Relieve Anxiety and Prepare for Restful Sleep with These Acupressure Points

Struggling with sleepless nights because of persistent worry? Anxiety can interfere with your ability to transition into a peaceful rest, leaving you feeling drained the next day. Acupressure, a time-tested method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), provides a natural way to calm your mind and body. As TCM therapist Ms. Mai Sogawa explains, certain acupressure points can help ease anxiety and encourage deep sleep. If you’re new to this practice, check out our comprehensive guide to acupressure for an in-depth look at its benefits and techniques.

Here are the seven acupressure points Ms. Mai recommends for managing anxiety and preparing for a restful night.

Pericardium 6 (PC-6) – Inner Gate

Located three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm, PC-6 is renowned for its calming effects on the heart and mind. Stimulating this point can relieve anxiety, reduce chest tension, and ease nausea.

How to Apply

• Use your thumb to apply firm pressure to this spot for 2–3 minutes.
• Take slow, deep breaths to amplify its calming effects.

Heart 7 (HT-7) – Spirit Gate

Found on the wrist crease just below the pinky finger, HT-7 is known as the “spirit gate” and is frequently used to soothe emotional distress and calm the mind.

How to Apply

• Press this point gently with your thumb in a circular motion for 2–3 minutes on each wrist.
• Use this technique before bed to release mental tension.

Governing Vessel 20 (GV-20) – Hundred Meetings

GV-20 is situated at the crown of your head, in line with the tips of your ears. This point is excellent for reducing overthinking, calming the mind, and centering your focus.

How to Apply

• Gently massage or press this point with your fingertips for 1–2 minutes.
• Pair the stimulation with deep breathing for better results.

Pericardium 8 (PC-8) – Palace of Anxiety

Located in the center of the palm, PC-8 is a go-to point for alleviating anxiety and cooling an overactive mind. It’s especially effective when your stress feels overwhelming.

How to Apply

• Use your opposite thumb to press or massage the center of your palm for 1–2 minutes.
• Alternate between hands for balanced relaxation.

Conception Vessel 17 (Ren-17) – Sea of Tranquility

Positioned at the center of the chest, at the level of the fourth rib, Ren-17 is often referred to as the “sea of tranquility.” This point is highly effective for opening the chest, balancing emotions, and easing tension caused by stress or worry.

How to Apply

• Use two or three fingers to gently massage or press this point in a circular motion for 1–2 minutes.
• Focus on slow, deep inhalations and exhalations to enhance the calming effect.

Gallbladder 12 (GB-12) – Completion Bone

Found behind the earlobe, GB-12 is known for its ability to relieve tension in the neck and head while promoting mental relaxation.

How to Apply

• Use your thumb and index finger to apply gentle pressure behind your earlobe.
• Massage the area lightly for 1–2 minutes on each side.

Kidney 1 (KI-1) – Bubbling Spring

KI-1 is located on the sole of the foot, just below the ball. Known for its grounding properties, this point draws energy downward, calming an overactive mind and alleviating anxiety.

How to Apply

• Use your thumb to press into the center of the sole and massage gently for 1–2 minutes.
• Combine this with a warm foot soak before bed for additional relaxation.

How to Make Acupressure Part of Your Nightly Routine

To maximize the benefits of acupressure, incorporate it into your evening routine. Here’s how:

• Set the Mood: Dim the lights, play calming music, or diffuse relaxing essential oils like lavender.
• Practice Deep Breathing: Pair acupressure with slow, rhythmic breathing to activate your body’s relaxation response.
• Be Consistent: Regularly stimulating these points can help establish a sense of calm that promotes restful sleep over time.

Spending just 10–15 minutes each night on acupressure can help reduce anxiety and prepare your body for deep, restorative rest.

Final Thoughts

Acupressure is a simple, non-invasive way to address anxiety and improve sleep quality naturally. By focusing on the seven points recommended by Ms. Mai Sogawa, you can create a calming nighttime routine that reduces stress and encourages better sleep.

Want to learn more about acupressure and its wide-ranging benefits? Explore our comprehensive guide to acupressure and discover how it can transform your wellness routine.

Give these techniques a try tonight—sweet dreams await!

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