- Influence on mental health: sleep deprivation can affect mood, memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.
- Risk of chronic diseases: sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Compromised immune system: sleep helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body from diseases. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of diseases.
- Development of insomnia: sleep deprivation can lead to the development of insomnia, a sleep disorder that can negatively impact physical and mental health.
- "Efficacy of Acupressure for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure for treating anxiety.
- "Acupressure for Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in The Journal of Headache and Pain evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure for treating headache.
- "Acupressure for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in Sleep Medicine Reviews evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure for treating insomnia.
Sleep: a treasure to preserve
Sleep is very important for overall health. Sleep is an essential biological process that helps maintain physical and mental health. When you sleep, your body rests and regenerates, and the body is able to face daily activities with more energy and concentration.
According to scientific research, sleep deprivation can have negative effects on health, including:
This information is supported by many scientific sources, including articles published in medical journals and research funded by public and private institutions.
For example, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) publish research and advice for healthy sleep. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) also funds research on sleep and sleep disorders.
Therefore, improving our sleep quality is essential for living well, and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with acupuncture. If you are undergoing acupuncture treatment for your physical and mental well-being and want to enhance it at home, or if you have not yet seen an acupuncturist but want to rediscover the pleasure of relaxing and sleeping better, you can try acupressure, which is a massage on specific points that will allow you to discover the benefits of this technique.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is a technique derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which dates back more than 2,000 years and is based on the philosophy that the human body is governed by a flow of vital energy called Qi. Qi is considered the vital force that fuels the body and keeps it healthy. Physical or mental disorders are caused by a blockage or alteration of the flow of Qi through meridians (the energy channels that run through the body).
How acupressure influences the circulation of energy
Acupressure is a technique that involves applying finger pressure with a massage on specific points to promote the flow of Qi (energy). The pressure on the acupressure points helps to release blockages and restore the flow of Qi to balance, which in turn helps to reduce disorders and improve overall health.
The acupressure of the points I will describe is very helpful for promoting relaxation and well-being. Pressure on specific points is a non-invasive and completely painless technique that can help improve blood circulation, relax muscles, balance hormonal systems, and rebalance the body's energy systems.
The medical literature shows that acupressure is effective in treating many common disorders, including pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Here are some interesting publications about acupressure:
The Points of the Inner Peace Triad
The point PC6 (Pericardium 6) is located on the inner part of the wrist, two fingers below the base of the palm, between the flexor tendons of the hand and forearm, and is used to treat disorders such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and abdominal pain. The PC6 point is also considered a very powerful point for relaxation and stress reduction.
The point HT7 (Heart 7) is located in the groove below the thumb, halfway between the wrist bone and the base of the palm, located on the wrist, and is a very important point in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to treat disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, and cardiovascular pain. This point is also considered very effective for relaxation, stress reduction, and inducing sleep.
The point LU9 (Lung 9) is located on the upper part of the wrist, two fingers above the base of the palm, it is at the base of the thumb and is used to treat disorders such as shoulder pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. This point is also considered very helpful for relaxation and stress reduction, as it helps calm the mind and relax the body.
Are you ready to practice "inner peace"?
You can do it before going to bed or any time of the day especially when you feel nervous and agitated.
Choose a quiet and comfortable place and find a position where your wrists are resting on a surface, with the opposite hand start massaging one of the three points with one or two fingers in circular motions or simply pressing with moderate force for 30 seconds, acupressure should be comfortable and not painful. While treating the point, close your eyes and, counting slowly to 30, breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on relaxing the body and the sensation of pressure. When finished, move to the next point, and when you have completed all three, move to the other wrist.
Repeat the treatment for a few days or a week for best results.
It is a simple and accessible technique that you can perform in just 3 minutes but will be of great help in improving your physical and mental well-being at any time in your life.
Try it to believe it!