Lights Out
Sleep Regulating Programs
Chinese tonic herbs are very effective at helping people to sleep more soundly. These non-narcotic, extremely safe herbs help calm emotions like worry, fear, and anxiety. Formulations combining these herbs let you relax. Simultaneously they build Qi and Jing, the vital energy of the body. Deep, peaceful sleep is essential for radiant health. This is the time when your body heals and regenerates tissue, and it is the time when the mind sorts out the world and becomes refreshed. You should be able to fall asleep quickly and sleep without being easily awakened, unless their is an emergency, in which case the mind should be ready to react. If you have trouble falling asleep, or have trouble staying asleep, the following herbal programs can have a profound influence on your life.
Sleep Regulating Formulations
Lights Out is a formula designed specifically to promote deep, sound sleep. It is not really a “sleeping pill” as one is used to. It is deeply relaxing. After taking the formula for a few nights, sleep will become deeper.
Ginseng and Zizyphus is useful for people who have difficulty falling asleep and who are tired all the time.
Ginseng and Longan is useful for people who have staying falling asleep and who are tired all the time. It is also very good for people who worry a lot and who wake up anxious.
Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Formulation is useful for people who are tense and have insomnia as a result.
Complete programs which promote sound sleep and build the three treasures
Category |
Tonic Formulation |
Formulations that Contribute to Sound Sleep |
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Adaptogenic Formulations |
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Anti-Aging (Jing Tonifying) Formulations |
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Select one or two formulations from each Category
Additional Formulations to consider:
- Eight Immortals Drops
- Heaven Drops
- Earth Drops
- Spring Dragon Tea
- Gynostemma Capsules
- Super Shen Drops
Discussion
Generally, formulas that help people to sleep are believed in China to benefit the Heart energy, as it is defined in Chinese health philosophy. If you have trouble falling asleep, you are said to be Heart Yin deficient. If you have trouble staying asleep, you are said to be Heart Blood deficient. Therefore, if you have trouble falling asleep, you will consume herbs that build Heart Yin – that is, a Heart Yin tonic. If you have trouble staying asleep, you will take a Heart Blood tonic. These formulations are designed to rebalance the situation, not just to knock you out.
Sleep is an essential element of health. Without deep sleep, physical and emotional disorders are inevitable. In order to sleep soundly, you need to be able to relax. If the body and mind are in balance and the systems are in harmony, you should sleep very well. In that case, you should need no special herbs to help you to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Achieving that state of balance is the goal of taking Chinese tonic herbs. Therefore, the following program should be considered only a temporary step on the path toward radiant health.
Certain formulations are very useful when consumed prior to bed time. They are Shen stabilizing formulations that allow you to let go of the problems of the world, at least for the time while you are sleeping.
Lights Out is a powerful Shen stabilizing sleep aid. This formula helps you to relax and thus to fall asleep easily and without side effects. It’s main active ingredient is L-Theanine, which promotes sound, deep, satisfying sleep when used in combination with sedative herbs. Sleep is sound and peaceful.
Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination is the premier anti-stress formula used in Asian medicine. If you have difficulty sleeping due to tension, this formula may be the answer to the problem. It is relaxing and is especially good for strong people who can’t sleep because of the stresses of work and relationships.
Ginseng and Zizyphus Combination is a formula gets at the root of restlessness and insomnia. It is not a sleeping pill. However, over a relatively short period of time it can prove very effective. Furthermore, you will feel much more energetic during the day. Ginseng and Zizyphus Combination is a major formula for the relief of the type of insomnia where it is difficult to fall asleep. This formula is specifically suited to those who are experiencing irritability, agitation, insomnia and lack of stability of Shen, mental and emotional instability, absentmindedness, heart palpitations, constipation, and sores on the tongue or inside of the mouth. It is not a sleeping pill. However, over a relatively short period of time it can prove very effective. Furthermore, you will feel much more energetic during the day.
Ginseng and Longan Combination is a great Qi and Shen tonic formula that has been used for centuries to increase vital energy and calm anxiety. It may be used strengthen Qi and Blood which have become deficient due to major illness, chronic or acute bleeding and/or mental or physical stress. It too can eliminate insomnia, but in this case the type of insomnia where one has difficulty staying asleep
Reishi Mushroom Capsules are an excellent addition to this program. Reishi, when taken at night, is very calming and promotes deep sleep.
Other Things to Think About
People’s sleep requirements vary widely. People who exercise heavily, require more sleep in order to repair tissue. When one awakens, they should feel refreshed and eager to begin the new day. They should feel energy immediately upon awakening. If you awaken tired every morning, you are Jing deficient.
It is best not to eat too soon before sleep. It is obviously not a good idea to consume caffeine or other stimulating nutrients within several hours of sleeping. Good exercise always helps people to sleep better.
“An honest person sleeps well. A person at peace with themselves sleeps best.”
Emotions should be stilled so that worry, anger, fear and the other emotions do not prevent sound sleep. The Zen master can fall asleep at will, within moments of making the decision to sleep. They will, however, be able to awaken instantly if they need to. You should be able to do the same
Shen tonics have spectacular benefits for people with insomnia. Over a period of time, you will not require Shen stabilizing formulas or any particular sleep-inducing herb or formulation. But you will need to maintain the three treasures, so a tonic program will be of great value at all times.
If You Sleep Too Much
If your sleeping problem is not insomnia, but oversleeping, you are probably Jing and Qi deficient. See the sections on Adaptability, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Exhaustion. And of course, maybe you’re just lazy, in which case you should refer to the section on Will Power.
Traditional Function: Stabilizes Shen, nourishes the heart
Who can use it? : Those who seek a good night’s sleep
Concentration: 8:1
Specifications: 60 Capsules 500 mg each
Ingredients
Zizyphus seed, L-Theanine, Polygonum multiflorum stem, Spirit Poria sclerotium, Oriental Biota seed, Polygala root, Honey Fried Chinese Licorice root
Other Ingredients: Vegetarian capsules (Pullulan caps 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservative or chemical modifications; gluten free.), rice powder.
Usage: Take 2 to 4 capsules before bedtime or as directed by a healthcare professional
Remember Ron Teeguarden’s “First Rule of Tonic Herbalism,” summed up in a single word –Compliance. If you don’t take the herbs, they won’t work.”