![]() Obstruction of the stomach by food (poor digestion) gives rise to phlegm heat which harasses the shen. Dampness and phlegm are caused by a weak spleen or overconsumption of phlegm-producing foods (rich, greasy, sweet, spicy, and alcohol). Overindulgence in food and/or irregular eating habits (eating too late, eating while upset, eating too fast) cause stagnation of food. TCM treatment aims to relax liver qi, clear heat, and calm the shen. Other associated symptoms can be: depression, irritability, restlessness, moodiness, headaches, shoulder and neck tension, teeth grinding at night, and possible anxiety with heart palpitations. ![]() Typical symptoms of insomnia due to qi stagnation and heat are: difficulty falling asleep, waking repeatedly around 2 am to 4 am, and insomnia that is aggravated by stress. The heat does not allow the shen to settle. Over time, stagnation of qi causes heat which agitates the heart and the shen. Qi stagnation will cause blood circulation to be affected and can result in a poor supply of blood to the heart – the heart will be undernourished and less able to house the shen. LIVER QI STAGNATION LEADING TO HEAT OR FIREįrustration, anger, resentment, emotional turmoil and repressed emotions can all lead to the stagnation of qi. A general overview of the most common TCM patterns associated with insomnia are outlined below. The individual patterns can be treated with acupuncture or herbal therapy and are often treated by a combination of both. These patterns can overlap to some extent and other associated symptoms may also be present. With a thorough diagnosis, the practitioner can determine the root cause of the insomnia and treat accordingly. Through TCM diagnosis the qualified practitioner will determine the TCM “pattern” of the patient based upon TCM theory. Insomnia therefore, is a dysfunction in the interchange of yang entering yin. In Chinese medicine, sleep is seen as one’s yang energy moving inward to be enfolded by yin. The heart is the residence of the shen and during sleep the heart houses the shen. The Heart and shen have a special interdependent relationship. If this is disturbed it will result in disturbed sleep and insomnia. The shen must be calm at night and is housed by the heart during sleep. Shen is light and subtle, therefore it must be anchored by the yin aspect of qi (jing) and the blood or else it is possible it could “float away”. Shen plays a role in the higher mental functions associated with the intellect and the spiritual aspects of consciousness. It is the “lightest”, least substantial, and least stable form of qi. These issues must be treated to allow a restful night’s sleep.Īccording to TCM theory, insomnia is associated with agitation of the shen (the spirit/mind). Sleep disturbances due to pain, itching, asthma or other breathing disturbances are not considered true insomnia. Transitory insomnia is usually due to external or temporary changes such as outside noise, weather changes, coffee and other stimulants, eating too late at night, and a recent emotional upset. True insomnia is mainly caused by prolonged emotional upset and stress, improper diet, excessive sexual activity, and a weak constitution following an extended illness. TCM also breaks down insomnia into “true insomnia” and “transitory insomnia”. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers insomnia a symptom and not a disease. Long-term sleep deprivation may increase the severity of chronic diseases and increase the time it takes to recover from illnesses. Lack of sleep affects mental faculties associated with problem solving and decision making. People suffering with chronic insomnia are more likely than others to develop depression or anxiety disorders. The effects of insomnia are both mental and physical. Sleep is as important to your health as diet and exercise. ![]() Regularly disturbed sleep can affect not only your energy level and mood, but also your health because sleep helps strengthen the immune system. If sleep is poor, this is a sign of imbalance in the body. Approximately one third of adults experience some sort of occasional or persistent sleep disturbance throughout their lives. Insomnia is considered chronic if it persists over a couple of months. Insomnia can be described as: difficulty or inability to fall asleep, waking throughout the night, restless sleep, waking in the early hours of morning with the inability to fall back asleep, and dream-disturbed sleep.
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