“Pressure points are specific areas of the body that have a larger influence on the whole body,” says Ashley Flores, LAc, a licensed acupuncturist who is certified in Chinese herbal medicine. “When we activate those points, they send a message to the body to either relax [a body part that] is too tight or to bring more energy to an area that is too empty.”
In addition to helping restore the flow of qi, acupressure can also be an effective sleep aid by simply forcing you to slow down and partake in a grounding practice before shutting off the lights. “The action of sitting quietly and doing something caring for yourself is very calming,” and, in turn, can promote sleep, notes Flores.
