Insomnia in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different insomnia patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

14
TCM Patterns
100
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 14 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each insomnia pattern
Classical remedies 100 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia is viewed as a symptom of an underlying imbalance within the body's energy system. Contrasting with the Western medical approach that often focuses on psychological and environmental factors, TCM sees insomnia as a manifestation of disharmony in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and organ systems. TCM practitioners aim to identify and correct these imbalances through holistic treatments, addressing the root causes of insomnia.

TCM Patterns for Insomnia

Heat

Causes: Insomnia, Insomnia with very restless sleep

16 variations documented
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia, Insomnia with very restless sleep

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Restlessness, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Fire blazing
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety,

Heat in Nutritive Qi level
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Nighttime fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Restlessness, Delirium, Incoherent or confused speech, Aphasia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in the Blood
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia,

Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation,

Lesser Yin Heat Transformation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Feeling of heat, Irritability, Dry mouth and throat at night, Dark urine, Night sweats

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Fire
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain,

Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Irritability, Dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Insomnia, Restless sleep, Insomnia with very restless sleep, Restlnessness at night

15 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory

Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Dizziness, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled,

Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs,

Pericardium Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Chest distension, Chest stiffness, Chest pain, Palpitations, Poor memory

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Dizziness, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Restless sleep

Along with: Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Restless sleep

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Palpitations, Poor constitution,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia with very restless sleep

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Restlnessness at night

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Insomnia, Insomnia with very restless sleep, Restless sleep

15 variations documented
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache,

Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia, Insomnia with very restless sleep

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation,

Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation,

Lesser Yin Heat Transformation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Feeling of heat, Irritability, Dry mouth and throat at night, Dark urine, Night sweats

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes,

Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest

Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy,

Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Restless sleep

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus, Dizziness,

Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain,

Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia with very restless sleep

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Insomnia, Restlnessness at night

4 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Restlnessness at night

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Insomnia

4 variations documented
Heart Fire blazing
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety,

Pericardium Fire
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Wind

Causes: Insomnia

4 variations documented
Interior Wind
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Insomnia, Restless sleep

3 variations documented
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth,

Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Restless sleep

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Insomnia, Restless sleep

3 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Restless sleep

Along with: Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Insomnia

3 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Dull pale complexion, Weak limbs,

Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Palpitations, Poor constitution,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Insomnia

3 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Dampness

Causes: Insomnia

2 variations documented
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Irritability, Dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Insomnia

1 variation documented
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Rebellion

Causes: Insomnia

1 variation documented
Rebellious Qi
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma

Cold

Causes: Insomnia

1 variation documented
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with insomnia

Insomnia

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Insomnia

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address insomnia

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Blood Deficiency Wind Yang Excess

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Yin Deficiency Blood Deficiency Wind Blood Stasis

Gui Pi Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Blood Deficiency Qi Deficiency Blood Stasis

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Blood Deficiency

Bu Gan Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency Yin Deficiency

Suan Zao Ren Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Heat Yin Deficiency Blood Deficiency

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Blood Deficiency Yin Deficiency Qi Stagnation

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Wind Yin Deficiency Yang Excess

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these insomnia patterns:

Heat Mind Disturbance Phlegm