Insomnia
Restoring Deep Sleep and Inner Calm
Symptoms:
For years, the client struggled to sleep: hard to fall asleep, light sleep, frequent jolts awake, then lying there unable to return to sleep. Daytime focus and work suffered. Nights were worst around 11pm–1am (Gallbladder time) with racing thoughts and chest tightness.
Two patterns were identified:
Stomach–Spleen pattern: chronic gut tension with acid reflux and burning, night-time loose stools, anxiety rising at bedtime.
Liver–Heart–Kidney pattern: long-standing stress, worry and frustration; tight muscles, “wired but tired” at night; family tendency to weak Kidney energy.
Our Approach:
We designed a treatment that addressed both the physical and emotional roots of sleeplessness.
Acupuncture and gentle electro-stimulation on Zusanli (ST36) and the Stomach meridian were used to regulate digestion and calm the nervous system.
For patient P, points along the Liver and Heart meridians were used to move stagnation, balance fire and yin, and restore inner rhythm.
Herbal medicine was prescribed to nourish Heart blood and Kidney yin, while lifestyle and breathing guidance helped both patients re-establish a peaceful nightly routine.
Over several weeks, both patients reported falling asleep more easily and waking up refreshed. The combination of physical meridian work and emotional awareness helped them reconnect with their body’s natural sleep–wake rhythm.
Results:
Sleep onset time shortened significantly.
Night-time awakenings reduced; sleep became deeper and more stable.
Digestive symptoms (acid reflux, bloating) resolved.
Anxiety and restlessness diminished; emotional resilience improved.
Holistic Insight:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia reflects a disharmony among the Liver, Heart, Spleen, and Kidney systems. When the Liver becomes stagnant, energy cannot flow; when the Heart lacks nourishment, the mind cannot rest; when the Stomach overheats, digestion disturbs the night; and when the Kidneys are weak, the body cannot anchor into deep rest.
From a deeper level, sleeplessness often mirrors unprocessed emotions — unprocessed feelings act like “open files” in the background. When we move the Qi, cool the fire, nourish blood/yin, and face what hurts, the nervous system can finally downshift and allowing life to flow again.
