Which acupoints should be pressed for insomnia?

Why do people experience insomnia? Insomnia itself has many underlying causes—such as deficiency of Heart-Qi, dual deficiency of the Heart and Spleen, or general Qi and Blood insufficiency—all of which can contribute to sleep disturbances. Consequently, many individuals resort to medication specifically for this condition. So, which acupoints should be stimulated for insomnia?

Which Acupoints Should Be Stimulated for Insomnia?

If you suffer from insomnia, you may regularly massage acupoints such as Shenmen (HT7), Neiguan (PC6), and Yintang. Shenmen is the Source (Yuan) point of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian, located on the medial side of the wrist crease—specifically, at the ulnar (little-finger) side of the wrist crease. Typically, it is massaged clockwise 20 times per session. Neiguan is a point on the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, situated between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles, two cun (approximately 2 inches) proximal to the distal wrist crease. It is commonly massaged clockwise 20–30 times per session. Yintang lies at the midpoint between the eyebrows and is also typically massaged clockwise 20 times per session.

Insomnia is associated with numerous factors—including environmental influences, emotional fluctuations, and external stimuli—requiring a comprehensive approach to management. This includes optimizing lifestyle, dietary habits, and sleep hygiene. Individuals with mild insomnia may achieve rapid sleep onset through acupoint massage and pressure, whereas those with more severe insomnia may require pharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality. In most cases, however, patients can effectively alleviate and treat insomnia using integrated therapeutic strategies.

If you notice symptoms suggestive of illness in daily life, seek timely medical evaluation and actively cooperate with your healthcare provider’s treatment plan. We hope this information proves helpful to you.