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In today’s fast-paced world, many of us experience sleepless nights. Whether it’s due to stress, emotional imbalance, or other modern lifestyle factors, insomnia has become an increasingly common concern. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sleep is not just a passive state but an essential part of our connection with nature and the circadian cycles of Yin and Yang. When this natural rhythm is disrupted, the effects on our mental and physical health can be profound.
What is Insomnia in TCM?
In TCM, insomnia, or "Bu Mei" (不寐), is considered an imbalance in the body’s Qi (vital energy). The inability to achieve restful sleep often leads to stagnation of Qi and blood, which can worsen over time and result in additional health issues. Symptoms can range from mild difficulty falling asleep to full-blown sleeplessness, and it is essential to understand the root causes to find the most effective solution.
Classifying Insomnia:
Insomnia can be categorized based on its duration, and TCM offers different approaches for each type (Types of Insomnia, 2017):
Transient Insomnia (<1 week): Often caused by emotional disturbances or temporary lifestyle changes like jet lag or shift work.
Short-term Insomnia (1 week to 1 month): Triggered by stress, major life changes, or intense emotional experiences.
Chronic Insomnia (>1 month): Occurs when the issue becomes habitual and is compounded by factors such as substance abuse, physical health conditions, or unresolved emotional stress.
In TCM, insomnia is treated through personalized care, targeting the root cause and restoring balance through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments.
TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia
In TCM, insomnia is treated by classifying the patient's condition into one of five main patterns, each requiring a tailored approach (Shi et al., 2023):
Liver Fire Harassing the Heart
Symptoms include restless sleep with vivid dreams, irritability, dizziness, eye pain, tinnitus, dry mouth, bitter taste, and yellow urine with constipation.Phlegm-Heat Disturbing the Heart
Symptoms include irritability, chest tightness, bloating, nausea, belching, and a heavy head with dizziness.Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, palpitations, forgetfulness, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness, and abdominal bloating with loose stools.Heart and Kidney Disharmony
Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, vivid dreams, palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness in the lower back and knees.Heart and Gallbladder Qi Deficiency
Symptoms include insomnia due to restlessness and fearfulness, along with shortness of breath, fatigue, and excessive sweating.
Holistic Remedies for Sleep Disorders
Kamwo Herbs offers a variety of products that can help support your sleep and restore balance. These herbal remedies are designed to calm the mind, nourish the body, and promote restful sleep without the risks of drowsiness or addiction.
Peaceful Sleep (100 Caps) – Meridian Remedies
A natural, non-habit-forming herbal supplement to help you relax, balance your energy, and improve sleep quality.
Ingredients:
Suan Zao Ren (jujube seed)
Long Yan Rou (longan fruit)
Zhi Gan Cao (Chinese licorice root)
Fu Shen (Poria sclerotium & root)
This herbal blend works gently to restore calm and balance to your mind and body, promoting restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Meridian Tea Kitchen Organic Nightcap Sleeping Tea
A soothing herbal tea designed to calm the mind and relax the body, helping you wind down for the night.
Ingredients:
Organic Lemon Balm
Organic Valerian Root
Organic Lavender Flowers
This tart citrus and floral blend of calming herbs helps you transition smoothly from the stress of the day into a peaceful night’s sleep.
Peaceful Sleep Bone Soup – Meridian Soup Remedies
A nourishing soup formula to calm the body and optimize sleep, perfect for those looking for a holistic approach to rest.
Ingredients:
Long Yan Rou (longan fruit)
Bai Zi Ren (biota seed)
He Huan Hua (mimosa flower)
This savory, soothing soup helps nourish and calm the body, preparing it for a restful night’s sleep.
Acupuncture and Acupressure for Insomnia
In addition to herbal remedies, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for insomnia. TCM practitioners use acupuncture points to balance the body’s energy and regulate the mind, helping to restore your natural sleep cycle.
Key Acupressure Points for Sleep:
Sanyinjiao (SP6): Located on the inner leg, this point helps to harmonize the Qi of the spleen, liver, and kidneys.
Bailao: Found on the back of the neck, this point relaxes the trapezius muscles and relieves stress-induced fatigue.
Anmian: This calming point, located behind the ear, helps promote deep relaxation and tranquility.
Shenmen (HT7): Located on the wrist, this heart meridian point helps regulate the heart Qi and induces calmness.
By gently massaging these acupressure points before bed, you can further enhance your ability to fall asleep naturally.
Why Choose Kamwo Herbs and Acupuncture?
At Grand Meridian Clinic, we combine the best of TCM and modern healing techniques to treat the root causes of your insomnia. Whether you're looking for natural herbal remedies, acupuncture treatments, or a personalized wellness plan, we are here to guide you on your journey to better sleep and overall health.
Reference:
Shi, X., Chen, L., Li, W., & Wang, R. (2023). Research progress in the prevention and treatment of insomnia with classical prescriptions. PubMed, 48(10), 1494–1505.
Types of Insomnia. (2017, September 12). Stanford Health Care.