P. Sze 
Snoring refers to noisy breathing during sleep. It can be loud and boisterous enough so much so that it wakes up the individual and those around them. Both men and women struggle with snoring. However, statistics show that snoring affects more men as compared to women. In the majority of cases, the patients are overweight/obese.
Knowing how difficult it can be, we thought about sharing a popular technique that is designed to eliminate snoring. Have you heard about acupuncture points for snoring? How about acupressure? Acupuncture and acupressure can both be quite useful when it comes to the elimination of snoring. And that is why we are here today. In the following, we will share 10 best acupuncture points for snoring which you can stimulate from the comfort of your own home.
The 12 Best Acupoints That Prevent Snoring
Acupuncture is an excellent remedy for snoring. Many Western doctors are recommending their patients to pursue acupuncture for this exact benefit. Of course, there are other beneficial effects on our health. But we want to focus on the use of acupuncture to eliminate snoring.
As much as beneficial it may be, acupuncture is not always an option for everyone. Many people do not have the time or money to schedule an acupuncture session. Some people are even scared of needles, so relaxation is the last thing they will think about during an acupuncture session.
This is where acupressure comes in handy. Acupressure is easily performed at home. All that you need to know are these 10 best acupoints that will help you soothe your snoring. Surely you have 10-15 minutes each day to stimulate these acupoints and enjoy their benefits.
Acupoint: SP-9 (Other Names: Spleen-9/Yin Ling Quan/Yin Mound Spring)
Spleen-9 is an acupoint located under the medial condyle of the tibia. If you were to palpate the depression posterior and inferior of the medial tibial border, you would identify the SP-9. The acupoint rests on top of the calf.
Stimulation of SP-9 helps soothe many different health issues including diarrhea, urinal incontinence, and even knee pain. But it can also help eliminate snoring as well. To stimulate it properly, use your thumb to apply gentle pressure for 10-20 seconds. Release and then repeat the steps on your other leg.
Acupoint: ST-25 (Other Names: Stomach-25/Tian Shu/Celestial Pivot)
The ST-25 acupoint is located around 2 inches or 3 fingers’ width (excluding the thumb) lateral to the umbilicus. Its stimulation is usually used to relieve any digestive distress, but it can also help soothe snoring. Apply pressure upon the ST-25 for 3 minutes. In the meantime, pay attention to your digestive system and see if there are any noticeable reactions.
Acupoint: ST-40 (Other Names: Stomach-40/Feng Long/Abundant Bulge)
The Feng Long acupoint is located approximately 8 cun or 10 inches superior to the external malleolus. It is around the midpoint between the eye of the knee (the depression just below the knee cap) and the external malleolus. Use your middle finger to measure a two-finger breadth from the anterior tibial crest for a more precise location. If you can’t find the acupoint, you can use a gua sha board to stroke the region.
Cough, wheezing, asthma, and phlegm are some of the common respiratory issues efficiently treated with the stimulation of the ST-40. Using your thumb again, locate the ST-40, and apply gentle pressure for 10-15 seconds. Release and repeat on the other side.
Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)
Moving superior to the umbilicus, you will locate the CV-12 acupoint or Ren 12 acupuncture point. The acupoint is exactly 5 fingers above the umbilicus. This acupoint helps soothe any digestive issues, but it will also help eliminate your snoring as well. Stimulating the CV-12 is recommended to those struggling with snoring due to emotional stress and sleep issues. Apply mild pressure to the CV-12 and the surrounding area for 10-20 seconds to achieve the best results.
Acupoint: LU-7 (Other Names: Lung-7/Lie Que/Broken Sequence)
The LU-7 acupoint is one of the most frequently stimulated acupoints for patients with breathing and lung issues. According to Acupuncture therapist, Ms. Mai Sogawa, it is also effective for shortness of breath and swelling of the throat. To locate the LU-7, turn your forearm so that you face its radial aspect. Then use your thumb to locate the LU-7 around 2 inches above the wrist crease. Alternatively, you can also hold your hand as shown in the diagram above and your finger will rest on LU-7 directly. Stimulate the LU-7 on both of your hands in 10-20 seconds. Massage the LU-7 using clockwise motions for 2-3 minutes on the one hand, then switch and repeat.
