5 acupressure points for better sleep (against insomnia)

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the modern world. The situation worsens during stressful periods, as it is currently.

Insomnia means that a person cannot fall asleep; or wakes up at night and cannot fall back asleep; or often wakes up at night. While some only have a night when they sleep poorly, others have periods of insomnia and a third, especially the more sensitive, have permanent problems.

Most adults need about 7 hours of sleep; women tend to be a little more than men because their brains are more active. Some help themselves with sedatives and sleeping pills; others with herbal tablets and teas; the third by meditation.

But there is another method that supposedly gives amazing results: it is acupressure. By pressing on the appropriate, well-defined points of the body, you will trigger relaxation and calming while at the same time positively affecting your mental health.

1. The outside of the wrist

The point, also called the ‘spiritual door’, is located on the inner outer part of your wrist, below the little finger. Stimulating this point calms your thoughts, which will help you fall asleep.

Press lightly on it and gently massage it in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. First on the left, then on the right hand.

2. Inside the foot above the ankle

The point is located on the inside of the foot, just above the ankle.

Against insomnia, press 4 points (3 to 4 cm) above the ankle on the inside of the foot at the mentioned point and massage with an intense circular (up and down) massage for 5 seconds.In addition to helping with insomnia, this massage can also help with menstrual cramps.

Warning: do not use this point if you are pregnant as it is also associated with triggering labor.

3. Mid sole

The point is located on the sole, almost on the trail. It is a small indentation that occurs if you bend your fingers inward.

Lie on your back with your legs bent (knees) so you can reach your feet with your hands. Grasp one foot and bend your toes to feel the indentation.Press it firmly and massage for a few minutes with circular or up-and-down movements. Then repeat on the other leg.

Stimulating this point ground your energy and stimulate sleep.

4. The inside of the wrist

A point on the inside of your wrist, exactly between two tendons, can also help you improve your sleep quality.

Turn your hands to look at your palms. Measure 3 fingers above the wrist between the tendons and press down on the point, then perform a circular massage or up-and-down movements for 5 seconds. Then repeat on the other hand.In addition to better sleep, this point is associated with relieving nausea, stomach aches and headaches.

5. Occiput

The points at the back of the nape are located in the middle of the nape, slightly outwards, as shown in the figure.

Clasp your hands (intertwine your fingers) and then spread your palms apart to create a cup. Take your hands behind your head and then use your thumbs to press firmly on the point shown and push them towards your skull by doing circular or up-and-down movements. Massage for 5 seconds.While massaging this area, breathe slowly, calmly and deeply.

Stimulation of this point can also reduce potential respiratory problems such as e.g. coughing; at the same time it also reduces stress and calms thoughts.

Happy weekend!