If you’ve been lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep, you’re not alone. Many people find that sleep becomes more elusive as they get older. But before reaching for medication, try this gentle, natural technique: tapping specific points on your body. This simple practice, rooted in traditional acupressure, can help calm your mind and signal your body that it’s time to rest.
Why Tapping Works
Tapping or gently pressing certain points on your body helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and rest. It’s a safe, drug-free way to ease anxiety, slow down racing thoughts, and prepare your body for deep sleep.
The 3 Points to Tap for Better Sleep
Point 1: The “Third Eye” (Yintang)
Located between your eyebrows, right where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead. This point is known for calming the mind and relieving tension.
How to tap: Use your index or middle finger to gently tap or press this point in a slow, rhythmic manner for 30 seconds. Breathe deeply as you do.
Point 2: The “Heart 7” (Shenmen)
Located on the inner wrist, in the small hollow just below the base of your little finger. This point is traditionally used to calm the heart and mind, making it easier to let go of the day’s worries.
How to tap: Rest your hand palm up. Use your opposite thumb to gently press or tap this point for 30 seconds on each wrist.
Point 3: The “Spleen 6” (Sanyinjiao)
Located on the inside of your lower leg, about four finger-widths above the ankle bone, just behind the shinbone. This point is known for promoting relaxation and helping with sleep disturbances.
How to tap: Sit comfortably and cross your leg. Use your fingers to gently tap or press this point on both legs for 30 seconds each.
How to Make It a Bedtime Ritual
- Get into bed, turn off the lights, and take a few deep breaths.
- Starting with the third eye point, tap gently for 30 seconds.
- Move to the Heart 7 point on both wrists.
- Finish with the Spleen 6 point on both legs.
- Close your eyes and breathe slowly. You may feel your body beginning to relax.
What to Expect
Many people feel a sense of calm and drowsiness within a few minutes of tapping. Some fall asleep during the practice itself. For others, it takes a few nights of consistent practice before the full effect is felt.
Important Tips
- Tap gently – you should feel a light pressure, not pain.
- Breathe slowly throughout the practice.
- Be consistent – the more you practice, the more effective it becomes.
- If you have a medical condition or are on blood thinners, consult your doctor before applying pressure to any points.
A Gentle Reminder
Sleep is a natural process, and sometimes the simplest techniques can help you rediscover it. Tapping these three points is a gentle, comforting way to ease yourself into rest. Give it a try tonight—your body will thank you.
To continue improving your well-being, check out this famous aspirin face mask or read about what happened when my husband declared “this house is mine” and when my daughter texted me from outside the bank.
