Natural Sleep Remedies
Chinese Medicinal Herbal Approaches for Insomnia
The most common comment I receive from patients in
clinic sounds something like this: "I came in for back
pain, but I've noticed that I have been sleeping so much
better since I have been receiving treatments". Chinese
medicine is especially effective at treating sleep disorders;
unfortunately, it is a difficult theory to explain in lay terms.
One of the reasons that Chinese medicine is able to
address insomnia with such great success is because
it has a number of practical theories that actually
address the root causes of sleep disorders; however,
there are some basic concepts that must be understood
before you will be able to identify what the cause is of
your particular sleep problem and treat it effectively:
1st - It should be noted that in Chinese medicine a normal pattern of sleep would be the ability to fall asleep on your own around 10 or 11 PM, and stay asleep for 7-8 hours without interruption. Any other sleep pattern would be considered abnormal, and would be part of a pattern of imbalance. The natural order of the universe dictates that activity is Yang and belongs to the day, and rest is Yin and belongs to the night.
2nd - It is important to understand that the concept of the Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine is radically different from that of contemporary Western medicine. Understanding this difference is very important because the physiology and pathology of the Organs is fundamental to the understanding and treatment of disease. In Chinese medicine, the Heart plays a central role in emotional disorders and sleep pattern problems. The Heart is said to "house the mind" during sleep.
3rd - In Chinese medicine, everything in the body is interrelated, and an imbalance in one organ system will begin to affect all other organ systems over time.
What is Your Sleep Pattern Problem?
Trouble Falling Asleep
Typically in Chinese medicine, trouble falling asleep points to a Heart Qi Deficiency or Heart Shen disorder. Often, herbs that nourish the Heart Shen (calming nervine
herbs) such as the herbs that are included in our Calm the Dragon Formula are able to help people get to sleep.
Another disorder that is common with sleep patterns where there is trouble getting to sleep is Liver Qi Stagnation. When Liver Qi becomes congested it tends to
heat up. Heat always rises, and in this case the Liver Heat attacks the Heart and prevents a person from being able to fall asleep easily. Liver Qi Stagnation would also have other signs presenting to look for such as stress, frustration, and anger to name a few.
In clinic, we often combine Free and Easy Wanderer Formula taken throughout the day, and Calm the Dragon Formula taken at night. Typically, after soothing the Liver for a few months with the Free and Easy Wanderer Formula, patients are able to get to sleep on their own.
Trouble Staying Asleep
There are several patterns that can be related to problems staying asleep, but the most common reason people wake through the night is Heart Blood & Yin Deficiency. Blood is a dense substance that helps to ground the mind; without sufficient Blood, the Heart is unable to contain the mind at night. Someone who is Blood Deficient is not necessarily anemic; it simply indicates that there is not enough enriched Blood to nourish all of the organs properly. This pattern may also include palpitations, a racing heart, or a sensation of the heart.
In clinic, we typically combine Blood Mansion Formula and Yin Valley Formula for several months to build Heart Blood and prevent sleep disruption.
Waking between 1-3 AM
Many people fall in to a pattern of waking between the hours of 1 AM and 3 AM, almost like clockwork. This is typically an indication of Liver Qi Stagnation and can be treated with Free and Easy Wanderer Formula taken over a number of months. A pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation will include several of the common indications seen with Liver Qi Stagnation or Wood Imbalances.
Waking from 3-5 AM
Typically, sleeplessness during the hours of 3 AM to 5 AM indicates an imbalance in the Metal Element and could relate to unresolved grief or a sense of loss.
Dream Disturbed Sleep
Of course, dream are normal; but
when dreams are so active that
you wake unrested, this is an
imbalance and is typically due
to Heart Heat which can be
produced from Liver Qi Stagnation
or Heart Blood and Yin Deficiency.
Frightening dreams are often
attributed to an imbalance of the
Wood Element and the Heart.
With this type of insomnia, there
may also be signs of Liver Qi
motivation. Acid reflux in itself can
often disturb sleep pattern, and
can be resolved with Free and Easy Wanderer Formula.
Worrying and Overthinking Preventing Sleep
Often, patients report that there mind will not quiet down for them to be able to go to sleep. When overthinking and mulling over issues prevents sleep, this would indicate Spleen Qi Deficiency and Heart Shen disturbances, and a combination of Restore the Middle Way and Calm the Dragon Formulas would be combined for improved sleep patterns. This type of insomnia may also contain signs of Spleen Deficiency and Dampness, such as having trouble waking in the morning and a feeling of heaviness, and should be treated with Restore the Middle Way Formula.
Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea is not one of those conditions that you would want to exclusively treat on your own, it is a condition that indicates a Heart Shen disorder and the symptoms of sleep apnea can be lessened by the use of Calm the Dragon Formula. Often, sleep apnea is complicated by dampness and is improved with Spleen Qi tonics such as Restore the Middle Way Formula. Additionally, sleep apnea can be complicated by sinusitis and can benefit from Welcome Fragrance Formula.
