人有昼夜不能寐，心甚躁烦，此心肾不交也。盖日不能寐者，乃肾不交于心；夜不能寐
者，乃心不交于肾也。今日夜俱不寐，乃心肾两不相交耳。夫心肾之所以不交者，心过于热
，而肾过于寒也。心原属火，过于热则火炎于上，而不能下交于肾；肾原属水，过于寒则水
沉于下，而不能上交于心矣。然则治法，使心之热者不热，肾之寒者不寒，两相引而自两相
合也。方用上下两济丹∶
人参（五钱） 熟地（一两） 白术（五钱） 山茱萸（三钱） 肉桂（五分） 黄连（五分）
水煎服。一剂即寐。
盖黄连凉心，肉桂温肾，二物同用，原能交心肾于顷刻。然无补药以辅之，未免热者有
太燥之虞，而寒者有过凉之惧。得熟地、人参、白术、山萸以相益，则交接之时，既无刻削
之苦，自有欢愉之庆。然非多用之则势单力薄，不足以投其所好，而餍其所取，恐暂效而不
能久效耳。
此症用芡莲丹亦佳。
人参 茯苓 玄参 熟地 生地 莲子心 山药 芡实（各三钱） 甘草（一钱）
水煎服。四剂安。
人有忧愁之后，终日困倦，至夜而双目不闭，欲求一闭目而不得者，人以为心肾之不交
也，谁知是肝气之太燥乎?夫忧愁之人，未有不气郁者也。气郁既久，则肝气不舒；肝气不
舒，则肝血必耗；肝血既耗，则木中之血上不能润于心，而下必取汲于肾。然而肝木大耗
，非杯水可以灌溉，岂能堪日日之取给乎!于是肾水亦枯，而不能供肝木之涸矣。其后肾止
可自救其焦釜，见肝木之来亲，有闭关而拒矣。肝为肾之子，肾母且弃子而罔顾，况心为肾
之仇，又乌肯引火而自焚乎?所以坚闭而不纳也。治法必须补肝血之燥，而益肾水之枯，自
然水可以养木，而肝可以交心也。方用润燥交心汤∶
白芍（一两） 当归（一两） 熟地（一两） 玄参（一两） 柴胡（三分） 菖蒲（三分）
水煎服。一剂而肝之燥解，再剂而肝之郁亦解，四剂而双目能闭而熟睡矣。
此方用芍药、当归以滋其肝，则肝气自平；得熟地以补肾水，则水足以济肝，而肝之血
益旺；又得玄参以解其心中之炎，而又是补水之剂；投之柴胡、菖蒲解肝中之郁，引诸药而
直入于心宫，则肾肝之气自然不交而交也。
此症用安睡丹亦妙。
白芍 生地 当归（各五钱） 甘草（一钱） 熟地（一两） 山茱萸 枸杞（各二钱） 甘菊花（三钱）
水煎服。二剂即闭目矣，十剂全愈。
人有夜不能寐，恐鬼祟来侵，睡卧反侧，辗转不安，或少睡而即惊醒，或再睡而恍如捉
拿，人以为心肾不交，而熟知乃胆气之怯也。夫胆属少阳，其经在半表半里之间，心肾交接
之会也。心之气由少阳以交于肾，肾之气亦由少阳以交于心。胆气既虚，至不敢相延心肾二
气而为之介绍，心肾乃怒其闭门不纳，两相攻击，故胆气愈虚，惊悸易起，益不能寐耳。治
法宜补少阳之气。然补少阳，又不得不补厥阴也。盖厥阴肝经，与少阳胆经为表里，补厥阴
之肝，正补少阳之胆耳。方用肝胆两益汤∶
白芍（一两） 远志（五钱） 炒枣仁（一两）
水煎服。一剂而寐安，二剂而睡熟，三剂而惊畏全失。
此方白芍入肝入胆，佐以远志、枣仁者，似乎入心而不入胆。不知远志、枣仁既能入心
，亦能入胆，况同白芍用之，则共走胆经，又何疑乎。胆得三味之补益，则胆汁顿旺，何惧
心肾之相格乎。
此症用无忧汤亦甚妙。
白芍（五钱） 竹茹（三钱） 炒枣仁（三钱） 人参（三钱） 当归（五钱）
一剂睡宁，四剂全愈。
人有神气不安，卧则魂梦飞扬，身虽在床，而神若远离，闻声则惊醒而不寐，通宵不能
闭目，人以为心气之虚也，谁知是肝经之受邪乎?夫肝主藏魂，肝血足则魂藏，肝血虚则魂
越，游魂亦因虚而变也。今肝血既亏，肝脏之中无非邪火之气，木得火而自焚，魂将安寄?
