The Scientific Connotation of "Heart and Brain Co-Dominating the Mind" and Its Application in the Treatment of Insomnia by Acupuncture

The paper discusses the scientific connotation of "heart and brain co-dominating the mind", including the connotation of "heart and brain co-dominating the mind" in traditional Chinese medicine and the physiological and pathological relationship between heart and brain in modern medicine. Based on the understanding of "heart and brain co-dominating the mind", this paper believes that "restlessness of mind" is the core pathogenesis of insomnia, and regulating mind is the key to the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of insomnia. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a bridge connecting the heart and brain, and is closely related to the central anatomy, neurotransmitters and physiological rhythms of sleep. The imbalance of ANS is highly consistent with the pathogenesis of "heart and brain restlessness" in traditional Chinese medicine. The Governor Vessel runs through the brain and the heart, and the "Governor Vessel regulating spirit acupuncture" can communicate the heart and brain, regulate ANS function, and thus improve sleep quality.