RLS Restless Leg Syndrome
Many people lose sleep because of the jerking motion that is caused with RLS. In Chinese medicine, Restless Leg Syndrome is typically due to Internal Wind caused by Liver Qi Stagnation. While not a 'quick cure', Free and Easy Wanderer Formula will ease Liver Qi Stagnation and address the root cause of the RLS so that you can get to sleep and stay asleep. It is typically combined with Calm the Dragon Formula in cases of RLS. Detail on how Chinese Medicine Treats Restless Leg Syndrome...
While these are the most common patterns of sleep disorders, many disharmonies of the Organ Systems can combine to cause insomnia; treat the root imbalances, and typically the sleep disorder will resolve itself.
The affect of this formula varies from patient to patient depending on the chronic nature of the sleep issues and how sensitive they are to herbal nervines. Some people (regardless of size or weight) simply have a strong reaction to relaxing herbs and this formula induces sleep easily. For most patients with chronic insomnia, we utilize our Free & Easy Wanderer Formula to address the underlying root cause of the insomnia and it takes several weeks before the patient begins to sleep soundly. Thereafter, the formulas are typically taken for several months for lasting relief and restored sleep patters.Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.For information on conventional treatments for sleep disorders, visit Medline, the Sleep Foundation, or the NINDS. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.
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Ageless
Herbs
Chinese Herb Formulas for Optimal Health and Wellness!
Herbs for Better Sleep:
Scutellaria latiflora - Western Skullcap
Despite its ominous name, Skullcap is a gentle nervine herb that helps to calm the mind and reduce nervous tension. It is also used to stop muscle spasms, reduce palpitations and to help you sleep.
Albizzia spp.- he huan pi - Mimosa tree bark
Calms the "Shen", soothes the heart, and reduces nervous tension. This Chinese herb has an overall calming affect on the nervous system an induces natural sleep.
Lactuca spp. - Wild Lettuce
Wild Lettuce is one of the best herbs for calming the Shen, or Spirit, promoting sleep and reducing pain. This herb is effective at calming a fetus in cases of threatened miscarriage. It is a natural anti-spasmodic and is calming to the nervous system.
Lavender officinalis - Lavender Flowers
Calms the mind and promotes restful sleep. Lavender is well know for its ability to calm the nerves and for helping to promote a restful sleep.
Foeniculum vulgare - xiao hu xiang - Fennel Seed
Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi and reduces the tendency of the Liver energy to rise and attack the heart causing insomnia. Fennel seed also harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm & gas, supports Kidney Qi, warms the uterus, relieves coughing and stimulates the immune system.
Althaea officinalis - Marshmallow root
Used in this formula to increase absorption. Marshmallow root also reduces inflammation throughout the body and nourishes the Yin.
Leonorus cardiaca - Motherwort
Motherwort dispels nervous irritability, inducing calmness to the whole nervous system. It is a top herb for heart conditions, as its Latin name, "lion hearted" would suggest, and helps you sleep.
Schisandra chinensis - wu wei zi
Schizandra is a famous tonic herb historically consumed by Chinese royalty. It is renowned as a beauty tonic and is considered to be a youth preserving herb. It is also said to be a powerful calming tonic to the brain and mind, and is believed in China to improve memory.
Prunella Vulgaris - xia ku cao - Heal All
Clears Liver Fire, reduces headaches, detoxifies and removes lymphatic blocks. This herb clears heat from the Heart and controls high blood pressure.
Verbena officinalis - ma bian cao - Verbena
Verbena is added here as it will lift the Spirit while rejuvenating the nervous system and allowing us to process emotions constructively, rather than thinking obsessively when trying to fall asleep.
Melissa officinalis- Lemon Balm
A calming nervine herb, melissa calms the mind. Lemon balm is also well known for lifting the spirit and inducing a personal centered calm.
Cyperus rotundus-xian fu
A classic supportive herb in Chinese medicine, cyperi moves Qi in the body and spreads Liver Qi.
Aucklandia lappa Saussurea lappa - mu xiang
Regulates stagnant Qi. Stagnant Liver Qi (Chi) tends to heat up causing Liver Fire that can attack the Heart and cause sleep disorders.
Chinese medical practices have developed over thousands of years with the ability to restore health and vitality. Generations of wise sage herbalists have focused on reversing the effects of aging and restoring true health; Ageless Herbs embody this vast wisdom, and restorative qualities. This formula contains herbs used for thousands of years known to calm the mind and promote sleep naturally.
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The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Herbal formulas, natural remedies, and aromatherapy products related to alternative health products on this site have not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on this website are based principally on traditional knowledge accumulated over thousands of years of Chinese medical practices. The content provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information on this site to diagnose or treat any health issues. As always, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, beginning an exercise program, using herbs or other supplementation programs, before taking any pharmaceutical medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Unless specifically mentioned in the product label or recommended by your professional health care provider, our herbal supplements, natural remedies, and alternative health products are not intended for children under the age of 18, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Ingredients and dosage recommendations may change - see product label for current information. Please refer to our policy/FAQ’s page before making a purchase.
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