Abstract:

Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） theories of Zang-fu Organs and Meridians with modern research，Professor Ni Guangxia identified the brain as the primary site of insomnia，with “dysregulation of brain spirit” as the core pathogenesis. Based on the intricate relationship between insomnia，the brain，the Governor Vessel （ Du Mai），and the five visceral spirits，he innovatively developed the “Tongdu Anshen”（Governor Vessel-Regulating and Spirit-Calming） acupuncture method，establishing the treatment principle of “Regulating the Governor Vessel to harmonize the brain，governing the Zang-Organs to calm the mind＂. This method primarily targets the Governor Vessel and key acupoints at the skull base，complemented by Jiaji （paravertebral） points and acupoints from the Yangqiao and Yinqiao vessels，forming a three-tiered regulatory system： Governor Vessel acupoints harmonize the Yuan Shen （primary spirit） to calm the five Zang-Organs，key acupoints at the skull base activate Qi circulation and regulate the “Marrow Sea”（the brain），and Jiaji and Qiao Vessel acupoints coordinate the Zang-fu organs and nourish the Yuan Shen.By employing a dual-regulation mechanism：“Harmonizing the Governor Vessel to soothe the mind，and regulating the Zang-Organs to cultivate the spirit”，this approach offers a comprehensive treatment strategy for both the symptoms and root causes of insomnia.

Key words: Sleep initiation and maintenance disorders, Acupuncture therapy, Mind loss, Tongdu Anshen