In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia and sleep disturbances are understood as signs of imbalances in the body’s Qi, Blood, and Shen (spirit). Sleep is not just about physical rest—it’s when the Yang energy returns to Yin, and the Shen settles into the Heart. When that process is disrupted, it reflects deeper disharmony within the organs, emotions, or lifestyle. ⸻ 🔹 TCM View of Insomnia and Sleep Disturbance Insomnia in TCM isn’t one problem with one solution—it’s the manifestation of various internal imbalances that affect the body’s ability to rest.Common TCM patterns include: • Heart Blood deficiency – light, restless sleep with vivid dreams, poor memory, and fatigue. • Heart and Kidney disharmony – frequent waking, night sweats, and heat sensations (often in menopause). • Liver Qi stagnation turning into Fire – difficulty falling asleep, irritability, dream-disturbed sleep, headaches. • Spleen and Heart Qi deficiency – worry or overthinking, trouble falling asleep, and shallow sleep. • Stomach disharmony – food stagnation interfering with sleep, especially after late meals. • Phlegm-Heat disturbing the Heart – restless sleep with anxiety, emotional overload, and agitation.TCM sees insomnia as a Shen disturbance, where the spirit cannot “anchor” in the Heart during the night due to these imbalances. ⸻ 🔹 Qi Gong for Insomnia and Sleep DisordersQi Gong helps calm the Shen, regulate breath, ease tension, and balance the organs that support sleep. Evening practice promotes Yin energy, cools excessive Yang, and transitions the body into a restful state.Qi Gong exercises for Insomnia and Sleep DisordersThis calming Qi Gong sequence is designed to help release restlessness, quiet the mind, and prepare the body for restful sleep. The following exercises focus on soothing the Heart system, calming Shen (the spirit), and releasing emotional tension.1. The Heart Exercise – Zhang Fu Qi Gong System This movement nourishes and cools the Heart, helping to release agitation, anxiety, and emotional heat that often interfere with sleep.2. Sage Present a Peach – Shi Ba Shi Taiji Qi Gong System A gentle practice that calms the Heart and Spleen, helping to settle racing thoughts and promote emotional grounding before bedtime.3. Embrace the Mountain – Shi Ba Shi Taiji Qi Gong System This grounding movement cultivates inner stability, helping to calm the nervous system and bring the body into a restful state.4. The Mushroom Shreds its Mist – Long Life Qi Gong System With soft, spiraling motion and gentle breath work, this exercise clears lingering tension and quiets the mind, ideal for transitioning into sleep.5. The Fire Element Exercise – Five Element Qi Gong Specifically designed to regulate Heart Fire, this movement helps rebalance emotional excess and promote a calm, peaceful Heart energy.6. Acupressure Point: Yin Tang (M-HN-3) – Dao Yin Head Massage Technique Located between the eyebrows, this point calms Shen (spirit), relieves stress, and helps ease insomnia. Gently massaging this area can be deeply soothing before sleep.Practicing Qi Gong 1–2 hours before sleep prepares the body and Shen to enter Yin (sleep) mode. ⸻ 🔹 Acupressure Points to Promote Deep Sleep Self-massage on the following points can help regulate Qi, nourish Blood, and calm the mind: • Heart HT-7 (Shenmen) – calms the spirit, relieves anxiety, and promotes restful sleep. • Yintang M-HN-3 (Extra Point) – between the eyebrows; helps stop racing thoughts and quiet the mind. • Anmian M-HN-54 (Extra Point) – behind the ear; a special point known for inducing restful sleep. • Pericardium PC-6 (Neiguan) – calms the Heart and harmonizes emotions. • Kidney KI-1 (Yongquan) – grounds the mind and draws energy downward to the feet. • Spleen SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) – balances Yin energy and harmonizes the Heart, Liver, and Kidneys.Massage these points gently before bed with slow, rhythmic breathing.Loved this video? Want more like this?Sign up for our FREE 6-Day Intro Series, "Experience the Power of Qi Gong," at our website: https://forestrockqigong.com/6-day-qi-gong-intro-series/Just pop in your name and email to start simple practices for a healthier, happier you.