Treatment of Insomnia in Hyungsang Medicine

불면증의 형상의학적 고찰

Insomnia describes not only a state of a lack of sleep but also a causative factor for both psychological and physical disorders. Most people tend to underestimate the effects of insomnia on psychological problems, stroke, Sogal or other life-threatening conditions. insomnia may occur when 1) the flow of Jung(精), Ki(氣), Shin(神) and Hyul(血) is not smooth; 2) the five Jang organs and six Bu organs are in disharmony; 3) Shin(身) and Hyung(形) are inconsistently developed; 4) Young and Wi(衛) do not work in concert; 5) and other factors such as age or exposure to Cold are involved. I observed my patients suffering from insomnia according to Hyungsang medicine, which is based on 'Dongyuibogam'(東醫寶鑑). Insomnia due to the problems with Jung, Ki. Shin and Hyul was found in the Shin type(神科) and the Ki type(氣科). When it comes to the organs, sleep disorder significantly correlates to weakened Spleen, Liver and Kidneys. In terms of the inconsistent development of Shin and Hyung, patients who were shortsighted or experienced surgery showed insomnia. Patients exposed to Cold showed false type agitation. With respect to age, while children showed a weakened Gallbladder, the aged had deficient Blood. Sleep disorder caused by disharmony of Young and Wi occurs at dusk or dawn.