An Shen Ding Zhi Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
安神定志丸 · Ān Shén Dìng Zhì Wán
A classical formula for Heart Qi deficiency with timidity, insomnia, fright and palpitations.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Calm the Shen Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, calm spirit, settle fright
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Heart Qi and calm the spirit
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Heart Qi deficiency with timidity, insomnia, fright and palpitations.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Heart Qi deficiency with timidity and fright palpitations, rather than blood-deficiency insomnia, phlegm-heat, or Heart-Spleen deficiency.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
石菖蒲Shi Chang Pu6g
Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome- opens the orifices and transforms damp turbidity
遠志Yuan Zhi6g
Polygala Root- calms the spirit and transforms phlegm in the heart orifice
龍骨Long Gu15g
Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone- settles fright and astringes
Classical Composition
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 12g
- Poria cum Radix Pini (Fu Shen) 12g
- Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Shi Chang Pu) 6g
- Radix Polygalae (Yuan Zhi) 6g
- Os Draconis (Long Gu) 15g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- calms the spirit
- and settles fright in heart-gallbladder qi deficiency.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for heart and gallbladder qi deficiency.
- Signs and symptoms include timid fright, palpitations, and restless sleep without exuberant fire.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by insufficient qi that fails to animate and contain the viscera.
- Deficient qi leads to fatigue, a weak voice, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to exterior invasion.
- When the lung or spleen is involved, diffusion, transformation and containment are all impaired.
- Heart and gallbladder qi deficiency produces timid fright, palpitations and restless sleep without exuberant fire.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to boost qi and restore containment and diffusion.
- In this formula the emphasis is to tonify Heart Qi and calm the spirit.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan, Suan Zao Ren Tang, Wen Dan Tang and Gui Pi Tang calm the spirit. Suan Zao Ren Tang nourishes blood for Yin-blood deficiency insomnia; Wen Dan Tang transforms phlegm-heat for Gallbladder-Stomach disharmony; Gui Pi Tang tonifies Heart and Spleen. An Shen Ding Zhi Wan tonifies Heart Qi and settles fright for timidity, insomnia and palpitations from Heart Qi deficiency.
Clinical Differentiation
- An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is used for heart and gallbladder qi deficiency with timid fright and palpitations, without exuberant fire.
- It is distinguished from Suan Zao Ren Tang (yin-blood deficiency insomnia) and from Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (yin-blood and heart fire).
Safety notes: This formula is settling and supplementing. It is not appropriate for phlegm-heat or fire-type agitation.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of An Shen Ding Zhi Wan?
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan has the actions of tonifying Qi, calming the Spirit, and settling fright. It treats Heart-Gallbladder Qi deficiency in which the person is timid, easily startled, and cannot settle the Spirit.
Which modern conditions is An Shen Ding Zhi Wan suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Heart-Gallbladder Qi deficiency, including palpitations and insomnia from fright, anxiety with timidity and indecision, and poor sleep after shock of this deficient pattern — as an adjunct, not as a replacement for psychiatric or cardiac evaluation.
Is An Shen Ding Zhi Wan suitable for improving palpitations, timid sleep, and being easily startled?
For presentations of palpitations, insomnia with vivid dreams, timidity, indecision, a pale tongue, and a thin or weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Heart-Gallbladder Qi deficiency rather than blazing Fire — TCM commonly applies this pill as an adjunct. Chest pain, fainting, or severe depression needs medical care first.
Related Products
Hoi Tin An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (Calm the Spirit and Settle the Will Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Heart Qi Deficiency, Palpitations, Anxiety & Insomnia
Wen Dan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Heat, Insomnia, Palpitations & Gallbladder Disharmony
Gui Pi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi & Heart Blood Deficiency, Fatigue & Insomnia
Suan Zao Ren Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Insomnia, Liver Blood Deficiency & Night Sweats
Browse all classical formulas →
Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.