May 29, 2025
Living in today’s high-speed world means stress and anxiety cannot be avoided. Because there are so many demands on our time, many are now faced with sleep problems, constant stress and mental overload. Most people still use pills and therapy to solve their health problems, but many are now trying acupuncture. Using acupuncture points to focus on reducing stress, anxiety and aiding sleep has demonstrated good results and few side effects.
In TCM, acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific parts of the body or acupuncture points to bring the body back into balance and help it heal. This blog will focus on the top acupuncture spots you can use to feel less stressed, more relaxed and have better sleep, plus how to make them part of your routine.
Understanding Acupuncture Points and Their Role in Healing
Some believe that meridians, or energy pathways, run through specific places on the body known as acupuncture points. TCM teaches that energy, or Qi, travels along the meridians. A blockage or imbalance of Qi energy may lead to stress, anxiety and interrupted sleep.
Inserting fine needles, squeezing or applying heat at these points is meant to restore balance by restoring your energy’s proper flow. Researchers now agree that acupuncture might regulate the brain, trigger the release of relaxing chemicals and increase blood flow, supporting your nerves.
Top Acupuncture Points for Stress Relief
Yintang is the name of the point between the eyebrows.
- Location: Just above your eyebrows, between them.
- Reduces anxiety, clears the mind, helps you sleep well and lowers tension headaches.
- It works because it is recognised to calm the nerves and sharpen your thinking.
The Heart 7 point on the body is called Shen Men.
- On the body: On the inside of the wrist, by the little finger.
- Relaxes the mind and soothes it, makes people less moody and supports heart health.
- Why this helps: It helps calm the body, which is a key part of stress-related sleep problems.
Nei Guan at Pericardium 6
- You should press this point on the inside of your forearm, just below your wrist and three finger-widths down.
- Aid: Eases anxiety, controls over nausea and corrects emotional issues.
- It is helpful because it oversees heart rhythm and supports good emotions.
Kidney 1 is the point known as Yong Quan.
- Where to play it: on the sides of the big toe joint, on the foot’s sole.
- Grounding, putting fears and uncontrolled activity under control and relaxing.
- The reason it works is because it links your body’s energy with the earth, allowing you to feel more connected.
This point is known as Liver 3 (Tai Chong).
- Location: This is found on the upper foot, between the big toe and second toe.
- The benefits are that it alleviates frustration, anger and headaches caused by stress.
- The reason behind its success: This point helps keep the liver in good shape, something related to emotion in Chinese medicine.
The Vessel of Team (Bai Hui)
- At this level, meditation occurs at the very top of your head, in your crown area.
- What it can do: It helps you feel better, relaxes your mind and cuts back on overthinking.
- How it helps: It relates to all the Yang meridians and is the best choice to restore balance to the nervous system.
Effective Acupuncture Points for Anxiety Reduction
Anmian is known as peaceful sleep.
- It is located on the wall behind the ear, right below the skull.
- What it does: Letting go helps you rest deeply and reduces tension.
- Treats problems such as anxiety-related insomnia, increased restlessness and feelings of constant nervousness.
Baihui (GV20)
- The spot is just above the centre of your head.
- How it benefits: stimulates the yang organs; lifts your mood; and clears your mind.
- It can also help with symptoms of dizziness and help improve your memory and focus.
The Heart Meridian Point is HT 7.
- Same as Shen Men, though it’s worth mentioning again because it plays a major part in helping anxiety.
KD 1: Kidney Point 1: Yongquan
- You’ll find this nerve at the bottom of your foot.
- What it does is balance your energy and relax your mind when you worry too much.
- For people with panic attacks and those suffering from regular anxiety.
Repeatedly stimulating these points in acupuncture points usually brings calmness, soothes everything in your mind and boosts your emotional stability.
Acupuncture Points for Better Sleep
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
- Located on the inner leg, about four finger widths above the ankle bone.
