Clinical Information For the Treatment Of Insomnia
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia - Basics
Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Symptoms of insomnia include sleeping for short periods of time, feeling tired upon waking up, awaking early and difficulty falling asleep. The condition can be chronic (exhibiting symptoms three nights per week for more than a month) or acute (short-term symptoms). Commonly, insomnia is the symptom of a larger health issue (secondary insomnia); however, it can be its own condition (primary insomnia).
What Patterns Are Related To Insomnia?
Insomnia - Diagnostic Patterns
The Chinese Medicine treatment of insomnia generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition (see treating the cause and not the symptoms).
The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of insomnia:Heart FireHeart Qi DeficiencyLiver FireLiver and Gallbladder Damp HeatSpleen Qi Deficiency
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Which Acupuncture Point Protocols May Be Applied For Insomnia?
Insomnia - Acupuncture Protocols
The treatment of conditions with acupuncture can be a complicated endeavor that should only be undertaken by individuals with a deep understanding of the underlying Chinese Medicine theory (and/or whatever system being used for treatment). There are many approaches, but generally speaking few viable approaches are involved on a point to condition basis. Rather using proper diagnostic procedures the patients diagnostic pattern is ascertained and that is what is treated. The protocols listed here exemplify some of these clinical approaches.
The following acupuncture treatment protocols may be used with insomnia:
Which Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols Apply To Insomnia?
Insomnia - Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols
Tong Ren Therapy is the energy healing/medical qi gong aspect of the Tam Healing System. The areas of focus for insomnia that we would use in Tong Ren techniques form the basis for our acupuncture treatments as well. Generally you would mix these primary points with points specific to the patients underlying TCM pattern and then our tuina (medical massage) would be largely focused on these points as well.
The following Tam healing and tong ren therapy protocols may be used with insomnia:
11 Points Are Empirically Important For Insomnia
15 TCM Herbs Are Potentially Used With Insomnia
Formulas and Products @ Our Store Associated With Insomnia
The Following (19)Formulas TCM Herbal Formulas May Be Useful For Insomnia
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Wan (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Ginger Decoction)
- Shaoyang disorder with water accumulation - A modification of xiao chai hu tang with gui zhi and gan jiang to work with mixed pattern cases of "heat above, cold below". Generally for patients with exterior conditions that have not cleared with releasing treatments for more than 5 days to a week. Common colds, flu - alternating periods of chills and fever, fullness/distention in the chest, irritability (shaoyang symptoms) with perspiration on the head/upper body, thirst, possibly painful urination and/or loose stools (water accumulation).
- Insomnia with the right underlying factors.
- Avoid in cases of true or pure excess or deficiency - this is for mixed cases.
Er Xian Wan (Two Immortal Decoction)
- Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang deficiencies with Empty Heat - hormonal issues such as menopause (possibly w/hypertension), amenorrhea, hot flashes along with associated symptoms of fatigue, depression, insomnia, nervousness and more.
- Infertility with appropriate underlying factors, particularly when arising with amenorrhea or irregular menstruation.
- Aplastic anemia.
Gan Mai Da Zao Wan (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Formula)
- Anxiety/depression/manic issues with a tendency towards losing self-control (crying fits, excessive yawning, etc.) that result from the combination of heart yin deficiency and liver qi stagnation.
- Insomnia, possibly with vivid dreaming and heart palpitations.
- Post-partum depression and milder symptoms of menopause.
Geng Nian An Wan (Peaceful Menopause)
- Menopause symtpoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, restlessness and anxiety as a result of yin deficiency.
- Can be used for other yin deficient symtpoms such as tinnitus, dry skin, and lightheadedness.
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Do not use if patient presents with true heat or exterior heat.
Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Formula)
- The formula is used to tonify both the spleen and heart which can be damaged from excessive overthinking, compulsions, etc. along with poor dietary habits and stressful lifestyle.
- Anxiety, phobias, palpitations, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor appetite, pallid complexion.
- In women spleen and heart deficiencies may lead to prolonged periods with little flow or early periods, heavier with pale blood.
