The Less Blood, the More Dreams: A Formula to Improve Your Sleep
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is said that the liver governs the storage of blood; therefore, the liver is also known as the "Sea of Blood," functioning to store and regulate blood. When the blood in this "sea" is sufficient, it can nourish all the organs, the physical body, and the sensory orifices. Furthermore, the liver "houses the ethereal soul" (Hun), meaning it guides our consciousness, thoughts, and dreams. If the liver's Yin-blood is insufficient, the blood cannot anchor the soul, leading to insomnia and excessive dreaming. In such cases, it is necessary to nourish the liver blood. Only when liver blood is abundant can the liver properly house the soul, allowing for peaceful sleep. Today, I would like to share a famous blood-tonifying formula: Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction), which nourishes the blood, calms the mind, and improves sleep.
It is composed of Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria), and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome). This formula can nourish liver blood and soothe the mind. It is highly effective for insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by insufficient liver blood and a lack of nourishment for the spirit.
A reminder to everyone: Traditional Chinese Medicine requires syndrome differentiation. If needed, please consult a professional doctor for timely diagnosis, treatment, and conditioning.