Sleep Problems from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In this video we show the 3 acupuncture pointsused in acupuncture to improve sleep. Press this points 2 times a day with the AkuPen and you will sustainably improve your sleep behavior. A little patience required.

Sleep problems are very common and everyone who is affected by them knows how stressful it can be. In TCM it is usually the case that one always treats the root of an evil. If someone has sleep problems, we deviate from this strategy and treat the symptom first. For example, by symptomatically administering herbs that promote sleep, even though the problem may originate in an organ. But it is known that disturbed sleep weakens the body in such a way that the whole healing process is disturbed. A good sleep is very important for the regeneration of the organs.

We use the following acupuncture points:

Ki 06 - this is located on the inner ankle of the ankle joint, at the lower end.
! Be careful to press only lightly, as there is no subcutaneous fat here and the area is very sensitive. Light pressure is quite sufficient.
It is a wonderful "sleep point", which additionally strengthens our kidneys. The adrenal gland is the producer of stress hormones such as adrenaline or cortisol. Through this point we also lower the level of stress hormones in the body.

Ht 07 - calms and clears the mind.
This so-called "psycho point" is one of the most important acupuncture points that influence our emotions. Shen Men the name of the point means something like "Divine Gate". The name alone indicates its importance. It is one of several so-called "psycho points" which are all located on the inner wrist crease. These points are also used for anxiety complaints, nervousness.

Bl 10 - opens and clears the mind.
It is located at the back of the head, 2 finger widths from the midline at the hairline. Due to its location it also has a strong local effect, for example, for headaches.


In addition, we recommend you the following 7 tips for better sleep

Tip 1: Sufficient exercise. This allows us to easily switch off our mind. Even going for a walk can be enough. Endurance training is optimal because we have monotonous movement sequences and the mind can thus switch off.
The calming exercises of Qi Gong are also ideal because they calm the nervous system and provide a natural balance of the body's energies.

Tip 2: Cell phone, TV and tablet out. These items should not be in your bedroom. Screens emit blue-wave light, which, according to the latest research, negatively affects melatonin secretion and thus sleep.
As for the light, it would also be beneficial if it is as dark as possible in the bedroom.
Even turn your alarm clock around so you can't look at the display.

Tip 3: Don't eat too rich and fatty in the evening. When the organs have to digest at night, the body cannot rest. So eat as little as possible in the evening, and if you do, then something very light like rice and vegetables or soups.
Alcohol does not necessarily make sleep better either. Alcohol disrupts the deep sleep phases that normally repeat every 90 minutes. These phases are then less deep, as has been proven in the sleep laboratory, and as a result we are not really refreshed in the morning and feel tired.

Tip 4: When you really have a lot of things going through your mind, and of course they are very important, then we unconsciously refuse to turn off the head.
We believe that permanently brooding over a problem will bring something. But the solution usually comes in the breaks, when we manage to empty our heads. That's why it can be helpful to keep a diary where you write down your thoughts just before you go to sleep. This way you can be sure that you still know everything in the morning. Then consciously close this book and put it away. This way you can also let go of your thinking.
The next morning, you can get back to your problems.

Tip 5: Breathing exercises are a wonderfully simple way to relax the nervous system and thus fall asleep easily. You can simply practice deep abdominal breathing.
Belly in and out. There are also videos from us on Youtube.

For advanced students there is a special breathing exercise called 4-7-8 breathing.
In doing so, we breathe in a special rhythm, which requires more attention. This exercise from yoga is said to have a profound effect on the nervous system.

While doing this, we breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds. Then hold the breath for 7 seconds and finally exhale for 8 seconds. We do this 4-8 times in a row, but not more often. This traditional yoga breathing is said to have a strong effect on the nervous system.

Tip 6: A pleasant atmosphere in the bedroom is also conducive to sleep.
Fresh air is very good. Therefore, leave your window open if possible. Unless you have a lot of noise outside, then it's better to keep it closed and air it vigorously once in the evening.

Remove everything that reminds you of work in any form. This can also be a stack of magazines or books, because you want to finally read for 1 year. Just the sight of it gives you a guilty conscience. Get rid of it!
Even the mountain of laundry and the iron don't really remind you of sweet dreams!
Lavender as a fragrance in the bedroom, is also said to have a sleep-inducing effect. Try it with this!

Tip 7: Meditation is also an optimal way to prepare for a good night's rest, as it allows the thoughts to calm down naturally.

A special form of meditation is called Nei Gong or silent Qi Gong.