A very nice review of the hazards of insomnia and the research behind acupuncture’s effectiveness to treat it.Insomnia and Acupuncture
”
the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, five
kinds of spirits inhabit the five zang-organs (heart,
liver, lung, spleen and kidney). Each kind of spirit
has a corresponding physiological function. The five
zang-organs are unable to perform this function during
insomnia, which could manifest in symptoms such as
deficiency of vital energy, fatigue, confusion, abnormal
psychology and heart state disturbance. In addition, the
state of qi and blood will be changed in these patients.
Further, emotional distress associated with insomnia
would impair the function of the viscera. In the Western
medical context, it is also expected that a change in the
immune system and inflammatory biomarkers would also
take place in the same patients. Modern research could
help us to understand traditional Chinese medicine theory
in this context.
Insomnia is a potential risk factor in many diseases.
Proper treatment of insomnia would largely reduce the
occurrence or severity of other diseases and benefit the
treatment of other symptoms. Acupuncture produces
notable advantages in the treatment of insomnia and its
complications. For example, treatment with acupuncture
can balance the emotions and increase feelings of
vitality
. Immune function, serum oxygen-free radicals
and heart disease all respond well to acupuncture.
Shenmai (BL62) and Zhaohai (KI6), which are two of the
eight confluence points in meridian theory, have a special
function in treating insomnia. Additionally, the points
of Baihui (DU20), Sishencong (EX6), Anmian (Extra),
Shenmen (HT7), Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6)
are often used for treatment of insomnia. The acupuncture
prescription of regulating yin-yang and the five viscera
are more effective for intractable insomnia; therefore,
acupuncture can be a constructive and complementary
method for insomnia and its complications.”
