Let's discuss the incredibly important role of sleep and what it does for one’s vibrant immunity and overall
health. Through the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we offer a wide array of clinical options for patients suffering from insomnia. During treatments, we dissect the key underlying patterns of disharmony in one’s body. By this evaluation, we can evaluate the proper formula that can effectively target the issues to help patients experience a deep, restful, and restorative sleep.
One of the silent underlying factors when encountering the issue of poor sleep quality is Liver Depression Qi Stagnation. While there is a diverse landscape of patterns of disharmony that can be present, liver depression (qi stagnation) is a silent underlying factor that’s the root cause in almost all cases. Often, we see that patients struggling with insomnia exhibit extreme bouts of frustration, and reasonably so. Therefore, it’s so important to add an herbal formula that targets liver depression qi stagnation, in conjunction with the primary formula targeting the overall pattern of disharmony.
Three TCM Formulas That Help Treat Sleep Disturbances
Let's dive into the three formulas that have shown great success in helping patients treat sleep disturbances; Suan Zao Ren Tang, Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan, and Yi Guan Jian.
Suan Zao Ren Tang
This formula is an oily seed that moistens dryness and nourishes blood in both the heart and liver. This is crucial to relieving liver depression qi stagnation. Over time poor sleep will dry out the liver's qi and can cause an increase in heat as well. The use of Suan Zao Ren Tang, in conjunction with Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan and Yi Guan Jian, can target both issues efficiently.
Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan
This formula has many functions. These functions include soothing the liver, recoursing the qi, invigorating blood, harmonizing the spleen/liver, and even stopping pain. Often this formula is used in conjunction with Suan Zao Ren Tang for patients struggling with sleep-related issues, as well as many other ailments. This two-formula combined effectively target many patterns of disharmony.
Yi Guan Jian
This formula is commonly used with patients that are experiencing a severe yin deficiency. At Michigan Acupuncture Studio we often use a combination of Suan Zao Ren Tang with Yi Guan Jian. This combination effectively addresses the patterns of heart/liver/kidney yin deficiency with liver depression qi stagnation. This particular formula is extremely effective for patients suffering from long-term insomnia who also suffer from chronic pain and chronic emotional disturbances.
If you are struggling with insomnia or just not waking up feeling ready for the day, I hope this information helps you seek out help. Sleep is so important to our overall mood and health that any disruption or change in patterns should not be taken lightly. Please feel free to reach out to Michigan Acupuncture Studio to see how we might assist you in getting the rest you need and deserve.