Acupuncture at the Sanyinjiao acupoint has a certain effect on treating insomnia. Its mechanism of action and effects are manifested as follows:

Regulating the circulation of qi and blood: The Sanyinjiao acupoint is the intersection of the liver, spleen and kidney meridians of the three Yin meridians of the foot in the lower limb. Needling this acupoint can regulate the qi and blood of the liver, spleen and kidney meridians and promote the smooth flow of qi and blood. When the circulation of qi and blood is smooth, a person’s mental state will be relatively stable, which is conducive to better falling asleep and alleviating insomnia symptoms.
Balancing Yin and Yang: Sanyinjiao is a key acupoint for nourishing Yin. Stimulating this acupoint can balance Yin and Yang and alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and irritability caused by Yin deficiency. When there is Yin deficiency, the balance of Yin and Yang in the human body is disrupted, and it is easy to experience discomfort such as insomnia. Acupuncture at the Sanyinjiao point can adjust the balance of Yin and Yang and improve sleep.
Regulating the functions of internal organs: The three Yin organs are connected through meridians, simultaneously linking the heart, liver, spleen and kidney. Although insomnia of the type characterized by deficiency of both heart and spleen is mainly caused by damage to the heart and spleen, disorders of liver and kidney functions can also affect sleep. Acupuncture of Sanyin traffic regulating multiple organs can play a role in strengthening the spleen, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, thereby improving insomnia.
Inhibiting excessive arousal: Relevant research has found that acupuncture at Sanyinjiao and Shenmen can activate the thalamus (preabdominal nucleus), lenticular nucleus, and caudate nucleus related to insomnia, inhibit the excessive arousal state of insomnia, and thereby play a therapeutic role in insomnia.