Insomnia, also known as difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep, is a neuropsychiatric disorder primarily caused by various factors leading to trouble initiating sleep, shallow sleep, and insufficient sleep duration. It is a common condition in daily life. Insomnia often inflicts significant suffering and psychological burden on patients, with many harming their health through the misuse of sleep medications.Clinically, insomnia is treated through multiple approaches, including medication, behavioral therapy, and psychological counseling. Some patients also opt for moxibustion therapy. However, some report worsened insomnia after moxibustion sessions. What causes this phenomenon? Let's hear from Dr. Meng Liqin, Chief Physician at Yangjiang People's Hospital, for a detailed explanation.
Why does insomnia worsen after moxibustion?
Insomnia worsening after moxibustion may occur because the patient inherently has yin deficiency with excessive fire. The fundamental principle of moxibustion involves using moxa sticks to fumigate specific acupoints, thereby warming meridians and promoting circulation. It is primarily suitable for those with deficiency-cold patterns and may be effective for individuals with qi and blood deficiency. However, for those with yin deficiency and excessive fire, moxibustion may exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, moxibustion for insomnia requires individualized application based on pattern differentiation.
How should Yin deficiency with excessive fire insomnia be treated?
Insomnia caused by Yin deficiency with excessive fire can be addressed in Traditional Chinese Medicine through a combination of dietary therapy and herbal medicine. Certain herbs can nourish Yin, reduce fire, and calm the spirit. Common examples include Solomon's seal root (Yuzhu) and lily bulb (Bai He), which have Yin-nourishing effects. Consuming these herbs provides dietary therapy benefits. Additionally, prescribing Yin-nourishing and fire-reducing herbal formulas can regulate the body and effectively treat insomnia.
Beyond TCM treatments, patients with Yin deficiency and excessive heat insomnia should incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their daily diet. Timely intake of vitamins and essential trace minerals helps nourish Yin and reduce heat. Moderate consumption of dairy and soy products can also effectively regulate Yin deficiency and excessive heat. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest are crucial during treatment.