自避出于躯壳之外，一若离魂之症，身与魂分为两也。然而离魂之症与不寐之症，又复不同
。离魂者魂离而能见物，不寐而若离魂者，魂离而不能见物也。其所以不能见物者，阴中有
阳，非若离魂之症绝于阴耳。治法祛肝之邪，而先补肝之血，血足而邪自难留，邪散而魂自
归舍矣。方用引寐汤∶
白芍（一两） 当归（五钱） 龙齿末（火 ，二钱） 菟丝子（三钱） 巴戟天（三钱） 麦冬（五钱） 柏子
仁（二钱） 炒枣仁（三钱） 茯神（三钱）
水煎服。一剂而寐矣，连服数剂，梦魂甚安，不复从前之飞越也。
此方皆是补肝、补心之药，而用之甚奇者，全在龙齿。古人谓治魄不宁者，宜以虎睛；
治魂飞扬者，宜以龙齿，正取其龙齿入肝而能平木也。夫龙能变化动之象也，不寐非动乎，
龙虽动而善藏，动之极正藏之极也。用龙齿以引寐者，非取其动中之藏乎。此亦古人之所未
言，余偶及之，泄天地之奇也。
此症用 枝汤亦效。
炒栀子（三钱） 甘草（一钱） 白芍 当归 炒枣仁（各五钱） 丹砂（一钱） 远志（八分） 柴胡（三分
半夏（一钱）
水煎服。四剂愈。
人有心颤神慑，如处孤垒，而四面受敌，达旦不能寐，目眵眵无所见，耳聩聩无所闻，
欲少闭睫而不可得，人以为心肾之不交也，谁知是胆虚而风袭之乎?夫胆虚则怯，怯则外邪
易入矣。外邪乘胆气之虚，既入于胆之中，则气无主，一听邪之所为。胆欲通于心，而邪不
许；胆欲交于肾，而邪又不许，此目之所以眵眵，而耳之所以聩聩也。心肾因胆气之不通，
亦各退守本宫，而不敢交接，故欲闭睫而不可得也。夫胆属少阳，少阳者木之属也，木与风
同象，故风最易入也。风乘胆木之虚，居之而不出，则胆畏风之威，胆愈怯矣。胆愈怯而无
子母之援，何啻如卧薪尝胆之苦，又安得悠然来梦乎
。治法必补助其胆气，佐以祛风荡邪之品，则胆气壮而风邪
自散，庶可高枕而卧矣。方用祛风益胆汤∶
柴胡（二钱） 郁李仁（一钱） 乌梅（一个） 当归（一两） 川芎（三钱） 麦冬（五钱） 沙参（三钱） 竹
茹
水煎服。连服二剂，而颤慑止，再服二剂，而见闻有所用，人亦熟睡矣。
此方绝不治心肾之不交，而惟泻胆木之风邪，助胆木之真气，则胆汁不干，可以分给
于心肾，自然心肾两交，欲不寐得乎。
此症亦可用助勇汤∶
荆芥 当归（各三钱） 防风 天花粉（各一钱） 川芎 竹茹（各二钱） 枳壳 独活（各五分）
水煎服。二剂愈。
有人昼夜都无法入睡，心中非常烦躁，这是心肾不交的缘故。白天不能入睡，是因为肾气不能上交于心；晚上不能入睡，是因为心气不能下交于肾。如今白天黑夜都不能入睡，是心与肾互不相交罢了。心肾之所以不交的原因，是心火过于炎热，而肾水过于寒冷。心本属火，过于炎热则火炎上，而不能下行与肾相交；肾本属水，过于寒冷则水沉下，而不能上行与心相交了。那么治疗方法，就是让心的热不再热，肾的寒不再寒，两者相互吸引自然就会相合。方剂用上下两济丹：人参（五钱）、熟地黄（一两）、白术（五钱）、山茱萸（三钱）、肉桂（五分）、黄连（五分），水煎服。服用一剂就能入睡。
这是因为黄连能清心火，肉桂能温肾阳，这两味药同用，原本就能在短时间内使心肾相交。然而如果没有补益药来辅助，恐怕热者会有太燥的忧虑，而寒者有过凉的恐惧。得到熟地黄、人参、白术、山茱萸来相辅相成，那么在交接的时候，既没有刻削的痛苦，自然就有欢愉的喜悦。但是如果不大量使用这些药物，则势力单薄力量薄弱，不足以投其所好，满足其需求，恐怕只能暂时见效而不能长久有效。
这种病症用芡莲丹也很好。人参、茯苓、玄参、熟地黄、生地黄、莲子心、山药、芡实（各三钱）、甘草（一钱），水煎服。服用四剂后病情安定。
