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
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.
Acu-point Heart-7
The spirit gate point, the seventh acu-point along the heart meridian, is often used to treat insomnia and can help you get ready for sleep.
Heart-7 is located at the crease on the outer wrist, just below the little finger. Feel for a small hollow space underneath the wrist and apply gentle pressure in a circular movement for around 2 minutes. You can also guide your thumb up and down. Let the day go as you massage, do the same for the other side.
Acu-Point Kidney-3
This acu-point of the Kidney meridian influences the Water element and can have a very calming effect on our emotions.
Also called the Supreme Stream, it is located behind the inner ankle. From the tip of the ankle move your finger backwards until you are in the deep hollow between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Feel for a tender spot and apply some pressure for around 2 minutes with your thumbs.
You can apply that self acupressure massage as is or combine it with a Yin Yoga practice.
If you like to explore acupressure with Yin Yoga, this
free ACU-Yin Yoga mini-course
might be for you!
Give your nervous system a rest with three short Acu-Yin Yoga flows, delivered to your inbox along with some information on the class, intention and acupressure point used.
Take good care of your sleep, it is vital for our health and wellbeing.
Simone x