Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music

Links mentioned in this episode:

Get your copy of Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy here

Sign up to my FREE newsletter here

Listen to Diary of a CEO’s Sleep Expert Episode with Dr. Matthew Walker

More AcuPro Episodes you’ll love:
Treating Fear, Anxiety, Shock & Phobias

Treating Sadness, Grief & Broken Hearts

AcuPoints to Calm the Mind

Show Notes

Welcome to today’s podcast on one of the most widespread and frustrating health challenges of our time: insomnia. With an estimated 850 million people worldwide suffering from chronic insomnia, and women being twice as likely as men to be affected, it’s no wonder so many patients walk into our clinics exhausted, overwhelmed, and desperate for answers.

The good news? Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture offer powerful, effective tools to help patients reclaim restful, restorative sleep—without relying solely on medication.

Let’s dive into how both Western and Eastern perspectives explain insomnia, and how TCM can guide us toward long-term healing.

The Western View: What Is Chronic Insomnia?

Western medicine defines chronic insomnia as difficulty falling or staying asleep at least three times per week for over a month.

Some primary contributors include:
• chronic stress
• anxiety
• poor sleep habits
• hormonal changes
• irregular lifestyle patterns
• overstimulation (hello, screens!)

While sleep medications and melatonin can help in some cases, they often only address symptoms—not the root cause. And for many patients, melatonin simply doesn’t work.

The TCM Perspective: Sleep as a Vital, Restorative Process

In Chinese medicine, sleep isn’t passive. It’s a time when the Shen (mind/spirit) rests, the Liver processes the day’s emotions, the Spleen consolidates nutrients, and the Kidneys replenish essence.

According to the TCM organ clock, the most restorative sleep occurs between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. If sleep is disrupted during these hours, the body loses essential time for healing.

TCM recognizes multiple root causes of insomnia—and each requires its own treatment strategy.

Common TCM Patterns Behind Insomnia

1. Heart & Spleen Qi Deficiency

This is the most common pattern for patients who struggle to fall asleep.

Typical symptoms:
• difficulty falling asleep
• overthinking
• worry and rumination
• fatigue
• poor memory
• palpitations or anxiety

These patients often lie in bed replaying their entire day.

2. Liver Blood or Liver Yin Deficiency

Very common in women, especially during menopause.

Symptoms may include:
• restless sleep
• waking frequently
• night sweats
• irritability
• hot flashes
• dry eyes or headaches

This pattern explains why menopause often triggers insomnia—yin is declining, leaving the spirit without proper nourishment.

3. Liver Fire Flaring Up

This pattern is tied to stress, anger, or emotional frustration.

Symptoms:
• difficulty falling asleep
• vivid dreams
• anxiety or agitation
• bitter taste in the mouth
• red eyes or headaches

Cooling and soothing liver fire often helps these patients sleep significantly better.

4. Heart Yin Deficiency

Often seen in long-term stress cases or post-illness.

Symptoms:
• waking at night
• palpitations
• restlessness
• dryness
• anxiety

A Personal Story from My TCM School Days

Back in TCM school, one of my classmates barely slept—sometimes going months without a full night’s sleep. It shocked all of us. Watching him struggle inspired my fascination with treating insomnia.

With a combination of carefully selected acupuncture points and customized herbal formulas, he gradually began sleeping through the night. That transformation stuck with me and continues to inform how I treat insomnia in my practice today.

TCM Treatments for Insomnia

Root + Branch = Lasting Results

Acupuncture

Some commonly used points (depending on pattern):

• Heart points – calm the Shen
• Liver points – soothe fire, move qi
• Spleen points – transform worry
• Kidney points – nourish yin
• Anmian – classic sleep point

Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, reduces cortisol, and restores balance—often helping patients sleep better after even a single session.

TCM Nutrition for Better Sleep

Food plays a surprisingly big role in sleep quality.

Avoid:
• caffeine after noon
• spicy or greasy foods
• heavy meals late at night
• excessive sugar

Emphasize:
• warm, cooked meals
• magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds)
• herbal teas like chamomile, jujube seed, chrysanthemum
• yin-nourishing foods (pear, tofu, black sesame, goji berries)

Eat in ways that support the pattern you’re treating—not all diets fit all patients.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Restful Sleep

These simple changes make a huge difference in our patients’ lives:

keep a consistent bedtime
reduce screens 1–2 hours before bed
dim lights after sunset
create a cool, comfortable sleep environment
gentle breathing or meditation before bed
avoid “revenge procrastination” scrolling

Many patients improve dramatically by combining TCM treatment with better sleep hygiene.

Disclaimer

The AcuPro Show podcast and material shared through AcuPro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

Need the podcast transcript? Click here!