Acupressure for a Good Night's Sleep

Tutorial on acupressure to promote sleep in the treatment of insomnia related to schedule changes

Demonstration by Olivier Roy, acupuncturist, of acupressure treatment on the meeting point between yin and yang Qiao Mai (Yin and Yang Heel Vessels), the extraordinary meridians—also called the eight extraordinary vessels—responsible for regulating circadian cycles; the transitions between wakefulness and sleep, and the cycles and ratio of activity versus rest.

Extraordinary Meridian Yin Qiao Mai

The point, located behind the lacrimal glands, is very close to the pineal gland, a gland that initiates and modulates several hormonal responses affecting the other endocrine glands of the human body. The stimulation consists of applying approximately 3 kg of pressure on the lacrimal glands using the thumb and ring finger, releasing while performing rotations, then repeating 10 to 15 times. It acts rapidly on sleep in many cases of insomnia related to schedule changes, habit changes, and jet lag. Often, people do not have time to reach 10 repetitions before sleep overtakes them completely. The same exercise can also be used to facilitate difficult awakenings in this same context of schedule changes.

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