有人在忧愁之后，整天困倦乏力，到了夜晚双眼无法闭合，想要闭目却做不到，人们以为是心肾不交，谁知道这是肝气太过干燥呢？凡是忧愁的人，没有不气机郁结的。气郁久了，肝气就不舒展；肝气不舒展，肝血必然耗损；肝血既然耗损，那么肝木中的血液向上不能滋润心脏，向下必然要从肾脏汲取水源。然而肝木大受耗损，不是杯水就可以灌溉的，怎么能承受每天不断的索取呢！于是肾水也枯竭了，不能供给肝木干枯的需要了。此后肾水只够自救那像焦釜一样的肾脏，看到肝木来亲近，就有关闭城门拒绝接纳的意思了。肝是肾的儿子，母亲肾都要抛弃儿子不顾，何况心是肾的仇敌，又怎么肯引火自焚呢？所以坚决关闭而不接纳。治疗方法必须滋补肝血的干燥，并增益肾水的枯竭，自然水可以养木，而肝就可以与心相交了。方剂用润燥交心汤：白芍（一两）、当归（一两）、熟地黄（一两）、玄参（一两）、柴胡（三分）、石菖蒲（三分），水煎服。服用一剂肝的燥邪解除，再服一剂肝的郁结也解除，四剂后双目就能闭合熟睡了。
这个方子用白芍、当归来滋养肝脏，那么肝气自然平和；得到熟地黄来补肾水，那么水足以济助肝木，而肝的血更加旺盛；又得到玄参来解心中的火热，而且它又是补水之剂；投入柴胡、石菖蒲来解开肝中的郁结，引导诸药直接进入心宫，那么肾肝之气自然在不交中实现相交。
这种病症用安睡丹也很奇妙。白芍、生地黄、当归（各五钱）、甘草（一钱）、熟地黄（一两）、山茱萸、枸杞（各二钱）、甘菊花（三钱），水煎服。服用两剂就能闭目，十剂完全痊愈。
有人夜间不能入睡，害怕鬼怪侵扰，睡卧翻来覆去，辗转不安，稍微睡一会儿就惊醒，或者再次睡觉时恍惚好像被捉拿，人们以为是心肾不交，谁知道这是胆气怯弱呢？胆属少阳经，其经脉位于半表半里之间，是心肾交接的会合之处。心的气通过少阳经与肾相交，肾的气也通过少阳经与心相交。胆气既然虚弱，以至于不敢延请心肾二气来做介绍人，心肾便恼怒它闭门不纳，两者相互攻击，所以胆气更加虚弱，惊悸容易发作，更加不能入睡了。治疗方法应当补益少阳之气。然而补益少阳，又不得不补益厥阴。因为厥阴肝经与少阳胆经互为表里，补益厥阴的肝，正是补益少阳的胆。方剂用肝胆两益汤：白芍（一两）、远志（五钱）、炒酸枣仁（一两），水煎服。服用一剂睡眠安宁，二剂睡得香甜，三剂惊恐畏惧全失。
这个方子白芍入肝入胆，配合远志、酸枣仁，似乎入心而不入胆。不知道远志、酸枣仁既能入心，也能入胆，况且同白芍一起使用，则共同走胆经，又有什么可怀疑的呢？胆得到这三味药的补益，那么胆汁顿时旺盛，还怕心肾的格拒吗？
这种病症用无忧汤也很妙。白芍（五钱）、竹茹（三钱）、炒酸枣仁（三钱）、人参（三钱）、当归（五钱），服用一剂睡眠宁静，四剂完全痊愈。
有人神气不安，躺下时魂魄梦境飞扬，身体虽然在床上，但精神仿佛远离，听到声音就惊醒而无法入睡，通宵无法闭眼，人们以为是心气虚，谁知道是肝经受邪呢？肝主藏魂，肝血充足则魂内藏，肝血虚则魂外越，游魂也因为虚而变化。现在肝血既然亏损，肝脏之中无非是邪火之气，木得火而自焚，魂将寄托在哪里？自然逃避出躯壳之外，就像离魂症一样，身与魂分为两体。然而离魂症与不寐症，又有不同。离魂者的魂离开身体却能看见物体，不寐而像离魂者，魂离开却不能看见物体。之所以不能看见物体，是因为阴中有阳，不像离魂症那样绝于阴。治疗方法祛除肝的邪气，而先补肝的血，血足则邪气自然难以停留，邪散则魂自然归舍。方剂用引寐汤：白芍（一两）、当归（五钱）、龙齿末（煅，二钱）、菟丝子（三钱）、巴戟天（三钱）、麦冬（五钱）、柏子仁（二钱）、炒酸枣仁（三钱）、茯神（三钱），水煎服。服用一剂就能入睡，连续服用数剂，梦魂非常安宁，不再像从前那样飞越。
这个方子都是补肝、补心的药物，用得奇特之处在于龙齿。古人说治疗魄不宁的，宜用虎睛；治疗魂飞扬的，宜用龙齿，正是取龙齿入肝而能平抑肝木。龙是能变化、动的象征，不寐难道不是动吗？龙虽然动但善于隐藏，动的极致正是藏的极致。用龙齿来引导入睡，不就是取其动中之藏吗？这也是古人所未曾言说的，我偶尔提及，泄露了天地的奇妙。
这种病症用栀子汤也有效。炒栀子（三钱）、甘草（一钱）、白芍、当归、炒酸枣仁（各五钱）、朱砂（一钱）、远志（八分）、柴胡（三分）、半夏（一钱），水煎服。四剂痊愈。
