Explanation of the Application of Kidney-Warming Therapy on Insomnia Based on the Theory of Nutrient Qi and Defensive Qi in The Inner Canon
[Objective]To explore the pathogenesis of insomnia caused by the deficiency of kidney Yang and the mechanism of the treatment of insomnia by warming the kidney Yang,based on the theory of nutrient Qi and defensive Qi and the relevant expositions on insomnia in Inner Canon of Huangdi.[Methods]By studying the provisions of insomnia and the theory of nutrient Qi and defensive Qi in the Inner Canon,the pathogenesis of insomnia caused by kidney Yang deficiency was analyzed.Meanwhile a case study was attached to provide evidence in order to broaden the clinical thinking of doctors on the treatment of insomnia.[Results]The Inner Canon records that the main pathogenesis of insomnia is disharmony between nutrient Qi and defensive Qi.The kidney meridian is the key link for the entry of defensive Qi into the nutrient tier in the operation loop.The kidney Yang is not hidden and floating outside,so defensive Qi cannot enter the nutrient tier.Ultimately nutrient Qi and defensive Qi operate in disorder,and the patients suffer from insomnia.Therefore,in clinical practice,kidney Yang deficiency is the main pathogenesis of insomnia,and warming kidney Yang is the main treatment,so that the body can achieve the balance of Yin and Yang,and the harmony of nutrient Qi and defensive Qi,to obtain normal sleep and improve clinical efficacy.In the case,the patient due to kidney Yang deficiency couldn't warm the internal organs,resulting in weakness of the spleen and stomach,phlegm and dampness,cold evil attacking exterior,caused by the disharmony between nutrient Qi and defensive Qi,and insomnia,treated with warming and tonifying the kidney-Yang and achieved good results.[Conclusion]The Inner Canon explained the main pathogenesis of insomnia from the nutrient Qi and defensive Qi theory,which laid a theoretical foundation for the treatment of insomnia for later generations.Exploring the pathogenesis of insomnia caused by kidney Yang deficiency will accurately target the pathogenesis and clarify the treatment principles and methods to obtain good curative effects,and provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of insomnia.
insomniadisharmony between nutrient Qi and defensive Qinutrient Qi and defensive Qi theorykidney Yang deficiency syndromewarming and tonifying the kidney-YangInner Canon of Huangdi