Through sleeping, you recharge your human battery after long, hard days. A good night’s sleep is not just for unwinding and relaxation, it is a necessity for all your body functions. It enhances perception, intellect, and concentration. It also improves immunity, lessens inflammation, and prevents depression. The cells, tissues, and muscles of the body recuperate and are renewed when we sleep.
Yet, there are numerous sleep problems of various severities that decrease sleeping hours or can even lead to insomnia. Although using a good mattress topper can help reduce various severities but only temporarily. Luckily acupressure- an alternative medicine technique originating in China- has enlightened people on pressure points of the body. When tapping into such areas using your thumb, you will enjoy soothing effects that result in a well-rested sleep. Here is a list of 6 pressure points that help in sleeping.
Pericardium 6 (P6)
The location of this pressure point is at the breadth of three fingers beneath the wrist on the inner forearm residing between its two tendons. P6 is characterized by its soothing effect on the stomach by decreasing your feeling of motion sickness, upset stomach, and nausea.
Feeling nauseous is common throughout the day, but having nighttime nausea can certainly be annoying when you need to sleep. This is how P6 comes into play by working to relax the stomach muscles to lessen such irritating feelings.
Kidney 3 (KD 3)
Kidney 3 or KD 3 for short is a pressure point located just above the Achilles heel and on the inner part of the foot. This point of pressure has a regulatory function that benefits people with blood pressure problems. It also helps with insomnia— a huge sleep disorder that many suffer from.
In this modern world, the industry of mattresses has evolved to address sleep issues, pressure points included. For instance, the Leesa has grown in popularity in the mattresses market; it specializes in targeting pressure points such as KD 3 to relieve body aches and pains. This will help you get uninterrupted, comfy sleep time, and lessen the insomniac toll.
Heart 7 (HT7)
It is one of the most well-known acupressure points in the body. It is located right in the wrist, just under the bottom of the palm. It undoubtedly functions as a regulator of heart rate and blood pressure. It also helps to address symptoms related to emotional issues that hinder sleep, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and palpitations of the heart.
When suffering from anxiety, a person can face serious difficulties while trying to sleep. Consequently, by focusing on massaging the HT7 pressure point, you can relieve some of that anxiety gradually, and then you can begin to have better sleep.
Spleen 6 (SP 6)
Spleen 6 pressure point is inside your leg at the highest peak of your ankle. It is useful when dealing with pelvic problems, menstrual pain, and insomnia. It also helps to deal with body fatigue, which then becomes relaxed.
Ideally, this boosts the duration of sleep. To ensure the effects settle in your body, use it as a therapy for frequent times throughout the week.
Conception Vessel 17 (CV 17)
CV 17 is located at the center of the sternum- the chest bone. This pressure point helps ease breathing, especially with people who suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, shortness or tightness of breath.
It is worth mentioning that pressing in that area gently relieves anxiety attacks and calms an accelerated heart rate.
Large Intestine 4 (LI 4)
This pressure point is located in the center between the eyebrows, right above the nose. It plays a significant role in relieving neck pain and headaches. It works to reduce stress, which lies at the core of all health problems.
It is not advisable to massage in that area in case of pregnancy because it may probably lead to labor. LI 4 is like a magical painkiller; it is good when you feel pain almost everywhere in your upper body. For instance, it helps deal with aches in the neck, head, and shoulders.
Sleeping has mental, emotional, and most of all, physical effects on our bodies. Getting the right amount of sleep is the key to a healthy life. But numerous hindrances make people restless and insomniac. Fortunately, alternative medicine always has the answer.
Through therapy by regularly massaging pressure points of the body, you can enjoy a night of undisturbed, deep sleep. With the previous guide, you can now know the function and location of pressure points. Determine your needs and start the therapeutic journey.