Promote healthy sleep through acupressure.
About 30 percent of adults experience insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. When you can't sleep, your first instinct may be to reach for a sleep aid. However, according to a study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, acupressure helps alleviate insomnia. Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure uses finger pressure to unblock the body's meridians or channels and promote health and well-being. Relieve insomnia by applying pressure to specific points on the foot, hand and head.
Instructions
1. Draw an imaginary line from both ankle bones to the sole of your foot. The "Shimien" or insomnia point is located where the lines intersect above the heel. Apply firm pressure with your index finger for two minutes.
2. Measure four fingers-width up, or approximately three inches, from the inside ankle bone. The point is located behind the shin bone. Apply firm pressure for one minute.
3. Hold your hand up, palm side facing towards you. Draw an imaginary line downwards from your little finger to the wrist crease, or the line you see when you bend your wrist back and forth. Find and gently press on the depression that you feel. This point is called the Spirit Gate. for two minutes.
4. Keep your hand up, palm side facing towards you. Measure 2 ½ inches from the wrist crease to the middle of your forearm. This point is called the Inner Gate. Apply pressure for two minutes.
5. Lay your hands on either side of your nose. Using your fingertips, find the small depression above your nose. The point is located between your eyebrows. Apply firm pressure for one minute.
6. Place your hands on either side of your head. Find the mastoid process behind each ear. The "Anmien" or "Peaceful Sleep" point is located beneath the mastoid process. Find the tender spot. Apply pressure for two minutes.
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