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.

Wind Mansion (GV 16)

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.

Sea of Tranquility (CV 17)

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.

Natural Ways to Induce Sleep

Stretching: Stretch and exaggerate a few yawns to help relax body and prepare it for sleep.

Eye Exercises: While sitting or lying down in bed, look up as far as you can, and then slowly move the eyes in a circle around the periphery of the vision three times. Repeat the eye rotation in the opposite direction three more times. 

Deep Breathing: Concentrate on breathing deeply into your belly when you are in bed and trying to get to sleep; this can reduce tension in the body. Tension and stress strongly contribute to an inability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Deep Relaxation: Lie on the back with eyes closed. Starting with your toes, mentally tell each part of the body to relax as taking long, slow, deep breaths.

Diet For INSOMNIA

Foods that, are high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase blood cholesterol levels. The blood carries these fatty deposits, which attach to the walls of the blood vessels, narrowing the passageways. The heart is forced to work harder to pump the blood through narrower vessels. Over consumption of fat and cholesterol is a major contributing factor to coronary heart disease and certain kinds of cancer. In traditional Chinese medi­cine, the heart also is believed to affect one's ability to sleep.

Traditional Medicine In Insomnia :

According to traditional  medi­cine, an uneven distribution of energy can also cause insomnia. In such cases, certain meridi­ans (the energy pathways that connect acu­pressure points) become overloaded, while others become blocked. By pressing certain points, one can correct this energy imbalance. A regimen that incorporates acupressure, a proper diet, and the following relaxation techniques is highly effective for relieving insomnia.

Basically, three sets of points are used: the points underneath the base of the skull, those between the shoulder blades, and the points on both the ankles. As a result, people report that they not only sleep more deeply without waking, they also tend to feel more alert and have greater energy the following day.