Many people feel exhausted yet find their minds racing the moment they lie in bed. According to the Taiwan Sleep Medicine Society, chronic insomnia affects around 10.7% of the population in Taiwan, which translates to nearly 2.5 million people struggling with sleep issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners note that insomnia is often linked to imbalances in qi and blood or dysfunction of internal organs. Clinically, it can be categorised into five main types, with treatment often combining herbal remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and acupressure to promote relaxation.
Dr Lin Zi-Ting, a TCM physician at En Chu Kong Hospital, shared the case of a 40-year-old male office worker who, due to long-term work stress, frequently overthinks about work and life at night, leading to difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality. He had tried sleeping pills but experienced grogginess the following day, prompting him to seek TCM consultation.
Lin explained that cases like this are common in her clinic. Patients may feel physically exhausted yet mentally alert, which TCM attributes to “liver qi stagnation” caused by emotional stress.
She noted an increasing trend of patients seeking help for sleep problems, particularly stressed office workers, menopausal women, and those with chronic illnesses or discomfort. Insomnia is rarely caused by a single factor; stress, digestive issues, chronic pain, or skin irritation can all disrupt sleep. Hence, TCM evaluates patients holistically, considering overall health and lifestyle habits.
Unlike Western medicine, which often relies on sleep-inducing drugs, TCM focuses on restoring balance and improving overall constitution. Treatment begins with identifying a patient’s body type and symptoms, considering whether insomnia stems from emotional stress, weak constitution, or digestive dysfunction. Remedies may include herbal treatments such as hawthorn, goji berries, longan, and chrysanthemum, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications.
From a TCM perspective, insomnia is usually related to imbalances in qi, blood, or organ function. Clinically, it can be divided into five types:
- Liver Qi Stagnation – Often caused by stress or emotional tension, leading to difficulty falling asleep, chest tightness, or mood swings. Relaxation through exercise, emotional regulation, or herbal teas can help.
- Spleen-Stomach Disharmony – Linked to poor dietary habits such as late-night snacking, overeating, or greasy foods, affecting digestion and sleep. Symptoms may include bloating or indigestion.
- Excess Heart-Liver Fire – Characterised by restlessness, vivid dreams, or dry mouth and bitter taste. Reducing spicy and fried foods and maintaining emotional stability is recommended.
- Yin Deficiency with Rising Fire – Common in people who stay up late or have weak constitutions, causing vivid dreams, frequent awakenings, or night sweats due to insufficient body fluids.
- Heart-Spleen Deficiency – Seen in those with chronic fatigue or blood deficiency, often accompanied by palpitations, tiredness, or forgetfulness. TCM focuses on nourishing qi and blood and calming the mind.
In addition to herbal therapy and constitution adjustment, acupressure is recommended to relieve tension and improve sleep. Key points include the Fengchi point at the back of the neck to enhance blood circulation and relax nerves, and the Anmian point behind the ear for calming and sedation. Applying gentle pressure with fingertips for 30 seconds to one minute several times daily can help promote relaxation and better sleep.
