Wellness
There are a number of sleep aids on the market promising that you’re just one tablet, gummy, or tincture away from a restful night’s sleep. Still, at times, the grogginess and inability to stay asleep after taking one in can almost make you wonder if all the milligrams of magnesium and melatonin are worthwhile.
But what if we told you that our body had a natural built-in snooze button that you can activate with the right pressure technique that will have you feeling calmer and catching Z’s in no time?
What Is The An Mian and How Does It Work?
To understand An Mian, it’s important to know its connection to acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate various physiological responses. It is based on the concept of balancing the body's vital energy, known as "Qi" or "Chi," and the flow of energy through meridians or pathways in the body.
The An Mian pressure point (which translates to “peaceful sleep”) is a traditional acupuncture point located on both sides of the neck, slightly behind the earlobes, and just below the base of the skull.
In traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the An Mian is often used to address various conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, and even headaches by stimulating the point through acupuncture techniques. Because it is believed that insomnia is an energy imbalance, Eastern medicine seeks to correct this “flow” through the use of acupuncture.
Some research suggests that activating this pressure point can help calm the mind, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality, and is commonly used to alleviate sleep disorders and related issues.
Here’s How To Activate Your “Snooze Button”
If you’re looking to hit the snooze button on your mind and body to get the sleep you deserve, follow these steps, and you’ll be off to sleep before you know it.
- Begin by forming an 'L' shape with your index finger and thumb.
- Position your index finger directly in front of your ear, aligned with your earlobe.
- Let your thumb rest naturally against the base of your skull, just behind your ear.
- The An Mian pressure point can be found in the approximate area where your thumb is resting.
- Use gentle pressure for a few minutes until you find yourself falling asleep.
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Featured image by Viktor Cvetković/Getty Images
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