For men who have trouble falling asleep, acupressure may be all you need. This form of Chinese medicine dates back to 282 A.D. and works by stimulating points on the body with pressure and/or massage. Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles, acupressure is considered non-invasive.
Acupressure points to try
You have nothing to lose and sleep to gain by trying these pressure points. Try pressing and holding for up to 3 minutes at a time.
- Yin Tang
Location: Above the nose, centered between the eyebrows
- LV3
Location: Where the skin of the big toe and second toe connect
- SP6
Location: On the inside of the leg, start at the top of the ankle and measure four finger-widths up the leg. Apply firm pressure behind the bone above the ankle.
Warning: This acupressure point should not be used by pregnant women as it can induce labor.
- HT7
Location: The underside of the wrist on the side closest to the pinky, below the crease when you bend your hand toward you (palm up)
- An Mian
Location: Just beyond the bony protrusion behind each ear
The idea behind acupressure
The concept of acupressure is based on the idea that Qi (pronounced “chi”) circulates throughout the body in meridian paths. Practitioners believe that blocked meridians lead to imbalances in the flow of Qi.
Each pressure point has a corresponding number and organ.
Results
In 2017, a study of 112 people with insomnia found that while sleeping medication and acupuncture both led to significant improvements in sleep after 1 month, the acupuncture was more effective. (Acupuncture and acupressure rely on the same general principles.)
Although sleeping pills help some people, they don’t work for others. In addition, some sleeping medications can have side effects. Acupressure is very safe and some may even be covered by insurance. Be sure to disclose all health issues before you try acupressure.