有人心慌颤抖，神情恐惧，如同身处孤城，四面受敌，直到天亮也不能入睡，眼睛昏花看不清东西，耳朵轰鸣听不见声音，想要稍微闭一下眼睛却做不到，人们以为是心肾不交，谁知道是胆虚而被风邪侵袭呢？胆虚则胆怯，胆怯则外邪容易入侵。外邪趁着胆气虚弱，已经进入胆中，那么气就没有主宰，任凭邪气所为。胆想要通于心，邪气不允许；胆想要交于肾，邪气又不允许，这就是眼睛昏花、耳朵轰鸣的原因。心肾因为胆气不通畅，也各自退守本宫，不敢交接，所以想要闭眼却做不到。胆属少阳，少阳属于木，木与风同类象，所以风最容易侵入。风趁着胆木虚弱，占据其中不出来，胆就畏惧风的威力，胆更加胆怯了。胆更加胆怯而没有子母（肝肾）的援助，何止像卧薪尝胆那样的痛苦，又怎么能悠然做梦呢？治疗方法必须补助胆气，佐以祛风荡邪的药物，那么胆气壮盛而风邪自然消散，才可以高枕而卧了。方剂用祛风益胆汤：柴胡（二钱）、郁李仁（一钱）、乌梅（一个）、当归（一两）、川芎（三钱）、麦冬（五钱）、沙参（三钱）、竹茹，水煎服。连续服用两剂，颤抖恐惧停止，再服两剂，视听功能有所恢复，人也熟睡了。
这个方子完全不治心肾不交，而是专门泻胆木的风邪，助胆木的真气，那么胆汁不干枯，可以分给心肾，自然心肾两交，想要不入睡都不可能了。
这种病症也可以用助勇汤：荆芥、当归（各三钱）、防风、天花粉（各一钱）、川芎、竹茹（各二钱）、枳壳、独活（各五分），水煎服。两剂痊愈。
There are cases where a person cannot sleep day or night, with extreme restlessness and irritability in the heart. This is due to the failure of communication between the Heart and Kidney (Xin Shen Bu Jiao). The inability to sleep during the day stems from the Kidney failing to communicate with the Heart; the inability to sleep at night stems from the Heart failing to communicate with the Kidney. When both day and night sleep are impossible, it indicates that the Heart and Kidney mutually fail to interact. The reason for this lack of interaction is that the Heart fire is excessively hot, while the Kidney water is excessively cold. The Heart belongs to Fire; when excessively hot, the fire flares upward and cannot descend to communicate with the Kidney. The Kidney belongs to Water; when excessively cold, the water sinks downward and cannot ascend to communicate with the Heart. Therefore, the treatment method is to cool the excessive heat of the Heart and warm the excessive cold of the Kidney, allowing them to attract each other and naturally unite. The prescription used is Shang Xia Liang Ji Dan (Upper and Lower Mutual Relief Decoction): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 5 qian, Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 5 qian, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Officinalis Fruit) 3 qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 5 fen, Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) 5 fen. Decoct in water and take orally. Sleep is achieved after one dose.
This is because Huang Lian cools the Heart, and Rou Gui warms the Kidney; their combined use can facilitate Heart-Kidney communication almost instantly. However, without tonic herbs to assist, there is a risk that the hot condition may become too drying, and the cold condition may become too chilling. With the assistance of Shu Di Huang, Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, and Shan Zhu Yu, the process of interaction avoids the pain of harsh depletion and naturally brings joy. Nevertheless, if not used in sufficient quantities, the therapeutic force will be weak, insufficient to satisfy the body's needs, leading only to temporary rather than lasting effects.
For this syndrome, Qian Lian Dan (Euryale Seed and Lotus Heart Decoction) is also effective. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Fu Ling (Poria), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Lian Zi Xin (Lotus Plumule), Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome), Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) (each 3 qian), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Stability is achieved after four doses.
