Simple and Effective Tuina for Travel-Related Insomnia
Many travelers experience insomnia due to environmental changes, affecting their next-day activities. Here’s a simple and effective acupoint massage method to treat insomnia.
1. Gently press and rub the Yintang point (midpoint of the brow ridge) with the tip of the middle finger for about 2 minutes. This helps calm the mind and induces sleep.
2. Lightly press and rub the Zanzhu point (depression at the inner end of the eyebrow) with the tips of the index and middle fingers for about 1 minute. This clears liver heat and improves vision.
3. Gently press and rub the Taiyang point (depression about 1 inch behind the outer corner of the eye, near the hairline) with both middle fingers for about 1 minute. This refreshes the mind and calms the spirit.
4. Gently press and rub the Anmian point (midpoint of the line connecting the depression behind the earlobe and the depression below the occipital bone) with both middle fingers for about 2 minutes. This promotes relaxation and sleep.
5. Press the thumbs’ fleshy pads firmly against the brows, then glide them horizontally back and forth above the eyebrows for about half a minute. This calms the mind and aids sleep.
6. Use the tips of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands to press and move back and forth along the Qugu point (two finger-widths above the ear apex) for about half a minute. This relieves irritability and calms the mind.
7. Gently press and rub the Neiguan point (two finger-widths above the wrist crease) with the tip of the thumb for about 1 minute, alternating hands. This soothes the heart and calms the spirit.
8. Gently press and rub the Shenmen point (depression at the head of the wrist crease on the little finger side) with the tip of the thumb for about 1 minute, alternating hands. This promotes sleep and relaxation.
Key Points When Using This Method:
1. Perform once daily, ideally before bedtime.
2. Apply gentle pressure during facial massage—excessive stimulation is counterproductive for sleep.
3. Encourage patients to engage in regular physical activity and avoid emotional stress or anxiety.
4. Avoid drinking strong tea or coffee before bedtime.