Desire To Lie Downaccording to TCM

What is Desire to Lie Down?

Desire to lie down refers to an overwhelming urge or need to rest or recline, often associated with feelings of fatigue and weakness. This condition, also known as craving for rest, need to lie down, or urge to lie down, can be indicative of various underlying health issues. While occasional tiredness is normal, a persistent desire to lie down may signal deeper imbalances in the body that need to be addressed.

How Does TCM View Desire to Lie Down?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the desire to lie down is seen as a manifestation of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute this to general fatigue or lifestyle factors, TCM looks at specific patterns of disharmony that could be causing this symptom. These patterns include imbalances in the body's Qi and Yang energy, and identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment.

Root Causes of Desire To Lie Down in TCM

One common cause of the desire to lie down in TCM is Yang Deficiency, particularly Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as lower back pain, weak and cold knees, a sensation of cold in the back, chills, weak legs, a bright pale face, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. The Deficiency in Yang energy, which is the active, warming force in the body, leads to a pervasive sense of fatigue and a strong need to rest.

Another significant cause is Qi Deficiency, particularly Spleen Qi Deficiency. This pattern presents with symptoms like slight abdominal distension after eating, general weakness, slight abdominal pain, excessive gas and flatulence, a bloated abdomen, dyspepsia, a swollen complexion, and obesity. The Spleen's role in digestion and energy production is compromised, leading to a lack of vitality and a persistent need to lie down.

Explore below more details about what might cause Desire to lie down according to TCM.

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Desire To Lie Down

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Desire to lie down, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention... see more	Li Zhong Wan

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Desire To Lie Down

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Spleen Qi Deficiency	Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia, Swollen complexion, Obesity... see more	Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Fei Er Wan

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Desire To Lie Down

Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Diarrhea Lack Of Appetite Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Back Cold Sensation Chills

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Desire to lie down, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention... see more	Li Zhong Wan
Spleen Qi Deficiency	Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia, Swollen complexion, Obesity... see more	Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Fei Er Wan

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Desire To Lie Down

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Desire to lie down, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention... see more	Li Zhong Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Desire To Lie Down

To address the desire to lie down, TCM practitioners recommend specific herbal formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency, the formula Li Zhong Wan is often used. This formula includes Dried ginger (Gan Jiang), which warms the interior and expels cold, helping to invigorate the Yang energy and reduce the need for rest.

For Spleen Qi Deficiency, Si Jun Zi Tang is commonly prescribed. This formula features Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key herb, which tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen, improving overall energy levels and reducing the desire to lie down. These formulas help to restore balance and address the root causes of the symptom.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address desire to lie down, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Li Zhong Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause desire to lie down, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Si Jun Zi Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause desire to lie down, such as Spleen Qi Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Desire To Lie Down Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Si Jun Zi Tang	Spleen Qi Deficiency
Liu Jun Zi Tang	Spleen Qi Deficiency
Fei Er Wan	Spleen Qi Deficiency

Acupoints for Desire To Lie Down

In addition to herbal formulas, TCM also utilizes acupuncture to help manage the desire to lie down. Specific acupoints can help to address the underlying causes and restore balance in the body.

For general tonification of the Spleen and Stomach, the acupoint Zhongwan REN-12 is highly effective. Located on the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus, this point helps to tonify the Stomach, strengthen the Spleen, regulate Qi, and expel Dampness and Phlegm. It is also known for harmonizing the Middle Burner and calming the mind, making it beneficial for reducing fatigue and the urge to lie down.

Another useful acupoint is Zusanli ST-36, located below the knee, which is known for its ability to tonify Qi and Blood, strengthen the body, and improve overall energy levels. These acupoints, combined with appropriate herbal treatments, offer a holistic approach to managing the desire to lie down and restoring vitality.

See more details below about Zhongwan REN-12, an acupoint used to address desire to lie down.

Zhongwan REN-12

On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus and 4 cun below the sternocostal angle.