Gina Johnson
Pressure points are spots on the body that correspond to the acupressure points used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is a relatively new subject of scientific research, but studies suggest that it may be a safe way to get more or better sleep. Stimulating pressure points may help to reduce respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, which often interrupt sleep. It’s also associated with reducing stress and calming the mind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pressure points for sleep | Yin tang, above the bridge of the nose and between the eyes |
| Behind the ears | |
| On the forehead | |
| Around the feet and ankles | |
| Arms | |
| How to use them | Apply even, deep pressure and rub the pressure points in a circular or up-and-down motion |
| For the yin tang pressure point, apply manual pressure in 5-second increments | |
| For areas of the body like your feet or arms, you can do this for 20 to 30 seconds | |
| Benefits | May help with insomnia, restlessness, and irritability |
| May help reduce respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, which often interrupt sleep | |
| Associated with reducing stress and calming the mind |
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What You'll Learn
Pressure points for sleep
Proponents of acupressure therapy claim there are numerous pressure points that can help a person sleep. These include locations behind the ears, on the forehead, and around the feet and ankles.
The most common pressure point for sleep is the yin tang, which is located above the bridge of the nose and between the eyes. To apply pressure to this point, use your hand to apply even, deep pressure in 5-second increments.
Other pressure points that can help with sleep include the points on the body that are related to reducing respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, which often interrupt sleep. These points are also associated with reducing stress and calming the mind.
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Yin tang pressure point
Pressure points are spots on the body that correspond to the acupressure points used in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners believe these pressure points are each related to different flows of energy within the body. One of these pressure points is the Yin Tang point, which is located between the eyebrows, above the bridge of the nose. It is also known as the Hall of Impression, Extra-1, and EX-HN3. Applying pressure to the Yin Tang point may help with insomnia, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. To use this pressure point, apply gentle but firm pressure with the hand, fingers, fist, or a massager. You can lightly rub the Yin Tang with your thumb or finger for several minutes to try relieving stress on your own. For the Yin Tang sleep pressure point, apply manual pressure in 5-second increments.
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Acupressure therapy
There are several pressure points that can help a person sleep, including locations behind the ears, on the forehead, and around the feet and ankles. The yin tang pressure point, for example, is easy to engage yourself using your hands. Applying pressure to this point may help with insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. To use a pressure point, apply gentle but firm pressure with the hand, fingers, fist, or a massager. Some people incorporate acupressure into a soothing massage.
Acupressure has been around for thousands of years, but experts have only recently started to evaluate its effectiveness as a medical treatment. While most of the existing studies are small, their results are promising. For example, a 2010 study found that sleep quality improved for participants in long-term care facilities who had trouble sleeping after five weeks of acupressure treatment. The benefits lasted for up to two weeks after they stopped receiving treatment.
If you are manually stimulating pressure points to help you sleep, be sure to use proper form. Apply even, deep pressure and rub the pressure points in a circular or up-and-down motion. For areas of the body like your feet or arms, you can do this for 20 to 30 seconds. For the yin tang sleep pressure point, apply manual pressure in 5-second increments.
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Manual stimulation of pressure points
Pressure points are spots on the body that correspond to the acupressure points used in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners believe that these pressure points are related to different flows of energy within the body.
Other pressure points that can be manually stimulated to help sleep include locations behind the ears, on the forehead, and around the feet and ankles. To use a pressure point, apply gentle but firm pressure with the hand, fingers, fist, or a massager. Some people incorporate acupressure into a soothing massage. For areas of the body like your feet or arms, you can apply pressure in a circular or up-and-down motion for 20 to 30 seconds.
Stimulating pressure points may help to reduce respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, which often interrupt sleep. It’s also associated with reducing stress and calming the mind. A 2010 study found that sleep quality improved after five weeks of acupressure treatment. The benefits lasted for up to two weeks after the treatment stopped.
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Acupressure and sleep studies
Acupressure is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to help with different healing treatments, including helping you sleep more easily. It is believed that these pressure points are related to different flows of energy within the body.
Proponents of acupressure therapy claim there are numerous pressure points that can help a person sleep. These include locations behind the ears, on the forehead, and around the feet and ankles.
To use a pressure point, apply gentle but firm pressure with the hand, fingers, fist, or a massager. Some people incorporate acupressure into a soothing massage. If you opt to manually stimulate pressure points to help you sleep, be sure to use proper form. Apply even, deep pressure and rub the pressure points in a circular or up-and-down motion. For areas of the body like your feet or arms, you can do this for 20 to 30 seconds.
While most of the existing studies about acupressure and sleep are small, their results are promising. For example, a 2010 study involved 25 participants in long-term care facilities who had trouble sleeping. Their sleep quality improved after five weeks of acupressure treatment. The benefits lasted for up to two weeks after they stopped receiving treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Applying pressure to certain points on the body can help to clear blockages from energy pathways, which can help with sleep.
This is called acupressure therapy, which is a component of traditional Chinese medicine.
You can use your hand, fingers, fist, or a massager to apply gentle but firm pressure in a circular or up-and-down motion.
Pressure points for sleep include locations behind the ears, on the forehead, and around the feet and ankles.
For areas of the body like your feet or arms, you can apply pressure for 20 to 30 seconds. For the yin tang sleep pressure point, apply manual pressure in 5-second increments.
