Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation Methods for Insomnia

The traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic methods for insomnia mainly include five types: liver depression and fire transformation type, phlegm heat internal disturbance type, yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity type, heart and spleen deficiency type, and heart and gallbladder qi deficiency type.

1. Liver stagnation and fire type

is mainly characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreaming and easy awakening, chest and rib pain, accompanied by symptoms such as bitter mouth, dry throat, red eyes, and tinnitus. The tongue is red in color, the coating is thin yellow, and the number of veins is numerous. The treatment requires soothing the liver, purging fire and calming the nerves. The commonly used prescriptions are Chaihu plus Longgu Oyster soup, Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder, etc. In daily life, one should avoid emotional excitement and drink chrysanthemum and cassia seed tea to assist in regulation.

2. Phlegm heat internal disturbance type [SEP]: It is common to wake up easily after falling asleep, with a dull mind, accompanied by chest tightness, excessive phlegm, and a bitter, sticky feeling in the mouth. The tongue coating is yellow and greasy, with smooth veins. The treatment method is suitable for clearing heat and eliminating phlegm, with representative formulas such as Wendan Tang and Huanglian Wendan Tang. The diet should avoid fat, sweet and thick taste. It is recommended to use orange peel poria Congee to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness.

3. Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity type

is characterized by difficulty in falling asleep early, restlessness and heat in the five hearts, visible red cheekbones, night sweats, and dry throat with little saliva. Red tongue with little coating, fine veins. To nourish yin, reduce fire, and calm the mind, commonly used are Tianwang Buxin Pills, Sour Jujube Seed Soup, etc. Lily and lotus seed soup can be used to nourish yin before bedtime to avoid staying up late and damaging yin.

4. Heart and spleen deficiency type

is often characterized by shallow sleep, easy awakening, and frequent dreams, accompanied by palpitations, forgetfulness, and loss of appetite. The tongue is lightly coated with white fur, and the veins are thin and weak. Treatment should nourish the heart and spleen, and Guipi Tang and Yangxin Tang are classic formulas. Longan and jujube Congee can be eaten daily, and moxibustion at Zusanli point can be used for conditioning.

5. Heart and gallbladder qi deficiency type

is characterized by restless sleep, susceptibility to fright, often accompanied by timidity, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. The tongue is light red and the veins are thin. The treatment method is suitable for nourishing qi and calming the nerves. Anshen Dingzhi Wan, Suanzaoren Tang, and Ganmai Dazao Tang are commonly used. It is recommended to practice Eight Section Brocade for regulating breath and drink wheat licorice soup before bedtime. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for insomnia requires differentiation of syndromes and treatment, with significant differences in medication used for different syndrome types. It is recommended to conduct the Four Diagnostic Methods under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and avoid self medication. Maintain a regular daily routine, avoid vigorous exercise and stimulating drinks 2 hours before bedtime, and can be combined with massage at the Yongquan acupoint and listening to soothing music to improve sleep quality. If long-term insomnia is accompanied by severe daytime dysfunction, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to investigate organic diseases.