Traditional Therapeutics - Insomnia

Chinese Etiology:

There are three essential causes:

1. Insomnia [aside from mental disorders] may be caused by a loss of connection between the Heart and Kidneys accompanied by vertigo and spermatorrhea. The pulse is fine and rapid. Stimulate the points UB-23 (Shen-Shu) , UB-15 (Hsin-Shu), K-6 (Chao-Hai), and K-1 (Yung-Ch'Uan).
2. Insomnia may be caused by Fire of the Liver-Gall Bladder in excess. The insomnia is accompanied by anger, headaches and fullness at the lateral aspects of the body. Stimulate the points GB-20 (Fung-Ch'ih), UB-18 (Kan-Shu), UB-19 (Tan-Shu), Liv-2 (Hsing-Chien), and Liv-3 (T'ai-Ch'ung).
3. Insomnia may be caused by alimentation; Stomach disturbances marked by the accumulation of the Glairy Mucus. The symptoms are accompanied by irritation at the chest and "unsatisfying" bowel movements. Stimulate the points UB-20 (P'i-Shu), UB-21 (Wei-Shu), CV-13 (Shang-Wan), Sp-5 (Shang-Ch'iu), Sp-1 (Yin-Pai), and St-45 (Li-Tuei).

NOTE: In all these matters, stimulation is applied to H-7 (Shen-Men) and Sp-6 (San-Yin-Chiao); to which one adds LI-4 (Ho-Ku) and St-36 (Tsu-San-Li) according to the circumstance* Also in all the above matters, the needles are left in place a long time and the treatment is begun two hours before the patient goes to bed. The results are excellent.

Additional Points

1. If insomnia is caused by a deficiency of Blood in the Heart and Spleen; Tonification** method is applied to the points Sp-6, Sp-10, H-7 and UB-17.
2. If insomnia is caused by a lack of connection between the Heart and Kidneys; Tonification** method is applied to the points UB-15, UB-23, K-1; and add P-8 by sedation method.
3. If insomnia is caused by Fire of the Liver and Gall Bladder; sedation method is applied to the points UB-18, UB-19, Liv-2 and Liv-3.
4. If insomnia is caused by "Fire of the Glairy Mucus" that blocks up the Stomach; sedation method is applied to the points UB-21, CV-12, St-40, P-7 and P-6.
5. Sedate UB-62, UB-23, UB-15, SI-17, TB-10, P-7, P-6, Sp-5 (if accompanied by worrying), CV-7, GV-23, GV-24, GV-20; tonify K-6, TB-16.

NOTE: A congestion in the head of Yang Energy which cannot flow downwards by way of the Yang Chiao vessel can cause insomnia. The treatment consists of stimulating UB-62 to "reopen the Yang Chiao vessel" [this applies to the man who is Yang; the treatment of the woman consists of stimulating K-6 of the Yin Chiao vessel]. The reopening of the Chiao vessel results in an absorption of Essential Energy by the principal meridian, the excess Energy is reduced in the head and the patient is able to fall asleep. As an additional point, UB-1 can be added which is the "polarization point" of the two Chiao vessels.

**To Understand Tonification one must read Ling Shu.