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.
Waking up early in the morning can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like waking up early in the morning here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here waking up early in the morning is often associated with timidity, easily scared and lack of courage in the pattern “Gallbladder Deficiency”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of waking up early in the morning we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Wen Dan Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Gallbladder Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause waking up early in the morning
In Chinese Medicine waking up early in the morning is a symptom for the pattern "Gallbladder Deficiency". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Gallbladder is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Gallbladder in Chinese Medicine
Gallbladder Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo)
More than a ‘pattern’, this is really the description of a certain character or personality. The key feature of this ‘pattern’ is the character of the person: that is, their lack of courage, timidity and lack of initiative.
In addition to waking up early in the morning, other symptoms associated with Gallbladder Deficiency include timidity, easily scared and lack of courage.
Gallbladder Deficiency is often treated with Wen Dan Tang, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Wen Dan Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Clears Hot-Phlegm".
A herbal formula that might help with waking up early in the morning
Wen Dan Tang
Source date: 1174 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Clears Hot-Phlegm. Clears Gallbladder heat. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Why might Wen Dan Tang help with waking up early in the morning?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Gallbladder Deficiency' of which waking up early in the morning is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Gallbladder Deficiency include timidity, easily scared and lack of courage.
Crow-dipper rhizome might help with waking up early in the morning
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with waking up early in the morning?
Because it is a key herb in Wen Dan Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Gallbladder Deficiency' (a pattern with waking up early in the morning as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Other symptoms often associated with waking up early in the morning
Timidity Easily scared Lack of courage Indecision Frequent sighing Dizziness Blurred vision Floaters in eyes Nervousness Restless dreams