Pressure Points and Acupressure for Sleep
December 23, 2024
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Discover the benefits of acupressure, from stress relief to a sense of relaxation for better sleep.
Sleep is one of the most crucial pillars of good health, yet many struggle to get enough. There are various reasons you might stay awake through the night, from an endless loop of thoughts to physical discomfort. A natural and widely used practice called acupressure could help. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this simple technique involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, or “Qi,” and promote relaxation. For sleep, this technique is beneficial in calming the mind, reducing stress, and preparing the body for rest.
Inner Frontier Gate
Let’s begin with the Inner Frontier Gate, located on your forearm approximately three finger widths above the wrist. It is commonly used to treat nausea or digestive difficulties, but it can also aid with insomnia, particularly if it is caused by physical discomfort. Massaging this area gently with your thumb might help you feel more balanced and relaxed.
Yin Tang Point
The Yin Tang Point, also called the Third Eye, is located between your eyebrows. Gently pressing or massaging this spot can help calm an overactive mind and relieve tension. It’s a go-to for those nights when your mind is racing, and sleep feels like a distant dream.
Spirit Gate
Next up is the Spirit Gate, or Shen Men. This pressure point is located on the wrist crease, just below your little finger. Known for its powerful calming properties, applying light pressure here for a couple of minutes can reduce anxiety and help you unwind before bed. This point is particularly beneficial if the root cause of your sleeplessness is you are under stress or feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
An Mian Points
For those with stress in their neck or shoulders, the An Mian Points, or “peaceful sleep” points, are a lifesaver. These pressure points are located behind your ears, near the base of the skull. Applying steady, circular pressure here can ease physical tension and soothe headaches that might be interfering with your ability to fall asleep. It should help you wind down and destress after a long day.
Bubbling Spring
A lesser-known but equally effective point is the Bubbling Spring, found on the sole of your foot. These points are the small depressions that appear just above the middle of your foot when you curl your toes inward. This point grounds your energy and promotes a sense of calm. It’s an excellent way to wind down after a long day, particularly if you feel overstimulated or frustrated.
Great Rushing Point
Finally, we have the Great Rushing Point, located on the top of your foot, between the big and second toes. This point helps regulate energy and reduce irritability. By stimulating this spot, you can address restlessness that often accompanies sleeplessness.
Things to Keep in Mind
Acupressure or gentle massages on your pressure points don’t require any fancy tools or training. You can simply use your fingers to press gently but firmly on each point for 1–3 minutes. Focus on taking deep, slow breaths while doing so, as this will lead to an enhanced relaxation response. If you’d like, you can use a tennis ball to massage the soles of your feet by gently rolling it back and forth. Alternatively, wooden rollers available in the market can also provide relief.
When it comes to the science of acupressure, it becomes important to approach it with consistency. Making it a part of your nightly wind-down routine can maximise its benefits. Combine it with other relaxing activities, such as a cool sleeping environment, muted lighting, warm herbal teas, or reading a book, to create a sleep-friendly setting.
Acupressure is a safe and non-invasive treatment but is not a one-size-fits-all answer. If you suffer from persistent insomnia or feel you have underlying health problems, consult a healthcare professional for a more comprehensive treatment plan.
However, including acupressure in your self-care routine can be a useful and relaxing technique to improve your sleep organically. Sometimes the simplest methods have the most impact.
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