Potent Points For Relieving Insomnia
The acupressure points on the heel have traditionally been used for relieving and preventing insomnia. The point on the inside of the heel is called Joyful Sleep; the one on the outside of the heel is called Calm Sleep. Massaging and pressing these points together on both sides of the heel enables the body to relax deeply and promote sleep.
According to Chinese health care, insomnia is also related to the heart and pericardium meridians. If one has a blockage in either of these meridians, he may have difficulty in sleeping. Traditionally, the points called Spirit Gate (located on the inside of the wrist, below the little finger) and Inner Gate (located on the center of the inner wrist, two finger widths above the wrist crease) have been used for insomnia. These points help balance and calm the heart, alleviate anxiety, and enable him to sleep soundly at night.
Vital Diaphragm (B 3s)
Location: Between the shoulder blades and the spine at heart level.
Benefits: This upper back point relieves insomnia, and calms high emotions such as anxiety, which can inhibit sleep.
Inner Gate (P 6)
Location: In the middle of the inner side of the forearm, two and one‑half finger widths from the wrist crease.
Benefits: Relieves insomnia and several other common complaints that can keep one from sleeping, such as anxiety, palpitations, nausea, and indigestion.
Spirit Gate (H 7)
Location: On the inside of the wrist crease, in line with the little finger.
Benefits : Relieves anxiety, cold sweats and insomnia due to overexcitement.
Heavenly Pillar (B l0)
Location: One‑half inch below the base of the skull and one‑half inch outward from the spine.
Benefits : Relieves insomnia, stress, burnout and exhaustion.
Location: In the center of the back of the head in a large hollow under the base of the skull.
Benefits: Relieves insomnia as well as mental stress.
Gates of Consciousness (GB 20)
Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large vertical neck muscles, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head.
Benefits: Relieves arthritis, headaches, and neck pain that causes insomnia.
Third Eye Point (GV 24.5)
Location: Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead.
Benefits: Relaxes the central nervous system for relieving anxiety and insomnia.
Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone.
Benefits: Relieves nervousness, chest congestion, and the anxiety that causes insomnia.
Joyful Sleep (K 6)
Location: Directly below the inside of the anklebone in a slight indentation.
Benefits: Relieves insomnia, heel and ankle pain, hypertension and anxiety.
Calm Sleep (B 62)
Location : In the first indentation directly below the outer anklebone.
Benefits : Relieves insomnia and the back pain that makes it difficult to sleep.