Jia Wei Gui Pi Wan (Augmented Restore The Spleen Decoction)
- A combination of jia wei xiao yao wan and gui pi wan - similar effects but with more spleen qi and blood tonification.
- A range of stress related issues - essentially mixes of stagnation with underlying deficiencies.
- Potential uses with immune / idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and other bruising/bleeding issues with appropriate diagnostic factors.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills)
- Derived from the base formula, xiao yao wan, an important formula for liver qi stagnation with herbs added to clear heat.
- Liver qi stagnation - menstrual issues, painful cycles, irregular cycles, breast distention, PMS, acne.
- A range of mild to moderate psychological issues arising from liver qi stagnation such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, insomnia, anger issues, etc.
- Physical symptoms from liver qi stagnation such as headaches, tightness in the chest, cold hands and feet, various eye issues.
Qi Xue Da Bu Wan (Nourish Qi & Blood Pills)
- Fatigue, lethargy, sensation of feeling heavy or cold.
- Low appetite, bloating, borborygmus, loose bowels.
- Impotence, infertility, low libedo.
- Insomnia, night sweats, vivid dreams, nightmares.
Shen Jing Shuai Ruo Wan (Stress Reducing Pill)
- For common variants of the modern western lifestyle - in Chinese Medicine terms, calms the spirit, balance liver and kidney yin, for a range of psycho-emotional and physical issues from chronic stress and mental overwork. Symptoms may include insomnia, dizziness, inability to focus, memory problems, fatigue, palpitations, and/or tinnitus.
Sheng Mai San Wan (Generate the Pulse Pills)
- Respiratory issues from lung qi and yin deficiencies - chronic cough, wheezing.
- May be used for damage from longer term illnesses and/or the overuse of wind clearing formulas for colds/flus - nightsweats, spontaneous sweating.
- With the right underlying patterns a range of respiratory and coronary issues.
Sheng Mai Yin Wan (Replenish Pulse Pills)
- Dry mouth, dry skin, dark or scanty urine from yin and fluid deficiency.
- Fatigue, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating.
- Use with caution for patients that present with heat signs.
Suan Zao Ren Wan (Sour Jujube Decoction)
- Shen related issues when arising from liver blood deficiency - anxiety, insomnia.
- Menopausal heat contributing to sleep and/or anxiety issues.
- Palpitations, night sweats, and general dryness.
Te Xiao Zao Ren An Mian Wan (Peaceful Sleep Tablets)
- Insomnia, vivid dreaming, nightmares.
- Acute emotional instability.
- May be used to treat convulsions or spasms that are caused by a combination of blood deficiency with wind.
Tian Ma Gou Teng Wan (Gastrodia and Uncaria Formula)
- Headaches, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitis, floaters or blurry vision, insomnia as a result of liver yang rising.
- Siezures, spasms, convulsions or other types of involuntary muscle activity due to liver wind.
- Use with caution with patients presenting with yin deficiency.
Tian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
- Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, flushing or sensation of heat in the palms due to deficiency heat.
- Insomnia, poor memory, poor focus and concentration due to yin deficiency.
Wen Dan Wan (Warm the Gallbladder Formula)
- Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other shen disturbances caused by phlegm misting the mind.
- Seizures, convulsions or other types of involuntary muscle contractions that are caused by phlegm and heat.
- Nausea, vomitting, abdominal discomfort resulting from disharmony of the stomach and gallbladder/liver.
- Vertigo, dizziness or light-headedness.
- Use with caution with patients that present with yin or blood deficiency.
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan (Blood Stasis Relief Pills)
- Qi and Blood stagnation - pain, cardiovascular issues, physical organ issues.
- Coronary artery disease, angina and other cardiovascular issues.
- Hepatitis and other liver function issues.
- Migraines, headaches, neuralgia from most causes.
- A range of menstrual issues including dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids - particularly with pain and/or bleeding.
- Certain diagnostic types of psychological illness, schizophrenia, bipolar, chronic depression, etc.
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Avoid with heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Use only under direction if you are taking blood thinners.
- Generally not for long term use.
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Recent Questions From Our Forum...
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