- How it helps: Balances hormones, calms the mind, and is especially helpful for those suffering from insomnia.
- It also supports women’s health, digestive function, and urinary issues.
HT 7 and Yintang
- (Again) These points are frequently combined to prepare the body and mind for restful sleep.
EX-HN1 (Si Shen Cong)
- A group of four points surrounding Baihui.
- How it helps: enhances sleep quality and reduces irritability and nervous exhaustion.
BL62 (Bladder 62)
- Found below the outer ankle.
- How it helps: regulates the sleep-wake cycle; aids those with disturbed or fragmented sleep.
Comparison Table: Acupuncture Points and Their Benefits
| Acupuncture Point | Location | Primary Benefit | Secondary Benefit |
| Yintang | Between eyebrows | Stress & headache relief | Secondary Benefits |
| Shen Men (HT 7) | Wrist, pinky side | Reduces anxiety, improves sleep | Heart health |
| Tai Chong (LV 3) | Heart Health | Stress relief, relaxes muscles | Supports liver energy |
| SP6 (Sanyinjiao) | Inner leg above ankle | Hormone balance, sleep aid | Women’s health, digestion |
| Baihui (GV20) | Top of the head | Lifts mood, improves clarity | Dizziness, memory support |
| BL62 | Below outer ankle | Sleep regulation | Mental calm |
How Acupuncture Points Work in Harmony
One reason acupuncture is special is that it treats the entire body. Acupuncture points are chosen for each person based on what is wrong with their body, not just on their symptoms. Often, for issues with stress and sleep problems, different points are massaged together.
- Halt the weekend’s usual thoughts and take a break.
- Encourage hormones to function correctly
- Calm down your muscles.
- Strengthen activity in the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest part).
A good acupuncturist examines what is wrong with you and designs a unique, effective plan with acupuncture points.
Self-Care and DIY Acupressure
While only licensed professionals are permitted to perform traditional acupuncture points, you can easily press on some of the points yourself at home. Here’s how:
- Do your hand and enjoy a pleasant time.
- Find the acupuncture point you will use.
- Circle your fingers over the area, using firm pressure in each circle.
- Pay attention to your breathing and stay focused right now.
Participating in yoga before going to sleep can help you have a better night’s rest and less stress the following day.
Scientific Support for Acupuncture Points and Mental Health
Several studies have shown that acupuncture may ease symptoms like anxiety, stress and difficulty sleeping. According to studies, looking at acupuncture points helps.
- What we need to calm is the stress hormone called cortisol.
- Boost your body’s production of serotonin and endorphins.
- Boost how much your heartbeats can vary each minute
- Raise the body’s melatonin levels (melatonin is important for good sleep)
Researchers who published a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people treated with acupuncture for insomnia slept better and had lower anxiety.
Tips for Maximizing Stress Relief with Acupuncture
- For deeper relaxation, integrate acupuncture with deep breathing exercises or meditation.
- Drink plenty of fluids after each session to allow energy to flow more freely.
- Have a consistent approach; regular sessions are more beneficial for long-term stress management.
- Always express your complaints and feelings to your acupuncturist.
Safety and Considerations
If performed correctly, the acupuncture procedure is safe; hence, you must always get them done by a certified practitioner. Any relevant information about medications or health conditions should be shared with your acupuncturist before any treatment begins. Do not attempt self-needling, and if you are a beginner in the art of acupressure, try to work with someone qualified.
Relieve Stress Naturally with Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture points treatment offers a natural and effective way to manage stress by targeting specific points that calm the mind and restore balance. Key points like Yintang, Shen Men, and Liver 3 work together to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
These pressure points stimulate the nervous system, release endorphins, and help regulate emotional health. Whether you’re facing daily stress or chronic anxiety, acupuncture provides a safe, holistic path to well-being.
Start your journey to a calmer, more centred you.
Feel the difference with natural healing.
Visit the UBOMI 4.0 website for more details about how acupuncture treatment can relieve stress and improve your quality of life.