Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Breast Cancer-associated Insomnia

All acupuncture locations will be sterilized on a routine basis. As acupuncture needles are inserted, all points will be lifted, twisted, and stabbed to activate de qi, a sensation generally associated with acupuncture, including swelling, soreness, numbness, and heaviness.

"The placebo needles selected for this study are flat-tipped needles without a tip that cannot be pierced into the skin. Also, an external patch device will hold the needles in place and these needles are visually pierced into the skin. At the end of the treatment, the acupuncturist will press the acupuncture point with a dry cotton ball to allow the patient to feel the needles being pulled out."