Stubborn Insomnia, like a heavy black curtain, not only devours the tranquility of the night but also drags down one's energy and spirit during the day. Melatonin and sleeping pills have been tried repeatedly, but their effects are diminishing while side effects remain concerning. Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM expert Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert points out: The key to TCM treatment for insomnia lies in precise syndrome differentiation and the courage to prescribe! For specific types of stubborn insomnia, he often takes a unique approach, heavily utilizing an underestimated tranquilizing medicinal herb – Ye Jiao Teng (Polygoni Multiflori Caulis, Fleeceflower Stem), achieving remarkable results repeatedly.
The Suffering of Insomnia is More Than Just Sleeplessness
In Singapore's fast-paced, high-pressure environment, insomnia is becoming increasingly prominent.Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert emphasizes that stubborn insomnia (characterized by a long course, ≥3 nights per week, poor response to conventional treatment) not only brings fatigue and irritability but also causes deeper damage to health:
Accelerates Aging: Dull complexion, deep eye bags, collagen loss.
Lowers Immunity: Susceptibility to illnesses, slow recovery.
Induces Chronic Diseases: Increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Affects Cognition: Reduced memory, decreased concentration, emotional instability.
Ye Jiao Teng is an Underestimated Master at "Guiding Yang into Yin"
Ye Jiao Teng (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori), nature sweet, neutral; enters the Heart and Liver meridians. Its traditional functions are to nourish blood, calm the spirit, dispel wind, and unblock collaterals. In conventional formulas, it is often used as a supporting ingredient, with doses typically around 10-15 grams.
Dr. Que's Unique Insights and Experience:
Through years of clinical practice, Dr. Que discovered that for patients with stubborn insomnia differentiated as "Heart and Liver Blood Deficiency, Yin Failing to Anchor Yang" or "Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity, Yang Failing to Enter Yin" (common manifestations: extreme difficulty falling asleep, vexing heat sensation, dream-disturbed sleep with easy awakening, accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, heart palpitations, poor memory, red tongue with scant coating or pale tongue with thin coating, rapid and thready pulse or weak and thready pulse), conventional complex formulas sometimes yield unsatisfactory results.
Boldly drawing on ancient wisdom and adapting to modern constitutions, he innovatively proposed and validated:
Core Strategy: Ultra-high dose Ye Jiao Teng used alone! Common dosage: 30 grams to 45 grams.
Mechanism of Action (Dr. Khoo's Analysis):
Exponentially Increased "Heavy Dose Guiding Yang into Yin" Power: Ye Jiao Teng's core efficacy lies in harmonizing Yin and Yang, guiding hyperactive Yang Qi to descend and enter the Yin blood, achieving "Yang entering Yin induces sleep." A heavy dose is necessary to powerfully open this pathway, especially suitable for stubborn cases with severe "imbalance between Yin and Yang."
Stronger Foundation for "Nourishing Blood and Calming the Spirit": High-dose Ye Jiao Teng significantly enhances its blood-nourishing effect. Blood is the abode of the Spirit; when Yin blood is abundant, the Heart Spirit is nourished, leading naturally to calmness and easier sleep.
"Single-Targeted Approach" Avoids Interference: Abandoning complex combinations allows the herb's power to focus solely, directly targeting the core pathogenesis of insomnia – Yang failing to enter Yin. This avoids potential counteractions or digestive burden from multiple herbs.
"Mild Nature" Ensures Good Tolerance: Ye Jiao Teng has a mild nature, neither cold nor drying. Used at ultra-high doses under accurate syndrome differentiation, it has high safety and minimal adverse reactions, making it more suitable for long-term regulation.
How is Ye Jiao Teng Applied?
Key: Precise Syndrome Differentiation is Prerequisite! Dr. Que emphasizes that this method is only suitable for the specific syndrome types mentioned above. It is not suitable for patterns like Liver Fire disturbing the Heart, Phlegm-Heat internal disturbance, Stomach Qi disharmony, or Blood Stasis internal obstruction! Do not imitate this on your own. It must be used under the guidance of a professional TCM physician after in-person consultation and syndrome differentiation!
Prescription: Ye Jiao Teng 30g - 45g.
Decoction Method: Wash the herb, soak in cold water for over 30 minutes. Add about 600-800ml water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. Strain to obtain approximately 200-300ml of decoction. Take warm 1.5 - 2 hours before bedtime.
Course of Treatment: Typically recommended for continuous use for 7-14 days to observe effects. Upon seeing results, dosage can be adjusted or consolidation continued as per the physician's advice.
Dr. Que's Special Notes:
Heavy Dosing Requires Differentiation: While effective, this method is not a panacea! It suits specific constitutions and syndrome types. Insomnia caused by Blood Heat, Phlegm-Fire, food stagnation, etc., is not suitable and could be counterproductive. Must be used under professional TCM physician's guidance based on syndrome differentiation! Do not blindly attempt high doses on your own.
Persistence is Key: TCM regulation takes time. Generally, continuous use for 1-2 weeks is advised to observe effects.
Mild and Safe: Ye Jiao Teng has a mild nature. Heavy dosing is relatively safe with rare adverse reactions. Occasional mild digestive discomfort (e.g., bloating) may occur; taking it after meals or consulting the physician can help.
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Li, 48 years old.
Chief Complaint: Stubborn insomnia for over 3 years. Tossed and turned for 2-3 hours nightly before falling asleep. Easily awakened after sleep, with numerous dreams, difficulty falling back asleep. Extremely poor daytime energy, dizziness, heart palpitations, sharp memory decline, sallow complexion. Had taken various sleeping pills and compound tranquilizing Chinese patent medicines. Initially effective, but gradually lost efficacy, and concerned about drug dependence.
Examination: Pale tongue, thin white coating; thready and weak pulse.
Syndrome Differentiation: Heart and Liver Blood Deficiency, Yang failing to enter Yin.
Treatment Principle: Heavy dose to nourish blood, calm the spirit, guide Yang into Yin.
Prescription: Ye Jiao Teng 30g (single herb)
Usage: 1 dose daily, decocted to obtain 200ml juice, taken warm 1.5 hours before sleep. Continued for 7 days.
Second Visit: Ms. Li reported joyfully that by day 3 of medication, sleep onset time shortened to around 40 minutes, dreams decreased. By day 7, able to fall asleep within 30 minutes, waking only once per night and able to fall back asleep relatively quickly. Sleep quality significantly improved! Daytime dizziness and palpitations markedly reduced, energy improved. As the formula was effective, the original prescription was continued for another 7 doses to consolidate.
Result: After two weeks, sleep was basically back to normal. Advised to change to one dose every other day, then stop after another week. Follow-up after three months showed stable sleep and good mental state.
