If sleeplessness or insomnia have got you down, then we have just the thing to help you get your mind and body back on track: the power of acupressure. The best thing about these all-natural, holistic techniques is that they do not require you to take any potentially harmful medicines and, best of all, they are completely free!

To start taking advantage of these age-old sleep support remedies, be sure to follow these simple instructions:

1. Pericardium-six pressure point

   On top of helping you get into a sleepy state, the pericardium-six pressure point has also been found to relieve nausea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even hiccups!

   The spot can be located by turning one palm over so that it is facing you. Next, take your other hand and find the fleshy spot between your tendons, about four fingers’ length down from your wrist.

   Once you are certain you’ve found the magic spot, apply pressure and massage with your thumb for 4 to 5 seconds.

2. K1 point

   The Kidney 1 point works best for folks who grapple with insomnia that is rooted in anxiety, depression, or racing thoughts.

   To find the spot for yourself, center your thumb on the sole of your foot—you can bend your knee if you have limited flexibility in this position. The exact location is just between your second and third metatarsal bones, about a third of the way down from your second toe and the very end of your heel.

   If you flex your foot with your thumb in position, you should feel a slight depression in that area—that is the place in which you should focus your energy. Small, kneading circles is the motion to go with for this particular point.

3. Anmian point

   Known as THE acupressure point for those who suffer from sleep problems, utilizing the Anmian point is a great way to end your night, just before you turn off the lights and hit the hay.

   This particular point is located just behind your earlobe, on a small, protruding bone called the “mastoid process”. Slip your finger down several centimeters; there you will find a small depression. From there, move your finger slightly back, until you hit the base of your skull—that is the Anmian point.

   To get the most out of this exercise, place either your index fingers or thumbs on both of your Anmian points and start making tiny, circular movements. This should be repeated about 100 times to get the best results.

These three acupressure sleep techniques are fairly easy to execute, but it’s best to get a quick visual tutorial. To watch and learn for yourself, be sure to click on the video below. You’ll be amazed at how well you’ll sleep after you give your pressure points some love!

What do you think of these acupressure exercises? Have you tried them before? Do you know of any other helpful remedies to combat sleeplessness? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!