What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a disturbance of normal sleep patterns. Symptoms of insomnia include delays in falling asleep, waking during the night (even though you may eventually go back to sleep), or waking very early in the morning before the sleep cycle is completed.

What Causes Insomnia?

Oriental Medicine views insomnia as being caused by at least one of the following Oriental Medicine Syndromes;

Type 1

Stress and depression can result in energy stagnation. This process can be likened to a car stuck in gear. Long term this stagnation can turn into internal heat, which can rise to disturb sleep. Accompanying symptoms include, rib or chest distension, moodiness, stomach discomfort, PMT etc.

Type 2

If you eat too many rich foods and drinks in the evening and at night, the Stomach becomes overburdened, possibly causing insomnia.

Type 3

A weak body constitution or long-term chronic illness can both result in a deficiency of energy and the creation of deficiency Heat in the body. This can rise to the Heart to disturb sleep. Accompanying symptoms can include, palpitations, back ache and night sweats.

Type 4

Over thinking or over work impairs the digestion. Food becomes hard to digest and a lack of nutrients results in a failure to make enough Blood. The lack of nourishment can unsettle the Heart, possibly contributing to insomnia. Accompanying symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, poor memory and a pale complexion.