Effect of acupuncture combined with Ningshen mixture on climacteric insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.

Researchers in China studied whether combining acupuncture with a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Ningshen mixture could help women struggling with insomnia during menopause. The study involved 82 women experiencing menopausal insomnia, randomly divided into two groups. One group received conventional Western medication, while the other received acupuncture combined with the Ningshen herbal mixture. The treatment period ran from January 2021 to January 2023.

The results showed significant benefits for the acupuncture and herbal combination. Women receiving this integrated treatment experienced better overall outcomes compared to those taking conventional medication alone. The combination therapy improved sleep quality scores, reduced insomnia symptoms according to traditional Chinese medicine assessment criteria, and positively affected brain chemistry by increasing levels of serotonin and beta-endorphin—neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and sleep. Perhaps most importantly, women in the acupuncture group had lower rates of insomnia returning within three months after treatment ended.

Both treatments were found to be safe, with no serious side effects reported in either group. The researchers concluded that acupuncture combined with Ningshen mixture offers a valuable treatment option for menopausal insomnia, with benefits including improved sleep quality, better symptom control, and reduced recurrence rates.

For women considering this approach, these findings suggest that integrated acupuncture and herbal treatment may provide lasting relief from menopausal insomnia. If you're interested in this treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine who can properly evaluate your condition and provide appropriate care.

This randomized controlled trial (n=82) evaluated acupuncture combined with Ningshen mixture versus conventional Western medication for climacteric insomnia over a two-year recruitment period. The intervention group (n=41) demonstrated statistically significant improvements compared to controls across multiple outcome measures (P<0.05). Post-treatment neurotransmitter analysis revealed elevated 5-hydroxytryptamine and β-endorphin levels in the acupuncture group. TCM syndrome scores and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were significantly lower in the intervention group. Notably, the three-month follow-up showed substantially reduced recurrence rates in the acupuncture cohort (P<0.05). Both groups exhibited comparable safety profiles with no serious adverse events (P>0.05). Clinical takeaway: Integrating acupuncture with Ningshen herbal formula appears to offer superior therapeutic outcomes for climacteric insomnia compared to conventional pharmacotherapy alone, with sustained benefits and favorable neurochemical modulation. The multimodal TCM approach warrants consideration as a first-line or adjunctive treatment option for perimenopausal patients presenting with sleep disturbances.