Acupressure is a technique of rubbing specific acupuncture points. Specific ones can be super relaxing and help you sleep. Because you can do it anywhere, it can be helpful for you also on the road to help reduce jet lag while traveling.
Often, I will give my patients these particular acupressure points to augment the acupuncture treatments for insomnia.
Yin Tang- The Spirit Gate
Location– on the forehead, in line with the nose above the eyebrows
Stimulation– gently rub downward towards your nose
Function– helps calm the mind and relieve stress
Heart 7- Shen Men (The Spirit Gate)
Location- at the wrist on the pinky side of the hand
Stimulation– If trying to go to sleep, gently rub towards the body. If trying to concentrate or wake up, gently tap.
Function– calms the spirit and nourishes the heart. This is one of the most important points for insomnia and jet lag because the heart is in charge of the internal clock. This point will be very good for people who wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep. If you gently tap this point, it can help concentration.
Pericardium 6– Nei Guan (Inner Pass)
Location- on the center line of the arm, two thumb widths up from the wrist crease
Stimulation– gently rub in a circle or straight towards the body
Function– This point has many functions. It is most famous for treating nausea and improving digestion, but it is very powerful for managing stress and helping with sleep. The pericardium surrounds and protects the heart, so stimulating this channel also stimulates the heart.
Rubbing the ears
The ear is a map of the entire body with different body parts and body organs. By rubbing the ears, you can stimulate the entire body, moving qi and helping you feel more relaxed.
Photo: Pelikanol
