Pressure Points for Sleep: Acupressure Points & Technique

Acupressure on specific points may promote relaxation and sleep onset. Apply firm, steady pressure for 1–3 minutes per point, breathing deeply.

Key Points

1. Anmian (Extra) – "Peaceful Sleep": Behind earlobe, in depression between mastoid and mandible. Calms mind.
2. Yintang (EX-HN3) – "Third Eye": Midpoint between eyebrows. Relieves stress, headache, insomnia.
3. Shenmen (HT7) – "Spirit Gate": Ulnar wrist crease, radial to pisiform. Heart meridian; calms anxiety, palpitations.
4. Neiguan (PC6) – "Inner Gate": 3 finger-widths above wrist crease, between tendons. Reduces nausea, anxiety, insomnia.
5. Sanyinjiao (SP6) – "Three Yin Intersection": 4 finger-widths above medial malleolus, posterior to tibia. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Harmonizes spleen/liver/kidney; aids sleep.
6. Yongquan (KI1) – "Gushing Spring": Sole, depression at junction of anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3. Grounds energy; reduces agitation.
7. Baihui (GV20) – "Hundred Meetings": Vertex, midpoint of line connecting ear apices. Clears mind, lifts spirit.

Technique

• Use thumb or index finger pad.
• Pressure: "comfortable discomfort" (4–6/10).
• Circular motion or static hold.
• Bilateral for paired points.

Evidence & Caveats

• Small RCTs show benefit for insomnia; mechanism likely parasympathetic activation + placebo.
• Not a substitute for sleep hygiene, CBT-I, or medical evaluation of sleep apnea, RLS, etc.
• Avoid if: pregnancy (SP6, LI4), bleeding disorders, local infection/trauma.

Integrate into bedtime routine: dim lights, no screens, 10-min acupressure, consistent schedule.