InsomniaAcupunctureHerbal MedicineSleepClinical Guide
The Art of Sleeping: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & the TCM Approach to Insomnia
Medically Reviewed by Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture) · AHPRA Registered · AACMA Member · Updated April 3, 2026
March 29, 202614 min readBy MediChi Editorial
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with insomnia?
Yes. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses show acupuncture significantly improves sleep quality, reduces sleep onset latency, and increases total sleep time. It is effective for both primary insomnia and insomnia secondary to other conditions like menopause or chronic pain.
What acupuncture points are used for sleep?
Key points include HT7 Shenmen (calms the spirit), SP6 Sanyinjiao (nourishes Yin), Anmian (dedicated sleep point behind the ear), KI6 Zhaohai (opens the Yin Qiao vessel), and GV20 Baihui (settles the mind). Point selection varies based on TCM pattern differentiation.
How does acupuncture compare to sleeping pills?
Research shows acupuncture achieves comparable improvements in sleep quality to pharmaceutical interventions but without side effects like dependency, morning drowsiness, or rebound insomnia. Unlike sleeping pills, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance causing poor sleep.
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Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture)
AHPRA Registered (CMR0002211465) · AACMA Member
Derek is the founder of MediChi and a registered acupuncturist with clinical expertise in integrating Western diagnoses with Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment protocols.
Clinically reviewed: April 3, 2026
