Improve sleep with Acupressure

When I did my Shiatsu training, I was amazed at the different acupressure points on the body and how massaging them can help with certain ailments. I also love the space this provides for reflection on our life and thoughts, while you start to feel into the body, the texture of tissues underneath your hands. There are a few acupressure points I love to use, especially to wind down and prepare for sleep, which can be used by themselves or in conjunction with a soothing Yin Yoga practice at night.

Why should I try Acupressure?

According to Traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are channels or pathways through which our life force energy Qi flows. Meridians form a network, carrying the Qi to tissues and organs, nourishing our body. The flow of energy can be harmonious, stagnant or blocked. Unlike blood vessels, you cannot physically see meridians.

Research hypothesises that meridians might be found in our connective tissue (reference)

The flow of Qi can be influenced by pressure along the meridian lines (acupressure) or more specifically by needle insertion (acupuncture). Other techniques are tapping or long held stretches directed into the connective tissues such as done in Yin Yoga.

You can also apply acupressure on yourself and impact the energy in certain areas of your body. A wonderful tool to either use on its own or incorporate it into your Yin Yoga practice.

Acupressure massage to improve sleep

The Yin/Yang theory of Traditional Chinese medicine explains that for sleep to occur, the Yang energy of the day needs to gently fold into the Yin energies of nighttime.

There are several acupressure points described to help with sleep. I will focus on the two points that I regularly use. You can incorporate the acupressure massage into your Yin Yoga practice or use this tool on its own as a wind down practice.