Reflexology For Insomnia
Are you struggling to sleep through the night? Reflexology, an ancient & energetic hand and foot massage method, can help. With the study of specific reflex points linked to different areas of your body being gently massaged and stimulated, you can induce a deeper state of sleep. Reflexology benefits most individuals but check with your doctor prior to receiving treatment.
For clarity, if you have insomnia you likely have a difficult time falling asleep and then staying asleep. Sleep disturbances might include something similar or be related to sleep apnea or nightmares. In some cases, sleep disturbances and insomnia can be linked to other conditions, underlying or clearly seen.
A trained reflexologist would look into this possibility so as to fully understand your health and how your body works together. After all, everybody is different, so different approaches are necessary. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), such as reflexology, offer an abundance of different approaches.
The basics of reflexology can easily be taught to anyone, so practicing on your own is quite simple and do-able. You need only take the time to learn. For insomnia and general sleep disturbances, you can try the following reflex points:
· Spirit Gate Point
Located at the point on the inside of your wrist, just below your pinky finger. Using your thumb, and perhaps supporting your hand with your other fingers, find the hollowed out space in this area. Softly apply some pressure. Move either in a circular motion or up and down - either motion will do the trick. Ideally, practice this massage on the Spirit Gate point for two to three minutes. Notice if you feel any immediate shifts, energetic or physical.
Repeat a similar motion on the other wrist. This point might be able to quiet your mind, which of course will aid in your ability to drift off to sleep.
· Bubbling Spring Point
This reflex point is on both feet. At the center of your footpad, just before your foot likely begins to arch, you will find the Bubbling Spring point. If you curl your toes, you might see the little spot that appears on the sole of your foot below your foot pad a bit - that would be the proper place. Using your thumb pad again, apply fairly firm pressure to the point and massage for at least three minutes. Again, depending on what feels 'right,' you can either move in a circular or up and down motion.
Repeat on your other foot. Respect any differing boundaries. This pressure point might ground your energy a bit, which can aid in inducing sleepiness.
· Three Yin Intersection Point
This reflex point is just above your foot, on your ankle. To find it, look at your inner leg at the highest point of your ankle. Use firm pressure with a couple of fingers to massage the area for a few seconds. Again, move in a circular or up and down motion.
Repeat on your other ankle. Do not apply pressure to this point if you are pregnant as it might aid in inducing labor, as well.
As you begin to practice reflexology on yourself, consider the benefits of visiting a trained professional. Even for a few sessions, they might be able to diagnose and treat you better than you once imagined.
If you continue to practice on yourself, take notes on sensations after every session. This way you can track any progress potentially made. And, if you ever do visit a reflexologist, you can share more specific information and experiences with them.
Keep in mind, reflexology is meant only as a complementary practice. Continue with any other conventional or alternative medicine practices you already feel and see benefits from, as they can be enhanced through reflexology, but reflexology cannot stand alone.
If you are looking for some other methods, meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda can aid in combating sleep disturbances and insomnia, too.