Many people's first reaction when suffering from insomnia is to take sleep aids or adjust their schedules, but these often prove ineffective. This is because the approach is wrong - insomnia isn't just about difficulty falling asleep!
What Causes Insomnia?
TCM Perspective
Liver Qi Stagnation (over 60% of cases)
Manifestations: Difficulty falling asleep, restless dreams, chest tightness, irritability
Pathology: Stress-induced liver qi stagnation disrupting mental tranquility
Heart-Spleen Deficiency
Manifestations: Light sleep, easy awakening, palpitations, poor appetite
Pathology: Overthinking depletes heart blood; spleen deficiency fails to nourish spirit
Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat
Manifestations: Sleeplessness, hot palms/soles, night sweats
Pathology: Kidney yin deficiency allowing deficient fire to disturb the mind
Modern Triggers
Mental stress: Work anxiety, family conflicts
Poor habits: Late-night screen use, caffeine/alcohol dependence
Chronic conditions: Hyperthyroidism, menopause syndrome
TCM Treatment Approach
According to Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM expert Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert: "The liver houses the ethereal soul. When liver function normalizes, peaceful sleep follows."
Primary Formula: Si Ni San (Four Counterflow Powder)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chaihu): Sovereign herb for liver regulation
White Peony Root (Baishao): Nourishes liver blood
Bitter Orange (Zhishi): Regulates qi movement
Licorice (Gancao): Harmonizes formula
Modifications:
Heart fire: Add Coptis (Huanglian) 6g, Gardenia (Zhizi) 9g
Blood deficiency: Add Angelica (Danggui) 12g, Zizyphus (Suanzaoren) 15g
Phlegm-heat: Add Bamboo Shavings (Zhuru) 10g, Pinellia (Banxia) 9g
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Wan, 31
Presentation: 1-year insomnia with chest distension, irritability
Diagnosis: Red tongue with thin yellow coating; wiry rapid pulse
Formula Modified Si Ni San:
Bupleurum 12g, White Peony 15g, Bitter Orange 9g, Licorice 6g
Additions: Scutellaria 9g, Gardenia 9g, Dragon Bone 30g, Oyster Shell 30g
Outcome: Significant improvement within 1 week; full recovery after 3 weeks
(Note: All herbal dosages should be determined by licensed TCM practitioners based on individual conditions.)
TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, with individualized prescriptions. Specific medication usage and dosage require professional guidance from practitioners for syndrome-based modifications. Strictly avoid self-medication without authorization.
