Good sleep is crucial but difficult to come by for many. With the hustle and bustle of  our busy full lives, we tend to be highly stimulated leaving our minds over-active, over-energized, and over-excited. This leaves us  having difficulty shutting off  making it more difficult to fall asleep. However, there are things that we can do to induce sleep.

One of the best methods to induce sleep is acupressure. Deriving from the ancient medical art of acupuncture, acupressure embodies deep healing properties that stimulates relaxation and promotes overall wellness. Through the use of applying finger pressure, acupressure enhances the body’s life force and Qi energy levels. As a result, it effectively improves circulation, reduces  pain, releases endorphins and serotonin, and induces restful sleep.

In a recent study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional Western Medicine, patients who received acupressure treatment experienced a significant decrease in clinical symptoms of sleep apnea. Further studies have also found that acupressure has benefited nearly 90% of patients from a near complete relief of insomnia. As a result, acupressure not only helps to restore balance within the body but provides better, deeper, and more restful sleep.

Interested in trying this simple art form? Try these three easy peezy super sleepy acupressure massage techniques in the comfort of your own home.  

3 Essential Acupressure Points to Promote Restful Sleep

An Mian: Positioned on the back of your head, An Mian, is found in a little dip where your neck meets your skull on either side of your spine, about ½ – 1 inch behind the bottom of your ear lobes. Translated to ““Peaceful Sleep”, An Mian is the only direct sleep-related pressure point located on the head. It is commonly used to relieve insomnia, stress, and exhaustion.

To stimulate this point, relax your shoulders and close your eyes. Using both your thumbs, firmly press into the depression and gently rub in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. The area is typically sensitive and tender – be careful not to hurt yourself. You will begin to feel tension drift away and more relaxed.

Nei Guan: Nei Guan, also known as the Inner Gate or Spirit Gate is an effective pressure point. It is used to relieve sleep problems created by over excitement and emotional distress.

Nei Guan  is found  in  the dip between the two tendons about 2 inches or 3 finger breadths above your wrist crease. In a circular fashion, gently press and rub into the dip. Relax your shoulders and close your eyes. Stimulating Nei Guan should be ideally done laying down – this will induce inner calmness and help you sleep.

Yin Tang: or “Hall of Impression”) (just below your Third Eye is the most effective pressure point for treating insomnia. It’s power and versatility is known to not only relieve sinus pain and congestion but also induce relaxation, alleviate stress, and ease anxious minds. Located directly between the eyebrows where the bridge of your nose meets the forehead,  Yin Tang  stimulates spiritual and emotional balance.

To stimulate Yin Tang, relax your shoulders, close your eyes, and rest the  knuckle of your index finger on the point. Breathe deeply as you apply a light pressure using your knuckle and  circular motion  to the point as you are lying down for bed. Stimulating Yin Tang  will soothe your mind and provide clarity.

To learn more, check out my live Easy Peezy Super Sleepy Acupressure Massage video.