Insomnia, Diet and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Posted: Tuesday, April 07, 2009
by Richard Heft
Richard Heft
The follwoing is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health based on traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western medicines and the questioning and counseling of 100,000+ people. Western medical authority does not scientifically recognize either medicine. It considers them more opinion than fact despite the fact that two billion plus people practices them. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you need medical care.
Insomnia (inability to fall or stay asleep, wakes up frequently, etc.) is a function of blood, energy and the heart, brain. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), shen (spirit) resides in the brain and heart. During the day, the spirit rises into the head, stimulating the brain. At night, it sinks down, into to the heart, where it sleeps, rejuvenates.
The heart is a blood, nutrient rich organ. Blood, protein and fat enable the heart to hold, anchor the spirit. Weak, thin blood (low protein, low fat) poor circulation (reduced blood flow to the heart) and or excessive heat in the body tends to weaken the heart's ability to hold, anchor the spirit, allowing it to roam, rise up during the night, into the head stimulating thinking (hot), dreaming (hot) and or wakefulness (hot).
Weak, thin blood tends to be caused by poor diet, hemorrhage (includes menstruation), or clogged arteries. Low protein and low fat (milk, yogurt, soft cheese, beans, nuts, seeds, etc.) diets, in the extreme, tend to cause blood, protein and fat deficiency, weakening, thinning all structure and function including the heart's ability to hold, embrace the spirit during the night.
Too much protein and fat (especially animal, red meat, veal, pork, etc. and or fried food, oily foods), in the extreme, tends to overbuild, thicken and overheat the blood (high cholesterol), arteries (atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure), liver (congestion), heart (insomnia, inability to fall asleep), brain (insomnia, dreaming, wakefulness, etc.).
Sleeping is a cooling, sinking process. Too many building foods, protein, fat; caffeine, tobacco, large dinners, late night eating and overeating tend to overheat the body. Vegetarian meals are less heating. Fruit is cooling, and makes an excellent nighttime snack, although not too late, as it does encourage urination. Too many fluids, fruits, cold drinks, etc. during the night can also cause insomnia, frequent risings during the night to urinate. In general, it is best to eat more building, heating during the day and less heating, more cooling, cleansing at night. Coffee, caffeine (includes chocolate) is very stimulating, heating and should be avoided after 5 P.M. Hot spices should also be avoided.
Excess mucous in the lungs (includes nose, throat and sinuses) commonly associated with sleep apnea (page 206), shortness or disruption of breath can also be a cause This is one reason why spices are added to the diet as they not only dry excess mucous but also open the sinuses, allowing the breath to flow freely. Reduce cold, damp foods (milk, yogurt, ice cream, tropical fruits, juices, cold drinks, etc.) if you suffer from excess mucous.
The middle diet, meal plan adjusted accordingly is recommended. Long-term, severe insomnia takes time (months, years), discipline, sacrifice and patience to cure. For acute insomnia, the following herbs may be helpful: valerian root, passionflower, Sleepy time tea, etc. Check with your doctor first before using.
Sleeping on the right side generally opens the left nasal passage, which is more relaxing, as compared to breathing through the right nostril, which is more stimulating.
Most insomnia is caused by poor diet. Emotions, stress, surroundings, electrical fields, neighbors, etc. can also cause insomnia. The best approach is diet, exercise (includes yoga), meditation, moderation and common sense.
Special offer: buy Hot and Cold Health and get a free dietary, health consultation. Email: rgheft@netzero.com
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