Nightmares are a common nocturnal disturbance for many people. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Taoist wisdom offer profound interpretations and resolutions from the perspectives of bodily health and natural resonance.

According to the "Huangdi Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine), dreams are closely related to the balance of Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood in the body. Excess Yin may lead to dreams of wading through large bodies of water with fear; excess Yang may cause dreams of fierce fires; imbalance of both can result in dreams of conflict and injury.

Excess Liver Qi can bring dreams of anger, while excess Lung Qi may lead to dreams of crying. These dreamscapes are not merely psychological phenomena but also reflections of one's physical health.

The causes of nightmares are varied, including:

• Imbalance of Yin and Yang energies

• Deficiency of Qi and Blood, leading to restlessness of the Mind (Shen)

• External contraction of pathogenic energies or weakening of the Spirit (Shen Qi) allowing influence from external factors

• Harboring malicious or lustful thoughts, attracting negative energies

TCM advocates addressing the issue through bodily nourishment. Those with "Heart Blood Deficiency," in particular, should tonify both Qi and Blood, using methods like herbal cuisine or calming decoctions. The elderly or those with chronic fatigue should pay special attention to nourishing Heart Blood to stabilize the Mind.

Taoism offers practical resolution methods. As recorded in the "Yunji Qiqian" (Seven Slips from a Cloudy Satchel): Upon waking, hold clean water in the mouth, face east, spray the water, and recite: "Bad dreams cling to grass and water, good dreams turn into precious jade." This is believed to turn misfortune into blessing.

Furthermore, cultivating one's heart and nature is fundamental. The "Taishang Ganying Pian" (Treatise of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution) emphasizes: "When a good thought arises in the heart, auspicious spirits follow it." Constantly maintaining good thoughts not only leads to auspicious dreams at night but also attracts righteous energy, keeping negative influences at bay.

If nightmares occur frequently and are accompanied by significant physical discomfort, it is advisable to consult a TCM practitioner for pattern differentiation and tailored treatment to address the root cause.