ACUPRESSURE: TREATMENT FOR INSOMNIA

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Today I propose another article of the series on traditional Chinese medicine, in particular on acupressure; addressing various more or less common pathologies. This wonderful technique used correctly could give relief to many diseases caused by our incorrect way of living in this modern society. In this article we will talk about insomnia, unfortunately a very widespread pathology in our modern society.  For a more conscious use and to follow the topic more easily I recommend you read the first of the past articles.  Acupressure: Meridians, treatments and precautions .

INSOMNIA: The term is used in the plural because there are various types of insomnia. There is the insomnia of those who have a hard time falling asleep, that of those who wake up at night and that of those who wake up too early in the morning, with the tendency to fall back asleep when it is time to get up. The causes can be various such as pain, poor digestion, a state of anxiety or depression. It will therefore be the therapist's task to precisely identify the type of insomnia in order to establish the most suitable treatment.

Brief introduction to point treatment

Points that are painful to press are judged to be areas where excessive energy has accumulated.
Points that feel pleasant to press are judged to be areas where there is a lack of  energy.  Acupressure points are generally treated bilaterally.
When there is excessive energy, apply deeper pressure and hold until the excess energy disperses.  When there is a lack of energy, apply moderate pressure, use the flat part of the thumb, and hold to draw blood and Qi to the area. (approximately 3 minutes).

The first point is the most important one to always use first.

GB 20:  Between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid.  

• Opens the orifices
•  Calm the Spirit
•  Treats head and neck pathologies
•  It cures headache, neck pain and stiff neck.
• It eliminates wind and cold and treats common colds, dizziness and eye disorders.

PC6:  2 cùn above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis muscles.

• Calm the Spirit
• Drains the Liver
• It cures irritability, insomnia, depression, cardialgia, angina pectoris
• It cures vertigo, hemiparesis, hysteria, migraine and jaundice
• It treats vomiting, hiccups, nausea, acute and chronic gastritis, dyspnea.
• Tonifies the Heart Qi

CV 24.5: Between the eyebrows.

• It calms the spirit and the mind.

KI 1:  Placed on the sole of the foot between the front pads between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal
– Nourishes the YIN
– Calms the mind.

The Kidney 1 acupuncture point   is known to have both invigorating and calming benefits, stimulation of this point once a week will have long-lasting beneficial effects. It may take some time before these effects are noticeable, but constant stimulation of this point will inevitably strengthen the body!

Acupuncturists traditionally use Kidney  1  to treat the following conditions: lower back pain, high blood pressure, convulsions, headaches, sore and tight throat, dizziness, dry tongue, blurred vision, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, infertility, hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, and visual disturbances.

KI 6:  Located under the tip of the tibial malleolus

• It affects the cervical, nuchal and thoraco-diaphragmatic areas
• Tonifies the Kidney YIN and Jing, Calms the Spirit agitated by YIN deficiency.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.