Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment for Insomnia and Anxiety:

1. In TCM, insomnia and anxiety are often associated with dysfunctions in the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, leading to Qi and Blood deficiencies, excessive Liver Fire, Dampness obstruction, or Yin-Yang imbalances. Treatment focuses on soothing the Liver, calming the Heart, strengthening the Spleen, clearing Heat, and balancing Yin and Yang.

   1. Common TCM Syndromes and Treatments for Insomnia & Anxiety

   (1) Hyperactive Heart and Liver Fire

         Symptoms: Irritability, difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking at night, dizziness, dry mouth, bitter taste, red eyes, tongue red with yellow coating, wiry and rapid pulse.

   Treatment principle: Clear Liver Fire, calm the Heart, and relieve irritability.

   Recommended Formulas:

   Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Liver-Draining Decoction) – for Liver Fire.

    Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven’s Heart-Supplementing Elixir) – to nourish   Yin and calm the mind.

   Modifications:

   If insomnia is severe, add Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl) and Ci Shi (Magnetite) to anchor the mind.

   If there is significant mouth dryness and heat, add Huang Lian (Coptis) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) to clear Fire.

   (2) Heart and Spleen Deficiency

       Symptoms: Overthinking, palpitations, forgetfulness, light sleep or dream-disturbed sleep, fatigue, poor appetite, pale complexion, pale tongue with thin coating, weak pulse.

   Treatment principle: Tonify the Heart and Spleen, nourish Blood, and calm the mind.

   Recommended Formulas:

   Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) – for Qi and Blood deficiency.

   Bai He Zhi Mu Tang (Lily Bulb and Anemarrhena Decoction) – for Yin and Blood nourishment.

   Modifications:

   If palpitations are severe, add Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) and Dan Shen (Salvia).

   If poor appetite is present, add Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) and Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) to aid digestion.

   (3) Liver Qi Stagnation

   Symptoms:Depression, emotional stress, difficulty falling asleep, frequent sighing, chest and hypochondriac discomfort, belching, pale tongue with thin white coating, wiry pulse.

   Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, and calm the Shen (spirit).

   Recommended Formulas:

   Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver) – for Liver Qi stagnation.

   Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) – for Liver-Spleen disharmony.

   Modifications:

   If anxiety is severe, add He Huan Pi (Albizia Bark) and Mei Gui Hua (Rose Flower) to relieve stress.

   If palpitations are present, add Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) to calm the mind.

   (4) Dampness Accumulation

     Symptoms: Insomnia with a heavy head sensation, nausea, chest fullness, poor digestion, fatigue, thick greasy tongue coating, slippery pulse.

   Treatment principle: Transform Dampness, regulate Qi, and harmonize the Stomach.

   Recommended Formulas:

   Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) – for Phlegm-Dampness disturbing the mind.

   Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction) – to remove excess Dampness and Phlegm.

   Modifications:

   If Dampness is pronounced, add Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark).

   If anxiety is severe, add Huang Lian (Coptis) to clear Heart Fire.

   (5) Kidney Yin Deficiency

     Symptoms: Restlessness, difficulty staying asleep, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, tinnitus, lower back soreness, red tongue with little coating, thin and rapid pulse.

   Treatment principle: Nourish Kidney Yin, reduce Heat, and calm the Shen.

   Recommended Formulas:

   Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) – for Kidney Yin deficiency.

   Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven’s Heart-Supplementing Elixir) – for Heart-Kidney disharmony.

   Modifications:

   If palpitations and restlessness are severe, add Ci Shi (Magnetite) and Gui Ban (Turtle Shell).

   If tinnitus is pronounced, add Shi Chang Pu (Acorus) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root).

   2. Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

   (1) Foods that Promote Sleep and Calm the Mind

   Suan Zao Ren Tea (Ziziphus Seed) – helps nourish the Heart and calm the Shen.

   Lily and Lotus Seed Congee – strengthens the Spleen and nourishes the mind.

   Millet Porridge – naturally helps induce sleep.

   Longan and Jujube Tea – tonifies the Heart and Spleen, alleviating anxiety.

   (2) Foods to Avoid

     Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and greasy foods, as they may aggravate Liver Fire or create Dampness.

   Avoid eating too late at night to prevent food stagnation.

   (3) Lifestyle Adjustments

   Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late.

   Engage in moderate exercise such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga to help regulate Qi flow.

   Soak feet in warm water before bed with herbs like mugwort or lavender to calm the mind.

   3. Acupuncture and Tui Na Therapy

   Acupuncture Points:

   Shenmen (HT7)–calms the mind and reduces stress.

   Anmian (Extra Point)–specifically for insomnia.

   Baihui (DU20)–regulates Qi and lifts mood.

   Neiguan (PC6)–relieves anxiety and palpitations.

   Sanyinjiao (SP6)–harmonizes the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney.

   Tui Na/ Massage:

   Massaging Shenmen (HT7) and Neiguan (PC6) before sleep can help relax the nervous system.

   Abdominal massage (clockwise) helps regulate digestion and Qi flow.

   Conclusion

   TCM treatment for insomnia and anxiety requires a syndrome differentiation approach, combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications for optimal results. If symptoms persist, consult an experienced TCM practitioner for a personalized treatment plan.