insomnia isn’t just in your head – here’s the tcm perspective

SLEEP STRUGGLES?
Have you found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3:47 AM again? Welcome to the sleepless club. I know what it’s like—lying there in silence while your mind kicks into overdrive. You start counting the hours until you need to function like a human again. But don’t worry. Today I’m sharing how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches insomnia—with zero pills, zero pharmacy lines, and all-natural wisdom from the East.

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So hold off on the tea (one of the recipes is actually a tea!)—and let me walk you through some ancient remedies that calm the body and quiet the mind.

WHAT DOES TCM SAY ABOUT INSOMNIA?
In TCM, insomnia isn’t just “I can’t fall asleep.” It’s a sign of internal imbalance—especially between Yin and Yang—and often a disturbance in the Heart (Xin). In Chinese medicine, the Heart isn’t just a pump; it’s also the home of the Shen (spirit/mind). If the Shen doesn’t feel settled, sleep won’t come easy.

COMMON TCM CAUSES OF SLEEPLESSNESS:
Excess Liver Heat (Gan Huo): Stress, frustration, anger
Yin Deficiency: Usually in the Kidneys, causing poor nighttime recovery
Phlegm & Dampness: Cloudy thoughts, mental fog blocking energy flow
NATURAL REMEDIES – ANCIENT LOGIC, MODERN USE
REMEDY #1: LOTUS & RED DATE SLEEP TEA
You’ll need:

1 tbsp dried lotus seeds (Lian Zi)
1 tbsp dried red dates (Da Zao)
1 tsp dried jasmine flowers (Mo Li Hua)
2 cups of water
How to make it: Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink warm, about 1 hour before bedtime.

Why it helps: Lotus calms the spirit, red dates nourish the blood, and jasmine relaxes your nerves.

REMEDY #2: GINGER & SALT FOOT SOAK
3–4 slices of fresh ginger
1 handful of Sea Salt
Basin of hot water (~104°F / 40°C)
How to use: Soak your feet for 20 minutes before bed. Relax, breathe, unwind.

Why it helps: Feet are endpoints of energy meridians. This draws excess heat down from the head. Ginger improves circulation; salt purifies and grounds.

ACUPRESSURE POINT: NEI GUAN (P6)

read more:

https://tcm-online.pl/en/insomnia-isnt-just-in-your-head-heres-the-tcm-perspective/