Acupuncture is a very effective way to improve your sleep efficiency without using harmful pharmaceutical drugs. Insomnia can be caused by various medical or psychiatric reasons.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) claims that each individual has their own reasons for sleep imbalance. One way to treat insomnia is by using fine hair-like needles posed at specific meridians throughout the body.
The Heart 2 and Pericardium 6 are seen as the most effective points for acupuncture in the process of treating insomnia. These points are closely related to each other and are a great duo for improving sleep balance.
The anatomical location and the QI sensation one feels when needed are closely related to the “Shen” aka spirit and its calming effects.
Heart 7
The TCM named Heart 7 as Shenmen which means Spirit Gate. Pericardium 6 was named Neiguan meaning Inner Gate. In some cases, both of these points need to be open in order to receive the positive influences from the outside as well as to release everything bad from the inside.
The point Heart 7 can be located in the transverse crease from the anterior side of the wrist. Its location may have a little depression on the ulnar tendon from the radial side.
In order to achieve the same result and be more pleasant for the patient, it is better to needle the point from the ulnar side under the ulnar tendon.
Pericardium 6
It can be located on the anterior side of the wrist, two fingers wide from the transverse crease of the wrist. It can be found between the two tendons that run up in the arms. When activated this point similar to Heart 2, can provide a strong radiating sensation up the channels.
Not only these two points are used during acupuncture, but other TCM modalities. The process of healing includes a full mind-body-soul approach. If you have problems with your sleep, these points are all you need.
Via Healthline
