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Acupressure Points to Help You Sleep Deeper During Stressful Nights
When stress keeps you tossing and turning, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural way to improve sleep quality through targeted acupressure points. Acupressure for sleep improvement focuses on balancing the body’s energy to calm the mind and release tension. We consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a TCM therapist from Japan, who shared her recommended acupressure points to help you achieve more restful sleep, even during high-stress periods. For more techniques, you can also explore our comprehensive guide to acupressure.
Let’s dive into six acupressure points you can press before bedtime to encourage a deeper, more restorative sleep.
1. Shen Men (HT-7) – The Calming Point
Location: Shen Men, also known as HT-7, is located on the inner wrist crease, directly below the pinky finger.
How It Helps: Known as the “Spirit Gate,” this acupressure point is often used to ease anxiety and calm the heart. HT-7 is considered a key point for stress relief and relaxation, making it ideal for managing sleeplessness caused by an overactive mind.
How to Use: Using your thumb, apply gentle pressure to HT-7 on each wrist for 1-2 minutes. Deep, slow breaths can enhance its calming effect, helping you to let go of the day’s worries.
2. Nei Guan (PC-6) – Reducing Anxiety and Tension
Location: Nei Guan, or PC-6, can be found three finger-widths above the wrist crease on the inner side of the arm, between the two prominent tendons.
How It Helps: Known for alleviating anxiety, this acupressure point is excellent for releasing built-up tension in both the body and mind. PC-6 is traditionally used to calm the nerves, reduce palpitations, and promote a deeper sense of peace before sleep.
How to Use: Apply firm pressure with your thumb or forefinger to PC-6 for 1-2 minutes on each wrist, focusing on slow breathing. Regular stimulation can help ease symptoms of stress, which can be a major barrier to deep sleep.
3. Bai Hui (GV-20) – Clearing the Mind
Location: Bai Hui, or GV-20, is located on the crown of the head, in line with the tips of your ears.
How It Helps: Known for its grounding properties, Bai Hui helps release mental stress and ease tension headaches, promoting mental clarity and calm. By gently stimulating this point before bed, you can help your body transition from active, waking energy to a more restful state.
How to Use: Lightly press and massage GV-20 using your fingertips in circular motions for about 1 minute. Focus on your breathing to relax your mind and quiet mental chatter, which can be particularly helpful when stress disrupts sleep.
4. Tai Chong (Liv-3) – Balancing Emotions
Location: Tai Chong, also known as Liv-3, is located on the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe.
How It Helps: This acupressure point is often used to balance liver energy, which is thought to store and regulate emotions. Stimulating Liv-3 can help manage feelings of irritability and frustration, two emotions that can significantly impact sleep quality.
How to Use: Apply moderate pressure to Liv-3 on each foot for 1-2 minutes. Slow, rhythmic pressure can help release emotional tension and prepare the body for a calmer, more restful night.
5. Xing Jian (Liv-2) – Releasing Pent-up Stress
Location: Xing Jian, or Liv-2, is located on the top of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, just a bit closer to the toes than Tai Chong (Liv-3).
How It Helps: Liv-2 is a powerful point for releasing pent-up stress and calming an overactive mind. Activating this point can help harmonize energy flow, reducing irritability and preparing you for a more peaceful night.
How to Use: Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure to Liv-2 on each foot, holding for about 1 minute. Combining this point with Liv-3 can enhance the relaxation effects, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
6. Lao Gong (PC-8) – Cooling the Mind and Body
Location: Lao Gong, or PC-8, is found in the center of the palm, right where your middle finger would touch if you made a fist.
How It Helps: This point is particularly useful when stress leads to overheating or excessive thinking. Lao Gong has cooling and grounding properties that can ease mental strain and help settle the body’s energy, making it easier to drift into a deep sleep.
How to Use: Press the center of each palm with your thumb, applying gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes. Focusing on this point can help release the energy in the mind and heart, encouraging calm and cooling sensations as you prepare for bed.
Tips for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Acupressure for Sleep
While pressing these points, consider incorporating the following practices to enhance the effects of acupressure:
- Practice Deep Breathing: Slow, mindful breathing can help deepen the relaxation benefits.
- Use Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender or chamomile can further encourage calm and relaxation.
- Stay Consistent: Regular acupressure practice can lead to more noticeable benefits, especially during extended periods of stress.
- Practice at Bedtime: For optimal results, try acupressure right before lying down.
Acupressure for sleep improvement offers a natural way to achieve deeper, more restful sleep without relying on medication. By integrating these pressure points into your nightly routine, you can help regulate stress levels, soothe anxiety, and prepare your body for a better night’s rest. Give these techniques a try, and experience how TCM’s gentle approach can enhance both your mental and physical well-being during stressful times.
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