Perimenopausal insomnia belongs to the categories of "

bú mèi

(sleeplessness)" and "

jué jīng qián hòu zhū zhèng

(menopausal symptoms)" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to Prof. Wang

the core pathogenesis of perimenopausal insomnia lies in dysfunction of

shaoyang

acting as a pivot

disharmony of qi and blood

accompanied by disorders of the

zangfu

organs. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the physiological characteristics of this special stage

grasp the core pathogenesis

and make good use of classical TCM prescriptions. He believes that Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction is an important tool of the "harmonizing" methods which regulates qi and blood

ying

qi and

wei

qi

and the three

jiao

and restores the entering and exiting at the pivot of

shaoyang

and the ascending and descending at the pivot of the spleen and stomach. Prof. Wang has developed his unique insights into using Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Licorice

Wheat and Jujube Decoction with necessary additions or reductions to adjust the pivot

invigorate the flow of qi and blood

balance the

zangfu

organs. He may also add single herb or herb pairs to the formula

which creates a synergy to harmonize yin and yang and calm the mind. Furthermore

he attaches great importance to patients’ emotions

and has achieved satisfactory clinical result. His experience of diagnosis and treatment of perimenopausal insomnia was summarized in this study in combination with clinical cases.