Insomnia Relief Without Medication? Use This Acupoint for Better Sleep
Insomnia is more than a source of frustration—it can gradually undermine our health. Chronic sleep issues are associated with a range of problems, including high blood pressure, weakened immunity, mood swings, and memory difficulties. As we age, sleep disruptions become more frequent.
Many experts recommend exploring
From Classical Texts to Clinical Relevance
Shen Men was first recorded in 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,' the oldest surviving text on acupuncture and moxibustion
(a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort)
, written between 256 and 283 C.E. This point is known as a Yuan-Source point, meaning it's a key location where our inherited, original
These points are especially important because they reflect the energetic health of their related organ systems. In the case of Shen Men, that organ is the heart—not just the physical organ—but also the emotional and mental functions associated with it in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Shen Men plays a central role in addressing emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and, in extreme cases, nausea. Shen Men is also known to improve mental clarity. In today's world, it's most often used to treat insomnia that stems from stress, overthinking, and emotional turmoil—when your body is exhausted but your mind won't turn off.
Modern Studies Confirm the Mind-Body Connection
Modern research is finding what traditional medicine has known for centuries: Shen Men profoundly influences the mind and body.
One clinical
Another
How to Locate and Activate Shen Men
You'll find Shen Men on the inner side of your wrist. To locate it, hold your palm face-up and find the prominent tendons that help flex your hand. Then, trace downwards along your pinky finger towards the inner wrist crease. You'll feel a slight dip next to the bone of your hand. This point will feel sore, tender, or numb when you press it.
How to Activate the Spirit Gate
Shen Men responds well to simple, gentle techniques, best applied before bedtime:
Pressure technique:
Apply firm pressure for 3–5 seconds, release for 3 seconds, and repeat this cycle for three to five minutes on each wrist.
Massage:
Using your thumb or index finger, massage in small, slow circles for three to five minutes per side.
Herbal Patch:
For overnight stimulation, consider an herbal patch placed directly over the point.
Advanced techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion can enhance the therapeutic effects. These should only be performed by a trained TCM practitioner.
Precautions
Avoid manually stimulating the Shen Men acupoint if you have any injuries in the wrist area. Instead, consider using heat therapy. You can gently warm the acupoint by using a hairdryer on a low setting for 10 to 15 minutes on each wrist. If you choose to use herbal patches, read the ingredient list carefully to avoid products with harsh synthetic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
End Your Day With Intention
Incorporating Shen Men stimulation into your nighttime routine can be an effective way to unwind. Just a few minutes of mindful touch can help calm your mind and prepare it for restful sleep. Whether you focus on the point itself or create a calming ritual around it, Shen Men serves as a gentle and effective pathway to achieving deeper, more peaceful rest.
Related Stories
5/7/2025
5/6/2025
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Epoch Times
8 hours ago
- Epoch Times
China's COVID-19 Infections Jumped by 160 Percent in May
COVID-19 cases in China increased more than 160 percent in May, according to the latest official data from the Chinese communist regime. But Chinese residents across the country continue to report to The Epoch Times and on social media that they believe the situation is more serious than what authorities have acknowledged. The Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) released its national COVID-19 epidemic data for May on June 5, reporting 440,662 cases, including 606 severe cases and seven deaths, soaring above April's 168,507 cases, 340 severe cases, and nine deaths.
Epoch Times
18 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Fusarium Graminearum: The Fungus Allegedly Smuggled by Chinese Researchers—and Its Risks
A fungus called Fusarium graminearum has made headlines after two Chinese researchers were charged by the FBI for allegedly smuggling it into the United States as a potential agroterrorism agent. But what exactly is this fungus—and what risks does it pose to U.S. agriculture and public health? A Common Cause of Crop Disease F. graminearum is a concerning fungus, as it can contribute to billions of dollars in agricultural losses, Gary Bergstrom, professor emeritus at Cornell University specializing in plant pathology, told The Epoch Times.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
FBI Working With India to Disrupt Chinese Fentanyl Network—Kash Patel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel told podcaster Joe Rogan during a Friday episode that the agency is working with the Indian government to dismantle global fentanyl networks, which he said originate in China. Newsweek has reached out to the FBI's press office, the Indian Government's Ministry of External Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Washington for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters President Donald Trump has made combating the opioid crisis, particularly the influx of illicitfentanyl, a central focus of his administration's policies. Earlier this year, to address the sources of fentanyl trafficking, Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. There are some legitimate medical uses for fentanyl. The opioid crisis has far-reaching impacts across the country. In 2024, the United States witnessed a significant decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths, dropping from 110,037 in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, is one of the most-listened-to media figures, drawing an audience of roughly 11 million listeners. What To Know Patel told Rogan that when he joined the bureau, he launched a "massive enterprise" to target companies in China that manufacture "fentanyl precursors." He said that while China may not produce the drug in its final form, it supplies the key ingredients used to make fentanyl, calling the country the "root of the problem." The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which provides recommendations to Congress, stated in an August 2021 finding that "China remains the primary country of origin for illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked into the United States." Patel said during the interview with Rogan that the country has been shipping the precursors "to places like India—and I'm also doing operations in India—and they're having the Mexican cartels now make this fentanyl down in Mexico." In March, the Chinese government published a white paper laying out its purported efforts to crack down on fentanyl trade and hit back at U.S. criticism as Washington imposed tariffs over the issue. "I literally just got off the phone with the Indian government, I said: 'I need your help. This stuff's coming into your country and then they're moving it from your country because India's not consuming fentanyl...I need you and your help,'" the FBI director told Rogan. He explained the FBI is "working with the heads of their [the Indian] government, law enforcement authorities to say, 'We're going to find these companies that buy it and we're going to shut them down. We're going to sanction them; we're going to arrest them where we can. We're going to indict them in America if we can. We're going to indict them in India if we can.'" He reiterated that "this is a global problem." Patel said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) isn't partaking in the trade for profitability reasons, but rather, "in my opinion, the CCP have used it as a directed approach because we are their their long-term game is how do I, in my opinion, kneecap the United States of America, our largest adversary?" suggesting that the drug allows them to "take out generations of young men and women." Tensions between Washington and Beijing have been high over a slew of issues, including tariff policies and national security issues. In May, federal authorities arrested 16 individuals and seized over 400 kilograms of the drug in the largest fentanyl bust in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) history. FBI Director Kash Patel is seen in Washington on May 8. FBI Director Kash Patel is seen in Washington on May 8. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana What People Are Saying U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in mid-May: "I have a personal stake in this. There are two very close friends [who] lost children to this terrible scourge. Hundreds of thousands of Americans die every year. And I think that we saw here in Geneva the Chinese are now serious about assisting the U.S. in stopping the flow of precursor drugs." A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said in March: "Facts speak louder than words. The U.S. is spreading all kinds of false information on the fentanyl issue, smearing and scapegoating China, and hiking tariffs on Chinese imports over fentanyl." President Donald Trump wrote in an April 24 Truth Social post: "...By the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!" What Happens Next? It is unclear what the partnership looks like, but according to Patel it is ongoing.
