Happy Valentine’s Day!

Whether today feels joyful, tender, complicated, commercial, sweet, or quiet — it is, at its core, a day about the Heart. And in Chinese medicine, that matters more than we might think.

Because sleep, especially in late winter, is not only about hormones or stress. It is also about the Heart and the Shen.

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Why Sleep Gets Fragile in Late Winter

By mid-February, many people are tired in a very specific way.

I hear:

• “I fall asleep fine, but I wake up at 3am.”

• “I’m exhausted but wired.”

• “My mind won’t settle at night.”

• “I’m waking up sweaty.”

In Chinese medicine, winter is governed by the Kidneys. The Kidneys hold our deepest reserves — our Yin, our capacity to restore. Yin is cooling, moistening, and grounding. It allows us to descend into sleep.

By late winter, Kidney Yin can become depleted from months of cold, darkness, and simply pushing through life. When Yin is low, we often see:

• Night waking (especially between 2–4am)

• Night sweats

• Dry mouth or throat at night

• Light, restless sleep

• Feeling tired but unable to fully relax

From a Western perspective, this may overlap with cortisol dysregulation or perimenopausal shifts. From a Chinese medicine lens, it reflects a body that needs nourishment — not more stimulation.

But there’s another layer.

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The Heart, Fire & the Shen

The Heart houses the Shen — often translated as spirit, consciousness, or mind. When the Shen is calm and rooted, sleep is deep and restorative.

When the Shen is unsettled, sleep becomes light, anxious, or interrupted.

The Heart belongs to the Fire element, which governs:

• Joy

• Connection

• Warmth

• Intimacy

• Laughter

• Feeling seen

Valentine’s Day may be wrapped in flowers and chocolate, but symbolically it represents something biologically real: connection regulates the nervous system.

Even subtle isolation during late winter can unsettle the Heart. Less daylight. Less time outdoors. Fewer spontaneous social interactions. All of this can quietly scatter the Shen.

Sometimes insomnia is not only about deficiency.
Sometimes it’s about needing warmth.

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Supporting Sleep Today (Valentine’s Edition)

On a day dedicated to the Heart, here are a few ways to support both Yin and Shen:

Acupressure Before Bed

HT7 (Shen Men)
Located at the wrist crease on the pinky side. Press gently while taking slow breaths for 1–2 minutes. This helps anchor the spirit.

KD6
Located just below the inner ankle bone. Helpful for night sweats and Yin deficiency.

Slow breathing while holding these points is key. Think steady, warm, grounded.

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Nourishing Late-Winter Foods

This is not raw salad season.

Focus on:

• Black sesame seeds

• Lightly cooked pears

• Almond milk

• Bone broth

• Warm soups and stews

These gently replenish Yin and support deeper rest.

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Herbal Support

A classical formula often used for insomnia from deficiency is
Suan Zao Ren Tang

It nourishes the Heart and Liver Blood and helps the Shen settle. As always, herbs should be individualized — what works for one person may not be right for another.

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And Yes… A Loving Reminder

“If scrolling fixed insomnia, you’d be sleeping great.”

Late-night blue light scatters the Shen. Real connection gathers it.

If today brings an opportunity to:

• Share a meal

• Sit across from someone

• Make eye contact

• Laugh

• Express appreciation

That is Fire element medicine.

And if today is quiet or tender for you, extending warmth toward yourself counts too.

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How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture supports sleep by:

• Regulating the nervous system

• Reducing sympathetic overdrive

• Supporting hormonal balance

• Nourishing Yin and Blood

• Calming the Shen directly

Many patients notice deeper, heavier sleep even after one treatment. Over time, we rebuild reserves so your body can maintain that stability.

Late winter is an ideal time to begin treatment — supporting Kidney Yin and Heart Shen now prepares your body for the rising energy of spring.

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A Gentle Invitation

If your sleep has been fragile, you don’t have to wait until you’re depleted.

I have openings this week and availability throughout March.

Beginning in March, follow-up sessions will increase to $120, with updated package pricing as well:

• $880 for 8-packs

• $1260 for 12-packs

And I also am still in-network with BCBS and UHC PPOs.  Please let me know if you'd like me to verify your policy.

If you’ve been considering coming in, this is a supportive time to schedule.

Sleep is not just about unconsciousness.
It’s about feeling safe enough to rest.

On this Valentine’s Day, may your Heart feel warm.
May your Shen feel settled.
And may your sleep grow deeper in the weeks ahead.

Warmly,
Lisa Meyerson, L.Ac.