Insomnia

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?

Traditional Chinese Medicne views insomnia as being caused by at least one of the following Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes;

1 Liver Energy Stagnating and turning into Heat

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.  The herbal prescription, Free and Easy Wanderer can be prescribed to treat this condition.  Acupuncture points can also help to move energy around the body and to lift spirits.

2  Stomach Heat and Food Stagnation

If you eat too many rich foods and drinks in the evening and at night, the Stomach becomes overburdened, causing insomnia.  The herbal prescriptiion Harmony Preserving Pills or Digestion Strengthening Pills can be used to treat this problem.  Acupuncture can also help to clear stagnation in the stomach and improve digestion generally.

3  The Heart and Kidney Energy not Communicating

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.  Treatment is with the following prescriptions, Sour Jujube Pills or Heaven Emperor's Heart Tonifying Pills.  Acupuncture can also be used to relax the body and this will help the sleep process.

4  Digestive Energy Deficiency and Blood Deficiency

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,  causing insomnia.  Accompanying symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, poor memory and a pale complexion.  Treatment of this condition is with a formula called Digestion Returning Pills.

Source; Dr Shulan Tang.