TANG Rongchuan's Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Insomnia Based on the Theory of "Yin-Yang，Water-Fire，Qi-Blood"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.15.018
- VernacularTitle:唐容川从“阴阳水火气血论”辨治失眠的诊疗思路探析
- Author:
Yi YANG
1
;
Shaosong WANG
2
;
Jingqing SUN
2
;
Bin LI
2
Author Information
1. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
2. Acupuncture Center，Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Capital Medical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
insomnia;
Treatise on Blood Syndromes （《血证论》）;
yin-yang;
water-fire;
qi-blood
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(15):1682-1685
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In Treatise on Blood Syndromes （《血证论》）， TANG Rongchuan proposed the theory of "yin-yang， water-fire， qi-blood"， interpreting the pathogenesis and treatment of insomnia from the perspectives of the mutual generation between water and fire as well as between blood and fire. He considered the "disharmony of blood and fire" in the heart and liver as an important mechanism underlying insomnia. Blood deficiency failing to restrain fire and heart fire harassing the spirit may lead to insomnia， which should be treated by clearing fire and nourishing blood， with Huanglian Ejiao Decoction （黄连阿胶汤）. Yin deficiency with qi stagnation and water retention transforming into phlegm， followed by phlegm disturbing the heart spirit， may cause insomnia， which should be treated by nourishing yin， promoting urination， and regulating qi， using Zhuling Decoction （猪苓汤）. Failure of blood to nourish the liver and the presence of fire in liver channel may result in insomnia， which should be treated by nourishing blood and clearing fire， with Suanzaoren Decoction （酸枣仁汤）. Hyperactivity of ministerial fire and phlegm obstructing qi movement， thereby disturbing the liver spirit， should be treated by regulating qi and resolving phlegm， with Wendan Decoction （温胆汤）. Floating yang failing to be restrained and the ethereal soul failing to return to the liver should be treated by restraining yang and guiding it back to the liver， with modifications of Erjia Longgu Decoction （二加龙骨汤）.
