Insomnia & Anxiety

What is TCM for Insomnia?

Traditional Chinese medicine views chronic insomnia as a manifestation of imbalance between Yin and Yang, often involving the Heart, Liver, and Kidney. Treatment combines herbs, acupuncture, and mind-body practices to restore the body's natural sleep cycle without dependence on hypnotics.

Why China?

• Cost (8-week program): $700-$1,500 vs. CBT-i ($2,000-$4,000) or sleep clinic in US ($3,000-$6,000)
• Avoid medication dependence: Alternative to long-term Z-drugs/benzodiazepines
• RCT evidence: Suanzaoren Tang, acupuncture have placebo-controlled trial support
• Integration: CBT-i + TCM combination available at top integrative centers

Who is a candidate?

• Chronic insomnia (≥3 months)
• Failed or intolerant to sleep medications
• Anxiety/depression-related sleep disturbance
• Perimenopausal sleep disturbance
• Patients seeking non-pharmacologic approach

Outcomes

PSQI improvement: 60-75%. Sleep onset latency reduction: 30-50%. Total sleep time increase: 30-60 minutes. Sustained at 3-6 months in 50-60% of responders. Better outcomes when combined with sleep hygiene + CBT-i principles.