Discussion on the Treatment of Insomnia from Liver Based on the Theory "Liver Governs Wei Qi （Defensive Qi）"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2025.04.014
- VernacularTitle:基于“肝主卫气”探讨从肝辨治失眠
- Author:
Zirong LI
1
;
Miaoran WANG
2
;
Yufei WU
2
;
Tian NI
2
;
Xianbei WANG
1
;
Hongjin DU
1
;
Jiwei ZHANG
2
;
Qiuyan LI
2
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
2. Xiyuan Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
insomnia;
sleepless;
liver governs wei qi （defensive qi）;
simultaneous regulation of mind and body
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;66(4):411-415
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Psychological factors have become significant contributors to the onset and progression of insomnia. This article explored the treatment of insomnia from the perspective of “liver governs wei qi （defensive qi）”. The concept of “liver governs wei qi （defensive qi）” is summarized in three aspects， firstly， the liver assists the spleen and stomach in transformation and transportation， governing the generation of wei qi； secondly， the liver aids lung qi diffusion and dispersion， governing the distribution of wei qi； thirdly， the liver regulates circadian rhythms， governing the circulation of wei qi. It is proposed that the clinical treatment of insomnia should focus on the following methods： for regulating the liver to harmonize the five viscera， and facilitate the circulation of wei qi， medicinals entering the liver channel include Chaihu （Bupleuri radix）， Baishao （Paeoniae Radix Alba）， Zhizi （Gardeniae Fructus）， and Suanzaoren （Ziziphi Spinosae Semen） could be commonly used； for nourishing the liver， the treatment should align with the day-night rhythm， and herbs such as Baihe （Lilium）， Hehuan （Albizia julibrissin）， and Yejiaoteng （Polygoni multiflori caulis） are commonly used； for soothing the liver and address both mental and physical health to calm wei qi， treatment should advocate verbal counseling， psychological regulation， and health education. Ultimately， this treatment approach can free liver qi to flow， soothe qi movement， restore the motion of wei qi， regulate during day and night， balance yin and yang， and resolve insomnia effectively.
