Normal sleep patterns, in Chinese philosophy, are a result of a regular cycle the body goes through. During the daytime, the Yang drives the body's Qi (energy) while the Yin prevails at night. An imbalance of the Yin and Yang will disrupt the body's normal cycle, and insomnia can result. The patterns of deficiency can affect the spleen, the stomach, the heart and kidneys, and the liver.

The spleen energy is responsible for the proper digestion of food and the absorption of food's nutrients into the body. Stress, worry, poor diet and coffee weaken the spleen of the ability to do its job. Symptoms of a poorly performing spleen include difficulty falling asleep, general weakness and possibly night sweats. Treatment of a weak spleen can range from stress reduction techniques like relaxation exercises and hot baths to herbal treatments that strengthen the blood, such as Tang Kuei.

Irritability, ringing in the ears and dizziness are a few of the symptoms related to a "disharmony" of the heart and kidney. Restlessness of the spirit interferes with the Yin energy, and the resulting Qi deficiency causes insomnia. Strengthening the kidney and heart energy includes an herbal therapy of ginseng and astragalus.

What is referred to as Liver "fire" is a third cause of insomnia. A rising liver fire is the result of anger, depression and even alcohol or drug abuse. This rising liver energy will disrupt the mind. A quick temper, a tendency towards migraine headaches and nightmares make a disturbance of the liver fire very likely. Treatment would include a detoxification of the liver energy with a formula of Bupleurum and Dragonbone. It is good idea to evaluate the underlying cause of the anger and depression, including personal relationships and employment.

Eating any food late in the evening will usually keep one awake, but rich and spicy foods are especially difficult to assimilate even when the body is fully rested. The stomach, if not functioning properly, can be the cause of insomnia. Treatment can be as simple as peppermint tea and eating simple foods. The herbal formulas that will help calm the spirit contain products like Oyster Shell and Mother of Pearl.

All the therapies and treatments of insomnia are designed to get the body's own natural rhythms back to normal. Once the body is back in synch, a good night's sleep will surely follow.

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