Moxibustion therapy improves insomnia symptoms by stimulating acupoints with warmth, regulating the circulation of qi and blood in the human body and the functions of internal organs. The following are the specific operation methods and precautions for improving insomnia with moxibustion:

First, preparations before moxibustion

Select the moxa stick:

Mugwort sticks should be made from high-quality mugwort fluff that is soft in texture, burns evenly and has a fresh fragrance. Products with many impurities and incomplete combustion should be avoided.

Environmental preparation:

When performing moxibustion, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation in the room and avoid excessive smoke. Meanwhile, pay attention to keeping warm to prevent the patient from catching a cold.

Patient preparation:

Patients should keep calm and avoid emotional fluctuations. Before moxibustion, it is advisable to drink warm water appropriately and avoid performing it on an empty stomach or when full.

Second, selection of commonly used acupoints

Shenmen Point

It is located at the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnar tendon. Moxibustion on the Shenmen acupoint can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, improving insomnia caused by restlessness of the heart and spirit.

Neiguan Point

It is located on the palmar side of the forearm, 2 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the palmar longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Moxibustion at the Neiguan point can regulate the qi and blood of the pericardium meridian and relieve symptoms such as anxiety and palpitations.

Sanyinjiao point

It is located on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, at the posterior margin of the medial tibia. Moxibustion at the Sanyinjiao acupoint can regulate the functions of the liver, spleen and kidneys, and improve insomnia caused by the imbalance of the internal organs.

Yongquan Point

It is located on the sole of the foot, in the most concave part of the sole when the foot is bent and the toes are rolled. Moxibustion on the Yongquan acupoint can nourish Yin, reduce internal heat, guide internal heat back to its origin, and improve insomnia caused by Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.

Baihui point

It is located at the intersection of the midline of the top of the head and the line connecting the tips of both ears. Moxibustion on the Baihui acupoint can raise Yang and lift the sunken area, invigorate the mind and calm the spirit, and improve insomnia caused by insufficient qi and blood or inadequate blood supply to the brain.

Third, the method of moxibustion operation

Mild moxibustion

Light one end of the moxa stick and aim it at the acupoint, about 2 to 3 centimeters away from the skin, until the patient feels warm and comfortable.

Apply moxibustion to each acupoint for 10 to 15 minutes once a day. Ten sessions constitute one course of treatment.

Rotary moxibustion

Light one end of the moxa stick and move it slowly in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction above the acupoint to evenly heat the skin around the acupoint.

It is suitable for larger acupoints or areas that require an expanded stimulation range, such as Baihui acupoint.

Sparrow Pecking Moxibustion

Light one end of the moxa stick and aim it at the acupoint. Move the moxa stick up and down like a bird pecking at food, providing intermittent warm stimulation to the acupoint.

It is suitable for acupoints that require enhanced stimulation intensity, such as Shenmen acupoint.

Fourth, precautions for moxibustion

Prevent scalding:

When performing moxibustion, it is necessary to closely observe the patient’s skin reaction to avoid burns caused by the moxa stick being too close to the skin or the moxibustion time being too long.

If the patient feels a burning pain, the distance of the moxa stick should be adjusted immediately or the moxibustion should be stopped.

Avoid smoke irritation:

When performing moxibustion, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation in the room to avoid excessive smoke that may irritate the patient’s respiratory tract.

For patients who are sensitive to smoke, moxibustion can be performed in a room with good air circulation.

Taboo groups:

Pregnant women, patients with high fever, those with damaged or infected skin, and those who are extremely tired or overly hungry or full are not suitable for moxibustion.

Diabetic patients need to be particularly careful to prevent burns due to the reduction of peripheral nerve sensation.

Post-moxibustion care:

After moxibustion, patients should pay attention to keeping warm and avoid catching a cold. It is appropriate to drink warm water to promote metabolism in the body.

If mild reactions such as local skin redness and itching occur after moxibustion, they generally do not require special treatment and can resolve on their own.

Fifth, the combination of moxibustion and other therapies

Combination of moxibustion and acupuncture

For stubborn insomnia, on the basis of acupuncture treatment, moxibustion therapy can be combined to enhance the therapeutic effect.

For instance, first perform acupuncture on acupoints such as Shenmen and Neiguan, and during the retention period, perform moxibustion on acupoints like Baihui and Yongquan.

Combination of moxibustion and traditional Chinese medicine

According to the patient’s constitution and the type of insomnia syndrome, traditional Chinese medicine decoctions or patent medicines can be taken in combination, such as Suan Zao Ren Decoction and GUI PI Pills.

The combination of moxibustion and traditional Chinese medicine can treat both internally and externally, enhancing the therapeutic effect.

Sixth, the principle of moxibustion in improving insomnia

Warming and unblocking meridians

The warm stimulation of moxibustion can promote local blood circulation, unblock meridians and relieve insomnia caused by poor circulation of qi and blood.

Regulate the functions of internal organs

Moxibustion on specific acupoints can regulate the functions of internal organs such as the heart, liver, spleen and kidneys, and improve insomnia caused by the imbalance of these organs.

Calm the mind and stabilize the will

Moxibustion on acupoints such as Shenmen and Neiguan can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, relieve negative emotions like anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality.

Seventh, advantages of moxibustion therapy

Easy to operate

Moxibustion therapy is simple to operate. Patients can perform it at home by themselves or with the assistance of their family members.

High security

Moxibustion therapy has few side effects, high safety and is suitable for long-term conditioning.

Remarkable therapeutic effect:

For patients with mild to moderate insomnia, moxibustion therapy can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the use of hypnotic drugs.