INSOMNIA
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia) or staying asleep throughout the night (sleep-maintenance insomnia). It can lead to daytime fatigue, reduced concentration, and mood disturbances, impacting overall quality of life.
Sleep-onset insomnia is the inability to fall asleep at the beginning of the night. It often results from a hyperactive mind, stress, or anxiety. Sleep-maintenance insomnia, on the other hand, involves waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep. It is often linked to chronic pain, sleep apnea, or other medical conditions.
Chinese medicine views insomnia as an imbalance in the body's energy, or "Qi." Qi flows through energy pathways called "meridians," connecting various organs and maintaining harmony. Insomnia indicates a disharmony between the Yin (restorative, calming) and Yang (active, energizing) energies in the body.
Treatment with Chinese medicine aims to restore this balance by addressing the root cause of the disharmony. It involves acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications to enhance the flow of Qi and promote relaxation.