(1) Reinforcing Shenmai (BL62) While Reducing Zhaohai (KI 6)

Points: Shenmai (BL62), Zhaohai (KI6), Baihui (GV 20) and Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Technique: Take Shenmai (BL62) first, and use the reinforcing needling technique achieved by rotation. When the patient experiences local warmth and a distending sensation, Baihui (GV 20) is needled. The needles on these two points should be twisted alternately so as to achieve a matching needling sensation. Further needling manipulation should be performed every five minutes while the needles are retained for 30 minutes. The reducing needling technique achieved by rotation should be used on Zhaohai (KI 6). When the needling sensation reaches Sanyinjiao (SP6), the quick needling technique should be used on Sanyinjiao (SP6). The needle should be inserted to a depth of l.5 cun. Strong lifting and thrusting of the needle should be carried out three to five times, and the needle can be removed with the arrival of qi. The treatment is given once a day.

(2) Needling Bijiaoxue (on the midline of the nose, in the intranasal suture superior to the base of the nasal bone)

Technique: Take a one-cun filiform needle, and insert it towards the nose tip to a depth of 0.2 to 0.3 cun, with slight rotation. The needle is retained for 60 minutes after the arrival of qi. Other points like Shenmen (HT7) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) can be used, too. The treatment is given once a day and five sessions constitute one course. The interval between the courses of treatment should be two days. The method is applied to treat paroxysmal sleep.

(3) Needling Shenmen (HT7)

Technique: Needle Shenmen (HT7) bilaterally with one-cun filiform needles, applying the reducing needling techniques. The needles are retained for 30 minutes after the arrival of qi. Other manipulations of needles should be carried out every five minutes. The treatment is performed daily and it treats lethargy.