Insomnia is one of the most common reasons people come to the clinic. “Sleeping badly” can mean not falling asleep, waking in the night, or dreaming all night and waking tired — and Chinese medicine treats each pattern differently.
Common patterns
- Liver qi stagnation with heat: irritable, slow to fall asleep, bitter taste
- Heart and spleen deficiency: vivid dreams, waking easily, palpitations, poor appetite
- Heart and kidneys out of touch: restless, hot palms and soles, sore lower back
- Phlegm-heat: restless sleep, tight chest, sticky mouth
How acupuncture and herbs help
Points such as Shenmen, Neiguan, Sanyinjiao and Baihui calm the mind, adjusted to the pattern; herbs soothe the liver and clear heat, strengthen the spleen and heart, or reconnect heart and kidneys. Most people fall asleep sooner and sleep better within a few treatments.
Small daily habits
- Keep regular hours; no screens in the last hour before bed
- A light dinner; no strong tea or coffee after lunchtime
- Soak your feet in warm water for 15–20 minutes before bed
