Having trouble sleeping?
In today's world, the world economy operates around the clock, making it difficult to stick to a set sleep schedule.
In this article, we will introduce some recommended acupoints for those struggling with sleep deprivation.
We will cover acupoints that help you fall asleep and those that help alleviate sleep deprivation in order. Be careful not to press the wrong ones!
- How to massage the acupoints?
- Press and Sleep: Acupoints for Insomnia Relief
- Caution: Acupoints to help you feel more alert?avoid pressing these before sleep!
- Conclusion: A secret technique to enhance the effects of acupressure
How to massage the acupoints?
Since everyone's bone and muscle structure is different, the standard location of acupoints can vary from person to person. It's important to rely on your sense of touch to find the right spot. You will notice a distinct difference in sensation when you find your acupoint. Be aware that the position of the acupoint may change depending on when you press it and your physical condition on that day.
Once you find the acupoint, press towards the center of your body. We recommend pressing intermittently for 3-5 seconds at a time. Apply pressure slowly, press for 3-5 seconds, and release quickly. Be cautious not to press too hard, as it may cause damage to your skin or muscle tissue.
Press and Sleep: Acupoints for Insomnia Relief
Let's take a look at the acupoints that can help you fall asleep quickly when you can't sleep.
Two acupoints for falling asleep: "Anmian" and "Tianzhu"
The most effective acupoint for insomnia is called "Anmian," also known as the "depression of the skull."
This point is located in the indentation below the protrusion on the back of your head. Be careful not to accidentally press this point while resting your head against the backrest of a chair during desk work, as it may make you drowsy.
The other point, "Tianzhu," is located next to the "depression of the skull," about the width of your thumb away.
Acupoints to relieve tension: "Neiguan" and "Daling"
To alleviate anxiety, worry, or tension, we recommend the Neiguan and Daling acupoints. Shallow breathing often occurs when you are tense, so it's important to breathe deeply and exhale completely while pressing these points.
"Neiguan" is located on the inner side of your forearm, about three finger widths from your wrist crease. Pressing this point can help calm your mind and alleviate anxiety.
"Daling" is located on the palm side of your wrist crease, between the two tendons. Pressing this point can help relieve stress and tension.
For times when you're irritated and can't sleep - "Danchu"
To control your emotions and concentrate your "qi," try the "Danchu" point.
It helps stabilize your mood and ease irritability.
It's located at the center of your chest, at the same height as your nipples.
Recommended acupoints for when your legs are tired and you can't sleep - "Ashi no Sanri " and "Youlingquan "
Overexhaustion can be a cause of sleepless nights, especially when your legs are tired and sore from standing all day. Pressing these acupoints effectively can greatly improve your sleep quality.
"Ashi no Sanri " is not only a point for promoting leg health but also an all-purpose acupoint that aids in digestion and absorption. It's located four finger widths below the knee and two finger widths to the outside. Matsuo Basho, a famous poet, is said to have applied moxibustion to this point before starting a journey, making it one of the most well-known acupoints.
"Youlingquan " is also quite pleasant. It smooths the flow of meridians, promotes "qi" circulation, increases blood flow below the knee, and relieves tension. It's located in the hollow just below the protruding bone on the outer side of the lower leg.
Caution: Acupoints to help you feel more alert?avoid pressing these before sleep!
Next, let's introduce the acupoints recommended for when you're struggling with concentration due to daytime sleep deprivation.
Avoid pressing these points before going to bed.
Acupoints for sleep deprivation: "Doushiryou" and "Baihui"
Of course, to combat sleep deprivation, it's best to get good quality sleep. However, there are times when that's not possible. The acupoints "Doushiryou" at the outer corner of the eyes and "Baihui" on the top of the head are recommended for when you want to feel more alert.
Gently press the area just next to the outer corner of your eyes, about half a thumb's width away. You should feel your eyes opening up.
The top of the head, at the center position where lines connecting the tops of both ears intersect. It will help clear your head.
Acupoints for increasing concentration: "Zhongji" and "Bishou"
"Zhongji" improves blood circulation and stimulates the brain, while "Bishou" stimulates the head and aids in mental focus. Press these points when you feel your concentration is lacking, regardless of sleep deprivation, to help stimulate your brain.
It might be a bit difficult to locate on a "New Gundam." It's the area marked by the white circle, located about four thumb widths below the navel.
Bishou is located on the head, near the hairline. Indeed, even Furuhata Ninzaburo presses this point with two fingers while thinking.
Conclusion: A secret technique to enhance the effects of acupressure
We've introduced acupoints for better sleep and those to help you feel more alert.
However, it can be difficult to find the time to press these points, or you might forget their exact locations when you're outside. In such cases, using small therapeutic magnets is recommended.
When placed precisely on the correct acupoint, small therapeutic magnets stay in place for a long time. They are more likely to come off if placed slightly off the mark or on a less effective area. In particular, they stick very well on the "Leg's Ashi no Sanri".
Of course, the magnets' magnetic force helps promote blood circulation, but the main reason I recommend small therapeutic magnets is that the magnet's firmness allows you to apply effective stimulation to the acupoint with minimal effort when you think about pressing it. Pressing acupoints requires a certain amount of force, and it can be bothersome when you're tired. But with small therapeutic magnets in place, massaging becomes much easier.
