Acupuncture for Cancer-related Insomnia
What you will learn
- Understand the clinical outcomes of group versus individual acupuncture in oncology care within the NHS.
- Learn how to establish and manage a safe, effective group acupuncture clinic for cancer patients.
- Integrate classical TCM concepts (qi, shen, zheng qi) with modern research and patient-centred care.
- Gain insight into collaborative practice and communication in hospital-based integrative medicine settings.
- Reflect on how group formats can enhance accessibility, community, and sustainability in clinical acupuncture.
Course Overview
Cancer-related insomnia (CRI) is a common and distressing symptom affecting more than half of oncology patients, often persisting despite conventional treatment. In this lecture, Dr Yair Maimon explores how acupuncture offers a safe, evidence-based approach to improving sleep and emotional stability in cancer care. Drawing on classical Chinese medicine, he explains how disturbances of the Shen arise from disharmony between the Heart, Liver, and Spleen, often involving Qi and Blood deficiency or internal heat and phlegm that disturb the mind.
Blending classical wisdom with modern research, Dr Maimon demonstrates how acupuncture regulates the Shen and restores internal harmony, using point combinations such as HT 7, SP 6, Anmian, and Yintang. Evidence from clinical trials shows improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and overall well-being. The session bridges TCM theory and biomedical understanding of sleep regulation and stress response, empowering practitioners to integrate acupuncture confidently within oncology settings as part of comprehensive, compassionate patient care.

This class was originally presented as part of the TCM Academy’s Annual International Oncology Acupuncture Online Symposium – the leading global event in this field.
Held each year at the beginning of autumn, the symposium brings together TCM practitioners, medical doctors, researchers, policy-makers, and integrative care providers from across the world.
Its purpose is to create an international platform for sharing the latest clinical insights, research, and professional developments in oncology acupuncture, offering participants access to the highest standard of education and collaboration in integrative cancer care.
Course Content
About the Teacher