Acupoint: LI-20 (Other Names: Large Intestine-20/Ying Xiang/Welcome Fragrance)
LI-20 is another popular acupuncture point that is effective for snoring. You’ll find this pressure point for snoring on the face, beside the nose, at the midpoint of the border of the outer-bottom of the nostrils. Because LI-20 is at the crossing point of the large intestine and the stomach, pushing it helps to chase off wind, open the nasal passageways, and clear heat. It is for this reason that this acupuncture point is effective in treating wry face, epistaxis, and biliary ascariasis. Ms. Mai Sogawa comments that it as a well-known point for relieving nasal congestion and relieving snoring.
Acupoint: LU-10 (Other Names: Lung-10/Yu Ji/Fish Border)
If you were to palpate the first metacarpal bone’s midpoint, you would locate the LU-10 acupoint. Even a short stimulation of the LU-10 can help soothe a sore throat, cough, and with that, snoring as well. For best results, use your index finger to apply pressure for 2-3 minutes. Stimulate the LU-10 on both your hands.
Acupoint: SI-2 (Other Names: Small Intestine-2/Qian Gu/Front Valley)
For this next acupoint, you will need to make a loose fist. Looking onto the ulnar side of the hand, distal to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, you will locate the SI-2. Then, using your index finger, massage, and apply slight pressure onto the SI-2. This will improve your breathing and any symptoms of nasal congestion. Ms. Mai Sogawa suggests that it also improves headaches, hot flashes, and stiff shoulders.
Acupoint: PC-8 (Other Names: Pericardium-8/Lao Gong/Palace of Toil)
Moving back to your hand, you will find the Pericardium-8 acupoint. The Pc-8 is located right in the center of the palm, in the space between the second and the third metacarpal bones, closer to the second metacarpal bone. Stimulating the Pc-8 usually relieves more severe health issues such as cardiac pain and halitosis, but it can also help you fall asleep quickly. According to Ms. Mai Sogawa, it is also effective for adjusting autonomic nerves, nausea, and palpitations. To stimulate the Pc-8, apply gentle pressure for 2-3 minutes, first on your left hand, and then on your right one as well.
Acupoint: KI-1 (Other Names: Kidney-1/Yong Quan/Gushing Spring)
And the last acupoint that helps insomnia is the KI-1. The KI-1 acupoint is found on the sole of your foot. While your foot is in plantar flexion, use your index finger to palpate the depression when you roll your toes and point downward. Among other health issues, this is supposed to help soothe any sore throat, tongue dryness, and loss of voice, all of which can contribute to the occurrence of snoring.
Acupoint: GV-23 (Other Names: Governing Vessel-23/DU 23/Shangxing/Upper Star)
The next acupuncture point for snoring that you should know about is GV-23. It is located on the head, at the midline, about two finger-width from the anterior hairline.
Stimulating this pressure point helps to dispel wind, open the nose, and benefit the eyes. Acupuncturists use GV-23 to treat issues like headache, eyepain, epistaxis, and manic psychosis. Ms. Mai Sogawa confirms that it is effective for headaches and sinusitis. According to the acupuncture therapist, this acupuncture point has the effect of lowering fever and opening holes, so it leads to improvement of snoring by resolving stuffy nose and throat.
Acupoint: ST-9 (Other Names: Stomach-9/ST 9/Renying/Man’s Welcome)
Finally, one acupuncture point you don’t want to forget when it comes to improving snoring is ST-9. This acupuncture point is located on the neck, beside the Adam’s apple, on the same line as the tip of it, on the border of the muscle called sternocleidomastoideus, where you’ll find the carotid muscle pulsating.
The function of ST-9 in TCM is to rehulate Qi and blood, subdue rebellious Qi, and help the neck and throat. It is no wonder then that it is used clinically to treat sore throat, goiter, and scrofula. Ms. Mai Sogawa adds that it is effective for the swollen throat, asthma, and high blood pressure. According to her, improving blood circulation around the neck leads to improvement of snoring.
The Sleeping Zone
According to Chinese foot reflexology, you can use the sleeping zone near the heel (as shown by the black dot above) of your foot. Tap the zone lightly with your fist, and it should help you fall asleep quickly.
Conclusion
Because snoring makes it impossible to breathe smoothly, the body does not get enough oxygen, and the brain and body become tired. The quality of sleep has been lowered, so let’s continue to push these acupoints to improve your own sleep.
