Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Based on the Theory that "Spleen Fuctions as Wei Qi":An Approach from the "Gut Microbiota-Circadian Rhythm-Ying-Wei Circulation" Perspective
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Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Based on the Theory that "Spleen Fuctions as Wei Qi":An Approach from the "Gut Microbiota-Circadian Rhythm-Ying-Wei Circulation" Perspective
Journal of Traditional Chinese MedicineVol. 67, Issue 6, Pages: 619-624(2026)
GAO Yu,WANG Meng,LI Yuxi,et al.Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Based on the Theory that "Spleen Fuctions as Wei Qi":An Approach from the "Gut Microbiota-Circadian Rhythm-Ying-Wei Circulation" Perspective[J].Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2026,67(06):619-624.
GAO Yu,WANG Meng,LI Yuxi,et al.Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Based on the Theory that "Spleen Fuctions as Wei Qi":An Approach from the "Gut Microbiota-Circadian Rhythm-Ying-Wei Circulation" Perspective[J].Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2026,67(06):619-624.DOI: 10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.06.006.
Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Based on the Theory that "Spleen Fuctions as Wei Qi":An Approach from the "Gut Microbiota-Circadian Rhythm-Ying-Wei Circulation" Perspective
" not only emphasizes the spleen and stomach's role in transforming and transporting food essence, but also elucidates their influence on the circulation of
ying
and
wei qi
. On this basis, the spleen is regarded as the pivotal link connecting the "gut microbiota-circadian rhythm-
ying
-
wei
circulation" axis. The functional state of the spleen can regulate the generation and circulation of
ying
and
wei
, thereby influencing the gut microbiota and participating in the regulation of circadian rhythms, together determining the normality of sleep. Chronic insomnia is characterized by spleen failure in its guarding function, leading to disordered
ying
-
wei
circulation as the core pathomechanism. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and harmoni-zing
ying
and
wei
to restore "clarity during the day and sleep at night". To tonify the spleen and enrich
ying
to facilitate
yin
movement, modified
Xiaojianzhong Decoction
(小建中汤) and
Guipi Decoction
(归脾汤) are recommended; to activate the spleen and distribute
wei
to support
yang
, modified
Houjiang Bangan Renshen Guizhi Decoction
(厚姜半甘人参桂枝汤) is used; to regulate
ying
and harmonize
wei
to achieve "clarity during the day and sleep at night", modified
Guizhi Xinjia Decoction
(桂枝新加汤) is applied. By exploring the intrinsic connections among gut microbiota, circadian rhythms, and
ying
-
wei
circulation, this study aims to provide a new perspective for treating insomni
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