Leg Massage for Insomnia: A Simple Acupressure Technique

Having trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep? Here's an acupressure technique you can perform on yourself while you're lying in bed, using your feet. You don't even have to sit up, and it won't disturb your spouse. Applying pressure to the Spleen 6 point helps eliminate stress while you're awake, too.

Things You'll Need

• Acupressure chart (optional)
• Massage oil (optional)

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Instructions

How to Use Leg Massage for Insomnia

• 1

  Locate the "Spleen 6" point. From the inside ankle bone, trace upwards along the inside edge of the tibia (the large shin bone). About four finger-widths above the ankle bone, on the inside of the calf, there will be a spot that is especially tender.

• 2

  Stretch your left leg out straight and bend your right leg at the knee.

• 3

  Use your right heel to press on the Spleen 6 point on your left leg.

• 4

  Slide your right heel down to the inside ankle bone and back up again, hitting the Spleen 6 point as you pass by. Use as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate. After a few minutes of pressure, the tenderness should subside.

• 5

  Repeat by stretching out your right leg and using your left heel to massage the right leg's Spleen 6 point. When the tension has been released from both legs, you should easily fall asleep.