Trouble sleeping? - Chinese Medicine

Many people struggle with insomnia, and in our Western society, we often turn to (natural) sleep aids to address the issue. This ranges from a glass of wine to sleep-inducing supplements or even prescription sleeping pills. While these remedies may provide short-term relief, they rarely address the root cause.

Chinese medicine takes a very different approach to sleep issues. Instead of focusing on symptom management, it aims to restore balance in both body and mind. Nutrition plays a central role in this. According to this philosophy, many complaints, including insomnia, arise from imbalances in the energetic system. Through nutrition, often using simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboard, this balance can be restored.

In Chinese medicine, insomnia is divided into four main categories, each with its own recommendations:

Trouble falling asleep & vivid dreams (without nightmares):

Deficiency of Yin energy

Advice: Eat calming foods like eggs, spinach, carrots, dill, garlic, brown rice, and beans.

Difficulty falling asleep & heat symptoms:

Excess of Yang energy

Symptoms: Restlessness, poor or no sleep, dizziness, burning sensations in hands and feet, dry mouth

Advice: Cooling foods such as beans, honey, lemon, pears, milk, cheese, tofu, white rice, tomatoes, mangoes, watermelon, and apples.

Falling asleep quickly but waking up frequently:

Excess fire or extreme Yang

Symptoms: Waking up due to intense dreams, anxiety, heart palpitations, headaches, and a bitter taste in the mouth

Advice: Cooling foods like bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, endive, eggplant, honey, and potatoes.

Insomnia due to a full stomach:

Overloaded digestive system

Symptoms: Trouble sleeping after overeating or eating something heavy before bedtime

Advice: Get out of bed until digestion settles. Avoid eating after 7:00 PM. Fresh ginger tea after meals can support digestion and reduce bloating.

By adjusting your diet and lifestyle, sleep problems can often disappear naturally.

How Mesology Applies Chinese Medicine

Mesology is a complementary healthcare system that combines Western medical knowledge with insights from Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and orthomolecular therapy. It views the person as a whole and focuses on the root causes of health issues, such as insomnia.

When dealing with sleep problems, a mesologist examines energy balance, nutritional status, organ function, and lifestyle. Based on these insights, personal recommendations are made to restore balance in both body and mind. Nutrition plays a key role, as well as support for organs such as the liver (which, according to the Chinese organ clock, is most active at night) and the nervous system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Mesology exactly?
Mesology is an integrative healthcare practice that combines classical medical knowledge with complementary approaches such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and orthomolecular therapy.
How does a Mesologist treat sleep problems?
A mesologist assesses the entire body using various diagnostic methods to uncover the root cause of insomnia, such as energetic imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal disruptions.
Is Mesology scientifically supported?
Mesology is a complementary system that combines scientific and traditional medical approaches. It is recognized within integrative healthcare but not part of conventional medicine.
What can I do myself to improve my sleep according to Mesology?
Pay attention to your diet, unwind before bed, avoid screens, and stop eating after 7:00 PM. You may also want to have a mesologist check for underlying causes.
How quickly will I see results from Mesology?
It depends on the root cause. Some people experience improvement after just one consultation, while others may need longer-term guidance.