A Guide to Pressure Points for Restful Nights

Everyone has experienced insomnia at one time or another, especially in this age of information explosion. As the pace of life increases, many people face stress and physical and mental health challenges. But did you know? One ancient Chinese medical technique that can help you get deep, quality sleep is acupressure. In this article, we'll delve into the relationship between acupressure and sleep, and how you can apply this method to improve the quality of your sleep.

1. What is acupressure?

• Definition of Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that works to harmonise the body and relieve various discomforts by applying appropriate pressure to specific points on the body.

• Its origin and relationship to Chinese medical doctrine

Acupressure has similarities with acupuncture, both being based on the meridian doctrine of Chinese medicine. It is believed that through the stimulation of acupoints, qi and blood can be balanced, thus harmonising yin and yang and achieving physical and mental health.

• How acupressure works on the body

When pressure is applied to a specific acupoint, it helps to promote blood circulation, release muscle tension and stimulate the internal organs or systems associated with that acupoint so that their functions are harmonised and balanced.

2. Association between acupressure and insomnia

• Phenomenon and Effects of Insomnia

Persistent insomnia can lead to cognitive decline, memory problems, emotional instability and even more serious health problems.

• Scientific Explanation of Why Acupressure Points Can Relieve Insomnia

When certain acupressure points are pressed, it promotes the secretion of relaxation hormones such as melatonin and regulates the activity of the nervous system, thus helping to improve sleep.

• Comparison of Acupressure Points with Other Methods of Treating Insomnia

Compared with medication or other methods, acupressure provides a natural way for the body to harmonise without dependency or side effects.

3. How to perform acupressure correctly to help sleep

• Choosing the right acupoints

Shen Wei - Located on the wrist, it helps to reduce anxiety and tension.

Tai Chong - Located on the back of the foot, it promotes deep relaxation.

Foot Sanli - increases the body's energy and leads to greater relaxation.

• Methods and Techniques of Pressure

Using your thumb or index finger, press the selected acupoints with a steady and even pressure, not too hard, but make sure you feel a slight pressure.

• Duration and Effectiveness of Pressure

In general, press for 2-3 minutes at a time, twice a day. Significant improvement can be observed with long-term persistence.

4. Risks and Precautions of Acupressure Points

• Conditions under which acupressure should be avoided

Avoid pressure where the skin is injured, inflamed, infected or painful.

• How to avoid excessive pressing or wrong acupoints

Always do this in a warm and comfortable environment, using warm hands and applying pressure gently but firmly.

• The importance of expert advice and guidance

If you are unsure about an acupoint or trying it for the first time, it is best to seek guidance from a professional Chinese medicine practitioner.

5. People for whom acupressure is suitable

• Generally speaking, people who apply acupressure points

Almost most people can benefit, but children, the elderly and pregnant women should be especially careful.

Precautions for Pregnant Women, People with Skin Diseases and Other Specific Groups of People

Pregnant women should avoid pressing points that may cause uterine contractions; people with skin conditions need to make sure the area being pressed is free of wounds or inflammation.

6. When to seek professional help

• Treatment of ineffective or adverse reactions to acupressure points

If you have tried for some time and it is still ineffective, or if you experience adverse reactions such as pain or bruising, then you should stop and consult a TCM practitioner promptly.

• Other potential causes of insomnia and treatment suggestions

If pressing the acupoints does not solve your insomnia problem, there may be other deeper causes such as hormonal imbalance, anxiety and depression. At this point, you should consider further examination and treatment.

In conclusion, acupressure is an ancient and effective method to help us relieve insomnia and improve our quality of life. In today's fast-paced life, we need such natural remedies even more to harmonise our body and mind. Combining professional knowledge and continuous practice, we believe that everyone can find the right method for themselves and enjoy sweet sleep. If you still want to know more expert advice and solutions about sleep, why don't you pay attention to the Suilong brand, we are always committed to providing you with scientific sleep solutions.

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FAQs

Q: Is there a pressure point to help you sleep?

A: Yes, there are several pressure points in the body that are believed to help promote sleep when stimulated. One of the most well-known is the "Spirit Gate" point, located on the little finger side of the wrist crease, which is said to calm the spirit and alleviate insomnia when pressed.

Q: Which acupressure point is peaceful sleep?

A: The "Anmian" point, also known as the "Peaceful Sleep" point, is located between the ear and the base of the neck, right behind the earlobe on the mastoid bone. Applying gentle pressure to this point is believed to relieve insomnia, stress, and anxiety, thus promoting peaceful sleep.

Q: What are the pressure points to avoid sleeping?

A: Certain acupressure points are believed to boost energy and alertness when stimulated, so they're best avoided if you're trying to sleep. Examples include the "Third Eye Point", located between the eyebrows, and the "Gallbladder 21", situated on the top of the shoulder. It's crucial to be knowledgeable about the specific function of each pressure point to achieve the desired results.

Q: What are the 5 pressure points?

A: The human body has numerous pressure points, but five commonly referenced ones are:

• Tai Chong (Liver 3): Located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes. It's believed to help with stress, anxiety, and menstrual pain.
• He Gu (Large Intestine 4): Situated between the thumb and index finger. It's often used for pain relief, especially headaches.
• Zu San Li (Stomach 36): Located about a hand's width below the kneecap, outside the shinbone. It's thought to promote overall health and vitality.
• San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6): Found about three finger widths above the inner anklebone. It's commonly used for menstrual and abdominal discomfort.
• Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Located on the upper inner side of the ear. It's believed to reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Q: What are the most relaxing pressure points?

A: Some pressure points are particularly effective for relaxation. Examples include:

• Yin Tang (Hall of Impression): Situated between the eyebrows. It's believed to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
• Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Located on the upper inner part of the ear. Helps in relieving stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Anmian (Peaceful Sleep): Located behind the earlobe on the mastoid bone. It's known to promote deep, restful sleep.
• Heart 7: Located at the wrist crease, inline with the little finger. It's believed to calm the mind and heart, aiding relaxation.
• Nei Guan (Inner Gate): Found a couple of finger widths from the wrist crease, between the tendons. It's used to alleviate nausea, stress, and wrist pain.