OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with 40-min penetration moxibustion and 60-min penetration moxibustion at back-points for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type.

METHODSSixty patients of insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type were randomly assigned into a 40-min group and a 60-min group. The two groups were treated with acupuncture at Jueyinshu (BL 14), Xinshu (BL 15), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Shendao (GV 11) and Zhiyang (GV 9). With moxibustion box, the penetration moxibustion was applied at the back until sweating and redness on the back. The moxibustion was given for 40 min in the 40-min group and 60 min in the 60-min group. The treatment was given once a day, five days per week. Each session was consisted of 5 treatments, with an interval of 2 days between session and totally 4 consecutive weeks were provided. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), TCM symptom scale were observed and recorded before and after treatment in the two groups. The even temperature at raising period, effective period, reducing period, as well as minimum high temperature, comfortable temperature, minimum cold temperature and medication status were compared; also the effect was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the 60-min group, which was higher than 89.3% (25/28) in the 40-min group (<0.05). Compared before treatment, the total score of PSQI and sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime dysfunction as well as the total TCM symptom score and its drowsiress in the morning, palpitation, amnesia, appetite were reduced after treatment in the 40-min group (all<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were reduced after treatment in the 60-min group (all<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were significantly different between the two groups (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture combined with penetration moxibustion can improve the symptomsof insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type, which is more significant in the 60-min group, indicating prolonged time of penetration moxibustion can improve sleep latency.