at the tip of the middle finger when making a fist and bending the fingers.

Mechanism of action: The Laogong point is the Xing point of the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, which has the functions of clearing heart heat, calming the mind and stabilizing the will. For insomnia caused by excessive heart fire and restlessness, massaging the Laogong acupoint can clear the heart and relieve annoyance, calm the mind, and thereby improve sleep.

Operation method: Use the pad of your thumb to press the Laogong point. Press for 1 to 2 minutes each time. You can repeat the press several times. You can also place the palms of your hands facing each other and rub them together until they are warm. Then, use the palms to massage the Laogong acupoint for 3 to 5 minutes each time.

4. Hegu Point

Location: On the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. A simple way to locate the acupoint is to place the transverse crease of the knuckle of the thumb of one hand on the webbed edge between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. The acupoint is located below the tip of the thumb.

Mechanism of action: Hegu point is the Yuan point of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. It has the functions of calming and relieving pain, unblocking meridians and collaterals, and clearing heat and resolving exterior symptoms. Massaging the Hegu point can regulate the qi and blood of the large intestine meridian. At the same time, it also has a certain regulatory effect on the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body. It can relieve insomnia caused by poor qi and blood circulation and blocked meridians, and also alleviate symptoms such as headache and dizziness caused by insomnia.

Operation method: Pinch the Hegu point with your thumb and index finger facing each other and perform kneading and pressing. The force should be such that you feel a slight soreness and distension. Knead and press for 3 to 5 minutes each time. You can do this several times a day. You can also use the thumbnail of the other hand to press and pinch the Hegu point. Press and pinch 10 to 15 times each time, until you feel a sharp pain in the local area.