中文摘要：

目的概括神门穴治疗失眠的理论依据,总结其作用原理,指导临床应用。方法从古代文献记载、临床应用状况及现代医学研究3个角度总结针刺神门穴治疗失眠的原因、依据。结果针刺神门穴具有安神镇静作用,是治疗失眠的＂一级主穴＂,且疗效显著;其相当于激活一系列大脑调整睡眠的神经中枢,促进脑内5-羟色胺等神经递质的释放,而起到镇静安神,改善睡眠的作用。结论针刺神门穴是治疗失眠的一个行之有效的方法。

英文摘要：

Objective To summarize the theoretic evidence of Shenmen（HT7） Point in the treatment of insomnia and its action mechanism, for guiding clinical application. Method The reasons and evidences for using acupuncture at Shenmen to treat insomnia were summarized from the following 3 aspects： records in the ancient literatures, clinical application, and modern medical studies. Result Acupuncture at Shenmen can produce a calming and sedative effect, and it should be one of the optimal choices for treating insomnia due to its significant efficacy; it calms the mind and improves sleep quality via activating the nervous center for regulating sleep and promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine（5-HT） in brain. Conclusion Acupuncture at Shenmen is an effective method is treating insomnia.