After periods of worry and sorrow, some people experience all-day fatigue and drowsiness, yet at night their eyes remain open, unable to close even when desired. While often attributed to Heart-Kidney non-communication, this is actually caused by excessive dryness of Liver Qi (Gan Qi). Those who worry invariably suffer from Qi stagnation (Qi Yu). Prolonged stagnation leads to constrained Liver Qi; constrained Liver Qi inevitably consumes Liver Blood (Gan Xue). Once Liver Blood is depleted, the blood within the Wood element cannot nourish the Heart above, nor can it draw sufficient support from the Kidney below. Since the Liver Wood is severely depleted, a cup of water cannot irrigate it, making daily demands unsustainable. Consequently, Kidney Water becomes exhausted and cannot supply the dried-up Liver Wood. At this stage, Kidney Water can only save itself from its own scorching state; seeing the Liver Wood approach, it closes its gates and refuses entry. As the Liver is the "child" of the Kidney, if the mother abandons her child, how much less would the Heart, considered the "enemy" of the Kidney, willingly invite fire to burn itself? Thus, it firmly closes and rejects. The treatment must moisten the dryness of Liver Blood and replenish the exhaustion of Kidney Water. Naturally, water will nourish wood, allowing the Liver to communicate with the Heart. The prescription is Run Zao Jiao Xin Tang (Moisten Dryness and Connect Heart Decoction): Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 1 liang, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 1 liang, Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root) 1 liang, Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) 3 fen, Chang Pu (Acorus Rhizome) 3 fen. Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, Liver dryness resolves; after two doses, Liver constraint resolves; after four doses, the eyes can close for deep sleep.
In this formula, Bai Shao and Dang Gui nourish the Liver, calming Liver Qi. Shu Di Huang tonifies Kidney Water, ensuring sufficient water to support the Liver and enrich Liver Blood. Xuan Shen clears internal heat and further supplements water. Chai Hu and Chang Pu resolve Liver constraint and guide the other herbs directly into the Heart palace, facilitating natural communication between the Kidney and Liver despite initial separation.
For this syndrome, An Shui Dan (Sleep-Calming Decoction) is also excellent. Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) (each 5 qian), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 1 qian, Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Officinalis Fruit), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) (each 2 qian), Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Eyes close after two doses; full recovery after ten doses.
Some individuals cannot sleep at night, fearing spectral intrusion, tossing and turning restlessly, waking easily from light sleep, or feeling as though they are being seized upon dozing again. While commonly diagnosed as Heart-Kidney non-communication, this is actually due to timidity of Gallbladder Qi (Dan Qi). The Gallbladder belongs to Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), whose meridian runs between the exterior and interior, serving as the junction for Heart-Kidney communication. Heart Qi communicates with the Kidney via Shaoyang, and Kidney Qi communicates with the Heart via Shaoyang. When Gallbladder Qi is deficient, it fails to act as an intermediary for Heart and Kidney Qi. Consequently, Heart and Kidney resent this "closed door," attacking each other, which further depletes Gallbladder Qi, causing palpitations and insomnia. The treatment should tonify Shaoyang Qi. However, tonifying Shaoyang necessitates tonifying Jueyin (Greater Yin), as the Liver (Jueyin) and Gallbladder (Shaoyang) are interior-exterior pairs. Tonifying the Liver effectively tonifies the Gallbladder. The prescription is Gan Dan Liang Yi Tang (Tonify Liver and Gallbladder Decoction): Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 1 liang, Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) 5 qian, Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed) 1 liang. Decoct in water and take orally. Sleep stabilizes after one dose, deepens after two, and fear/anxiety disappears after three.
Although Bai Shao enters the Liver and Gallbladder, and Yuan Zhi and Suan Zao Ren seem to enter the Heart, they also enter the Gallbladder. Combined with Bai Shao, they collectively target the Gallbladder meridian. With these three herbs tonifying the Gallbladder, Gallbladder bile becomes robust, overcoming resistance from Heart and Kidney.
For this syndrome, Wu You Tang (Worry-Free Decoction) is also highly effective. Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 5 qian, Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) 3 qian, Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed) 3 qian, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 3 qian, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 5 qian. One dose calms sleep; four doses achieve full recovery.
