Insomnia Relief

Meridian Abbreviations GV          Governing Vessel GB          Gall Bladder B             Bladder P             Pericardium H             Heart CV          Conception Vessel K             Kidney

I have highlighted in yellow my favorite points for relieving insomnia. You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective. You can hold more than 1 point at a time. For example, I find it easy & comfortable to hold GB20 & B10 (B & C) on both sides (4 points) simultaneously using my index and middle fingers. How to begin:  Breathe. Inhale Deeply. Exhale. Relax. Enjoy. Repeat. Locate the point that you wish to work.  Using your fingers, start with gentle pressure and gradually apply more as tolerated. You may choose to hold the point with a steady pressure, or you may massage the point. Work each point for a minimum of 1-2 minutes. Points (A) -- Wind Mansion (GV16) Location: In the center of the back of the head in a large hollow under the base of the skull. Benefits: Relieves insomnia as well as mental stress. Points (B) - Gates of Consciousness (GB20) Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large vertical neck muscles, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head. Benefits: Relieves arthritis, headaches, and neck pain that causes insomnia. Points (C) -- Heavenly Pillar (B10) Location: One-half inch below the base of the skull on the ropy muscles located one-half inch outward from the spine. Benefits: Relieves insomnia, stress, burnout, and exhaustion. Points (D) -- Vital Diaphragm (B38) Location: Between the shoulder blades and the spine at heart level. Benefits: This upper back point relieves insomnia, and calms high emotions such as anxiety, which can inhibit sleep. Points (E) -- Inner Gate (P6) Location: In the middle of the inner side of the forearm, two and one-half finger widths from the wrist crease. Benefits: Relieves insomnia and several other common complaints that can keep one from sleeping, such as anxiety, palpitations, nausea, and indigestion. Points (F) -- Spirit Gate (H7) Location: On the inside of the wrist crease, in line with the little finger . Benefits: Relieves anxiety, cold sweats, and insomnia due to over excitement. Points (G) -- Third Eye Point (GV24) Location: Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead. Benefits: Relaxes the central nervous system for relieving anxiety and insomnia. Points (H) -- Sea of Tranquility (CV17) Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone. Benefits: Relieves nervousness, chest congestion, and the anxiety that causes insomnia. Points (I) -- Calm Sleep (B62) Location: In the first indentation directly below the outer anklebone. Benefits: Relieves insomnia and the back pain that makes it difficult to sleep. Points (J) -- Joyful Sleep (K6) Location: Directly below the inside of the anklebone in a slight indentation. Benefits: Relieves insomnia, heel and ankle pain, hypertension and anxiety.

Sources: Basic Acupressure Extraordinary Channels and Points, Michael Reed Gach, PhD

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