Acupuncture Points To Cure Insomnia

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese practice which employs needles to stimulate specific points, is a common alternative therapy for insomnia. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are believed to lie along pathways called "meridians" which connect different parts of the body, and each point affects many symptoms and systems. According to Yin Yang House, an acupuncture center in Chatanooga, Tennessee, there are a number of points most commonly used to treat insomnia.

The Spirit Gate

The Spirit Gate point, known in Chinese as "Shen Men," is located on the inside of the wrist crease. Find the spot in line with your pinky finger, where the bones of your arm and wrist meet. Acupuncturists commonly use this point to treat insomnia, as well as emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety or muddled thinking. The Spirit Gate is on the heart meridian, and according to traditional Chinese Medicine, can also be effectively used to treat problems with the heart and blood.

The Inner Pass

Stimulating the Inner Pass pressure point causes the chest to open and relax, relieving mania, nervousness and stress in addition to insomnia. In Chinese, this point on the pericardium meridian is called "Nei Guan." It is located two and a half finger widths up from the wrist crease, in the middle of the inner arm. Acupuncturists also commonly use this point to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Great Surge

Find the Great Surge, or "Tai Chong," at the depression at the top of the foot, where the first and second metatarsal bones meet. These are the bones that connect to the big toe and second toe. The Great Surge is on the liver meridian, and is used to treat a diverse range of health symptoms, including canker sores, menstrual irregularities, and digestive issues. According to Yin Yang House, acupuncture or acupressure performed at this point has a calming effect. In addition to treating insomnia, this point is useful in the treatment of anger, irritability and anxiety.

Yellow Emperor

Known as "Gong Sun" in Chinese, the Yellow Emperor is found on the inside of the foot, between the sole and the top of the foot. The pressure point is located at the depression just under the first metatarsal bone. Acupuncturists use this point to treat insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety. It may also be used to address issues including intestinal pain, gynecological and abdominal symptoms and pain of the chest or heart.

Three Yin Intersection

Three Yin intersection, or "Sanyinjiao," is located on the inside of the lower leg, on the edge of the inner shin bone. Yin Yang House advises that this point should not be used during pregnancy, unless it is intentionally used to speed up difficult labor. Like Gong Sun, the Three Yin Intersection is on the spleen meridian, and acupuncturists may use it to treat anxiety-related issues, including insomnia. Some of the other symptoms this point relieves may include male sexual issues, menstrual problems, dizziness and hypertension.