Acupressure for Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

Acupressure Points K 6 & B 62

These points, on the inner and outer sides of your ankles on both feet, have traditionally been used to both relieve and prevent insomnia. Holding these points for a minute or two, within your thumbs on one side and your fingers on the other, has a remarkably calming effect.

Point Names & Locations

The Acupressure point K 6 is called Joyful Sleep. It’s found on the inside of your ankle, about one thumb-width below your inner anklebone, in a slight groove or hollow.

The point B 62 is called Calm Sleep. It’s on the outside of your heel, in the first indentation directly below your outer anklebone.

Holding the Ankle Points

Can you guess what to do to obtain calm, joyful sleep? Just hold these two Acupressure points, while taking deep breaths, for a few minutes before you go to bed. In a sitting position, put your left ankle on your right knee, and press both points by placing your thumb on one side and your fingertips on the other side of your ankle. Then switch and hold the points on the other foot.

Causes of Insomnia

The inability to get to sleep, or stay asleep, can be caused by emotional distress, post traumatic stress, noise, jet lag, sexual frustration, medication side effects, drinking caffeine, or overeating before bedtime.

Acupressure Sleep Points for All Ages

These calming points enable your body to relax deeply for a good night’s sleep and can also relieve pain from the waist down. This Acupressure technique and the following tips are easy to learn and can help anyone at any age. You can use them yourself and also teach them to your children.

4 Useful Tips for Getting to Sleep Naturally

Gentle Stretching

Before you try to go to sleep, gently stretch your arms, legs, do side-to-side bends, and massage your shoulders and neck. Be sure to not strain yourself, and breathe deeply through your nose as you do all of these stretches slowly.

Eye Stretches

With your eyes open, move your eyes slowly in a large circle, three times in each direction. Repeat this slow eye rotation with your eyes closed while breathing deeply. You can also move your eyes from upper left to lower right, then upper right to lower left, in a criss-cross pattern. End by stretching your arms up and back as you take a few deep breaths.

Induce Yawning

Purposely make and exaggerate several yawns, as you stretch your arms and legs. Deep yawning release your diaphragmatic muscles, and relieves your parasympathetic nervous system, which can naturally relax your whole body.

Deeply Relax

Nestle comfortably into a very relaxed position. Once you find a position that is super comfortable, let your body deeply relax. Stay still in that position as you take several slow, deep breaths as you enjoy relaxing. Focus on taking slower and deeper breaths. Breathing deeply is an important component for getting to sleep. Pay attention to the depth of your breath instead of counting sheep. Let yourself completely relax.