P. Sze 
Sleep Better Naturally with These Acupressure Points for Insomnia
If you’re struggling to stay asleep through the night, you’re not alone. Many people experience interrupted sleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and long-term health issues. One effective and natural solution is acupressure for insomnia. Based on insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this non-invasive method helps restore balance and calm the mind for deeper, uninterrupted rest. To provide expert advice on this topic, we consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a licensed TCM therapist from Japan.
Acupressure has long been used to ease insomnia symptoms, and if you’re new to it, our complete guide to acupressure techniques and benefits is a great place to start.
Below, we’ll explore seven powerful acupressure points recommended by Ms. Mai that you can stimulate before bedtime to help prevent waking up during the night.
Baihui (GV-20) – Calm the Mind and Anchor the Spirit
Located at the crown of your head, Baihui is a vital point for stabilizing mental energy and calming overactive thoughts.
How to find it:
- Draw a line from ear to ear over the top of your head.
- Baihui lies where this line crosses the midline of your skull.
Why it helps:
- It’s known to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
- Stimulating Baihui before bed may reduce restlessness and nighttime awakenings.
Application tip:
- Gently press for 3–5 seconds, repeat three times.
Shenmen (HT-7) – The Spirit Gate
Shenmen is often called the “Spirit Gate” because of its powerful calming effects on the heart and mind.
How to find it:
- On the inner wrist crease, in line with the little finger.
Why it helps:
- It regulates the heart, reduces anxiety, and improves emotional well-being.
- Essential for those who wake from stress-related sleep issues.
Application tip:
- Apply gentle pressure for 3–5 seconds, repeating three times.
Neiguan (PC-6) – Inner Pass to Inner Peace
Neiguan is commonly used for nausea and anxiety, but it’s also effective in improving sleep by calming the mind.
How to find it:
- Three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm, between the two tendons.
Why it helps:
- It eases palpitations, calms emotions, and improves overall heart function, supporting better sleep.
Application tip:
- Gently press for 3–5 seconds, three times on each wrist.
Guanyuan (Ren-4) – Restore Vital Energy
This point is key to balancing the body’s vital energy or “Qi,” especially for those feeling depleted.
How to find it:
- About four finger-widths below the belly button on the midline of your body.
Why it helps:
- Strengthens the lower abdomen and replenishes energy reserves.
- Helps prevent sleep disruptions caused by physical weakness or fatigue.
Application tip:
- Press gently for 3–5 seconds, repeat three times before sleep.
Danzhong (Ren-17) – Relieve Chest Tension
Emotional tension often sits in the chest. Danzhong helps to disperse this energy, encouraging deeper relaxation.
How to find it:
- In the center of the chest, between the nipples.
Why it helps:
- Calms the chest and heart region, easing anxiety and shallow breathing.
- Supports deep, even breathing for longer sleep cycles.
Application tip:
- Apply light pressure for 3–5 seconds, repeat three times.
Yongquan (KI-1) – Ground the Mind and Body
As the lowest point on the body’s meridian system, Yongquan helps draw energy downward, grounding excessive mental activity.
How to find it:
- On the sole of the foot, about one-third of the way down from the toes to the heel, in a slight indentation.
Why it helps:
- Reduces overthinking, irritability, and agitation.
- Especially effective if waking during the night is due to mental restlessness.
Application tip:
- Massage gently for 3–5 seconds, repeat three times on each foot.
Laogong (PC-8) – Dispel Excess Heat and Calm the Heart
This lesser-known yet powerful point is ideal for releasing built-up heat in the body that can disturb sleep.
How to find it:
- In the center of your palm, where the tip of your middle finger lands when you make a light fist.
Why it helps:
- Clears internal heat and calms the mind.
- Useful for those experiencing night sweats or vivid dreams.
Application tip:
- Press gently for 3–5 seconds, repeat three times per hand.
Tips for Maximum Effect
To make the most of these points:
- Use a quiet, dim environment to set the tone.
- Take deep breaths while applying pressure.
- Be consistent—practice nightly for lasting results.
Ms. Mai Sogawa emphasizes gentle, mindful pressure rather than strong stimulation. These points work best when combined with good sleep hygiene, like maintaining a regular bedtime and avoiding screens before sleep.
Final Thoughts
Using acupressure for better sleep is a gentle, empowering way to support your health naturally. By stimulating these seven insomnia acupressure points, you can improve your sleep quality and reduce the chances of waking up during the night.
Incorporate these techniques into your evening routine and observe the difference over time. As always, if sleep problems persist, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a qualified TCM practitioner like Ms. Mai Sogawa for personalized advice.
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