š“ Sleep and Wellbeing
Sleep plays a vital role in our physical health, emotional wellbeing and ability to cope with daily life. However, many people experience difficulties with sleep at some point, whether thatās trouble falling asleep, waking during the night or not feeling refreshed in the morning. Stress, emotional strain, pain, hormonal changes and busy lifestyles can all affect our ability to rest well.
Acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used to support relaxation and overall wellbeing, which in turn may help promote healthier sleep patterns.
A Traditional Chinese Medicine View of Sleep
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, sleep difficulties are seen as a sign that the body is not fully settling or switching off. In TCM theory, this may be related to imbalances affecting systems such as the Heart, Liver, Spleen or Kidneys, often influenced by stress, overwork, emotional factors or long-term fatigue.
Rather than focusing solely on sleep itself, acupuncture looks at the whole person, including energy levels, stress, digestion, emotional wellbeing and physical comfort, to understand what may be preventing deep rest.
How Acupuncture May Support Better Sleep
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body. Many people find treatments deeply relaxing and report feeling calmer both during and after sessions.
Acupuncture is often used to help support sleep by:
Encouraging relaxation and calming the nervous system
Supporting emotional balance during times of stress or anxiety
Easing physical tension or discomfort that may interfere with rest
Helping the body move into a more restful state
Some people notice changes quite quickly, while for others improvements develop gradually over a series of treatments. Responses vary from person to person and treatment plans are always tailored to the individual.
Acupressure: Gentle Support at Home
Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture but uses gentle pressure instead of needles. It can be a useful self-care technique to support relaxation as part of an evening wind-down routine.
Commonly used acupressure points for rest and relaxation include:
Heart 7 (Shen Men)
Located on the inner wrist crease, in line with the little finger.
Traditionally used to calm the mind and support emotional ease.
Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan)
Located around three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm, between two tendons.
Often used to support relaxation during periods of stress.
Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao)
Located on the inner lower leg, approximately four finger-widths above the ankle bone.
Commonly used in TCM to support overall balance and wellbeing.
Apply gentle, steady pressure for 1ā2 minutes while breathing slowly and comfortably.
A Holistic Approach to Rest
Acupuncture and acupressure are often most effective when combined with supportive lifestyle choices such as regular sleep routines, stress management, gentle exercise and mindful breathing. At ZENĀ·6 I offer personalised advice to help support your overall wellbeing.
If you are experiencing ongoing sleep difficulties and are looking for a gentle, natural approach, acupuncture may be a helpful option to explore.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and is used to support general wellbeing. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If sleep problems persist, please consult your GP.