Some patients exhibit restless spirit and flying dreams upon lying down; though physically in bed, their spirit feels distant. They startle at sounds and cannot sleep, keeping their eyes open all night. While attributed to Heart Qi deficiency, this is actually due to pathogenic invasion of the Liver Meridian. The Liver stores the Hun (Ethereal Soul); sufficient Liver Blood keeps the Hun contained, while deficient Liver Blood causes the Hun to wander. With depleted Liver Blood, pathological fire accumulates in the Liver. Wood burning in fire leaves no place for the Hun to reside, causing it to flee the body, resembling "Soul Separation Syndrome" (Li Hun Zheng). However, unlike true soul separation where the soul can perceive objects, here the wandering soul cannot see due to residual Yang within Yin. Treatment requires expelling Liver pathogens while first tonifying Liver Blood. Once blood is sufficient, pathogens cannot linger; once pathogens disperse, the Hun returns home. The prescription is Yin Mei Tang (Guide Sleep Decoction): Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 1 liang, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 5 qian, Long Chi (Dragon Teeth, calcined) 2 qian, Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed) 3 qian, Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root) 3 qian, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 5 qian, Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed) 2 qian, Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed) 3 qian, Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Sleep is induced after one dose; continuous use stabilizes the Hun, preventing previous wandering.
This formula primarily tonifies Liver and Heart. Its uniqueness lies in Long Chi (Dragon Teeth). Ancients stated that for unstable Po (Corporeal Soul), Tiger Eyes are used; for flying Hun, Dragon Teeth are preferred because Dragon Teeth enter the Liver to pacify Liver Wood. The dragon symbolizes movement and transformation; insomnia is a form of movement. Yet the dragon hides well; extreme movement implies extreme stillness/hiding. Using Dragon Teeth to induce sleep utilizes this principle of "stillness within movement." This insight reveals hidden celestial mysteries.
For this syndrome, Zhi Zi Tang (Gardenia Decoction) is also effective. Chao Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia Fruit) 3 qian, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 1 qian, Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed) (each 5 qian), Dan Sha (Cinnabar) 1 qian, Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) 8 fen, Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) 3 fen, Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Recovery after four doses.
Some patients experience heart tremors and terror, feeling like a lone fortress under siege, unable to sleep until dawn. Their vision is blurred, hearing is muffled, and they cannot even blink briefly. While attributed to Heart-Kidney non-communication, this is actually due to Gallbladder deficiency with Wind invasion. Gallbladder deficiency leads to timidity, allowing external pathogens to invade. Once pathogens enter the Gallbladder, Qi loses its master and follows the pathogen. The Gallbladder wishes to connect with the Heart and Kidney, but pathogens block these connections, causing visual and auditory disturbances. Heart and Kidney, blocked by Gallbladder dysfunction, retreat to their palaces, refusing interaction, hence the inability to close eyes. The Gallbladder belongs to Shaoyang Wood; Wood shares characteristics with Wind, making it susceptible to Wind invasion. Wind occupying the deficient Gallbladder Wood increases timidity. Without support from Mother (Water/Kidney) or Child (Wood/Liver), the suffering resembles "sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall." Treatment must supplement Gallbladder Qi and dispel Wind pathogens. Strong Gallbladder Qi will scatter Wind. The prescription is Qu Feng Yi Dan Tang (Expel Wind and Benefit Gallbladder Decoction): Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) 2 qian, Yu Li Ren (Bush Cherry Pit) 1 qian, Wu Mei (Mume Fruit) 1 piece, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 1 liang, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) 3 qian, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 5 qian, Sha Shen (Glehnia Root) 3 qian, Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings). Decoct in water and take orally. Two doses stop trembling/fear; another two doses restore vision/hearing and induce deep sleep.
This formula does not directly treat Heart-Kidney non-communication but instead drains Wind pathogens from Gallbladder Wood and strengthens Gallbladder True Qi. Robust Gallbladder bile can then distribute to Heart and Kidney, naturally restoring their communication.
For this syndrome, Zhu Yong Tang (Brave-Assisting Decoction) is also usable. Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Spike), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) (each 3 qian), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) (each 1 qian), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) (each 2 qian), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root) (each 5 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. Recovery after two doses.