Insomnia
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. It can manifest as either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) conditions. Acute insomnia may last from one night to a few weeks, while chronic insomnia occurs at least three nights per week and persists for three months or longer.
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Stress and anxiety, along with factors such as an uncomfortable sleeping environment—such as a bright, noisy, hot, or cold bedroom—and lifestyle habits such as jet lag, shift work, or consuming alcohol and caffeine before bed, can contribute to insomnia. Additionally, mental health conditions like depression and stress further exacerbate sleep disturbances.
How Does TCM Treat Insomnia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats insomnia through personalized syndrome differentiation, categorizing it into deficiency or excess syndromes linked to heart, spleen, liver, and kidney imbalances, including excessive heart fire and phlegm-heat. Treatment typically combines TCM and acupuncture, targeting specific acupoints for a calming effect. Traditional herbal medicines, renowned for their blood-nourishing and nerve-calming properties, are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Sleep issues in TCM are attributed to dysfunctions in vital organs such as the heart, spleen, stomach, liver, and kidneys, with blood formation regulated by the spleen and stored in the kidneys, while the liver serves to balance blood circulation.
Which Chinese Tea is Best for Sleep?
Chrysanthemum tea is known for its ability to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety, facilitating easier falling asleep and staying asleep. It has been a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedy for many years, recognized for its cooling properties and immune-boosting benefits, among others.
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Here is a list of 8 Chinese herbs commonly used to promote better sleep:
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Suan Zao Ren (Wild Jujube Kernel)
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Bai Zi Ren (Albizia Bark)
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Fu Shen (Poria Cocos Sclerotium)
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He Huan Pi (Albizia Bark)
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Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae)
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Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Chinensis)
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Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi)
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Lian Xin (Lotus Seed Core)
