The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Possible causes and remedies:
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Symptoms: Anxiety Palpitations Slight thirst and seven other symptoms
Recommended formula: Wen Dan Tang
Symptoms: Clump Phlegm Chest pain and seven other symptoms
Recommended formula: Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
In Chinese Medicine, insomnia can be associated with five so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease", as a matter of fact here insomnia can be caused by five different patterns.
To understand whether someone's insomnia might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from insomnia alone. For instance when insomnia is caused by the pattern Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat, patients also experience symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, dream disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams and palpitations. Similarly, patients with Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat typically exhibit slippery (Hua) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with yellow coating.
We've listed below a description of the five patterns associated with insomnia so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below thirteen formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with insomnia, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The Bladder is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Bladder in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Yellow coating
Recommended herbal formula: Wen Dan Tang
Symptoms: Anxiety Palpitations Slight thirst Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or vertigo Bitter taste in the mouth Indeterminate gnawing hunger Focal distention of the chest Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum Dream disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams
Insomnia might be due to Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, dream disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams and palpitations. Similarly, patients with Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat typically exhibit slippery (Hua) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with yellow coating.
Read more about Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat here
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Yellow coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
Recommended herbal formula: Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Symptoms: Clump Phlegm Chest pain Constipation Epigastric pain Clumping in the chest Bitter taste in the mouth Epigastric focal distention Focal distention of the chest Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum
Insomnia might be due to Phlegm Heat in the Lungs if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as constipation, bitter taste in the mouth, coughing of copious thick yellow sputum and chest pain. Similarly, patients with Phlegm Heat in the Lungs typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or slippery (Hua) pulses as well as a tongue with sticky coating, yellow coating.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Gui Pi Tang
Symptoms: Fatigue Anxiety Insomnia Menorrhagia Palpitations Forgetfulness Poor appetite Pale complexion Abnormal uterine bleeding
Insomnia might be due to Heart and Spleen Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as forgetfulness, palpitations, insomnia and fatigue. Similarly, patients with Heart and Spleen Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Er Zhi Wan
Symptoms: Insomnia Dry mouth Dizziness Hair loss Sore knees Weak knees Dry tongue Hair Graying Blurred vision Dream disturbed sleep Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions Soreness and weakness in the lower back
Insomnia might be due to Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as sore knees, soreness and weakness in the lower back, weak knees and dry mouth.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Symptoms: Vertigo Tinnitus Insomnia Headaches Dizziness Blurred vision Dream disturbed sleep Spasms in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities Feeling of heat rushing to the head
Insomnia might be due to Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
Read more about Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising here
The top herbs in Wen Dan Tang are Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) and Immature Bitter Oranges (Zhi Shi)
Source date: 1174 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Clears Phlegm. Clears Gallbladder. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat, a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang are Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) and Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat. Transforms Phlegm. Expands the chest. Dissipates clumps.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm Heat in the Lungs, a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm Heat in the Lungs, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Gui Pi Tang are Ginseng (Ren Shen), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) and Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu)
Source date: 1529 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood. Tonifies Heart and Spleen.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heart and Spleen Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from Heart and Spleen Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Er Zhi Wan are Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) and Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian)
Source date: 1534 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Liver Yin. Nourishes Kidney Yin.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin, a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin are Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) and Abalone Shells (Shi Jue Ming)
Source date: 1958 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Calms the Liver. Extinguishes wind. Invigorates the blood. Clears heat. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang are Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) and Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Source date: 1852 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Clears Hot Phlegm. Clears Gallbladder Heat. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Bu Gan Tang are Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) and Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Source date: 1742 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and regulates the Blood. Nourishes the Liver Yin.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang are Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang. Removes Stagnation . Warms the Interior. Dispels Cold.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Zhi Zi Chi Tang are Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) and Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat. Alleviates restlessness and irritability.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xie Qing Wan are Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) and Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi)
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang are Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) and Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang)
Source date: 1549 AD
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Key actions: Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi. Calms the Mind. Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood. Tonifies the Kidney Yin.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Suan Zao Ren Tang are Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) and Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Blood. Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability . Clears Heat.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with insomnia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).