Top 5 Acupoints for Insomnia — Complete Guide to HT7, GV20, and SP6

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“text”: “HT7 (Shenmen) is the most representative. It is easy to find on the wrist and belongs to the Heart meridian, making it outstanding at calming the mind. Pressing both sides for 1 minute each, 30 minutes before bed, can help induce sleep.”
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Why Is Acupressure Effective for Insomnia?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that stimulating acupoints is effective in regulating the autonomic nervous system. Acupressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system and lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, creating a natural sleep environment. Unlike sleeping pills, it has almost no side effects and can be performed safely every day.

1. HT7 (Shenmen) — The Core Acupoint for Sleep

HT7 (Shenmen, 神門) is the source point (yuan-source) of the Heart meridian, a representative acupoint for calming the mind and inducing sleep. In the Dongui Bogam (Korean traditional medicine text), it is recorded that “Shenmen governs the heart’s qi to treat anxiety and insomnia.”

• Location: On the inner wrist crease, in the hollow just beside the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon on the ulnar (pinky-finger) side
• Technique: Press firmly with the opposite thumb for 3–5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times. Alternate both hands.
• Best time: 30 minutes before bed, 2–3 times daily

Key point: HT7 is the easiest to find and fastest-acting among insomnia acupoints.

2. GV20 (Baihui) — The Calming Switch at the Crown

GV20 (Baihui, 百會) is the 20th acupoint of the Governing Vessel (Du Mai), meaning “where a hundred meridians converge.” It improves cerebral blood flow and calms excessive mental activity, making it effective for inducing sleep.

• Location: At the very top of the skull, where the line connecting the tips of both ears meets the midline
• Technique: Gently massage in circles with the middle finger for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not press too hard.
• Best time: Right before bed, combined with meditation

Key point: GV20 is a multi-purpose acupoint that addresses headaches and insomnia simultaneously.

3. SP6 (Sanyinjiao) — The Crossroads of 3 Meridians

SP6 (Sanyinjiao, 三陰交) is a special acupoint where the three yin meridians of the spleen, liver, and kidney intersect. It regulates hormonal balance and is particularly effective for insomnia, menstrual pain, and menopausal symptoms in women.

• Location: 3 cun (4 finger-widths) above the tip of the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), behind the posterior border of the tibia
• Technique: Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds. Repeat for 1 minute on both legs.
• Best time: 1 hour after dinner in the evening, or before bed

Key point: SP6 is an acupoint that helps improve overall constitution, not just sleep.

4. PC6 (Neiguan) — Specialized in Anxiety Relief

PC6 (Neiguan, 內關) is the connecting point (luo-connecting) of the Pericardium meridian, outstanding for calming anxiety, restlessness, and heart palpitations. Motion sickness wristbands work on the principle of stimulating this very acupoint.

• Location: 2 cun (3 finger-widths) above the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis)
• Technique: Massage in circles with the thumb for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Apply moderate pressure (slightly sore feeling).
• Best time: Before sleep or anytime you feel anxious

Key point: PC6 is especially effective for those who cannot sleep due to anxiety.

5. EX-HN5 (Anmian) — An Extra Point for Sleep Induction

EX-HN5 (Anmian, 安眠) is an extra acupoint whose very name means “peaceful sleep.” It improves blood flow in the occipital region and relieves cervical tension to induce deep sleep.

• Location: In the hollow below the mastoid process (the protruding bone behind the ear)
• Technique: Simultaneously massage both sides gently in circles with the middle fingers for 1 minute
• Best time: Right before bed, while lying on a pillow

Key point: Anmian is an acupoint dedicated to insomnia — its name promises a peaceful sleep.

Acupoint Comparison Chart

Acupoint Combination Tips

Combining acupoints produces better results than using a single point:

1. Basic combination (3 min): HT7 (Shenmen) + GV20 (Baihui) — the simplest and most effective sleep routine
2. Anxiety-type combination (5 min): HT7 (Shenmen) + PC6 (Neiguan) + EX-HN5 (Anmian) — for severe anxiety and restlessness
3. Women’s combination (5 min): SP6 (Sanyinjiao) + HT7 (Shenmen) + PC6 (Neiguan) — effective for premenstrual insomnia

In Closing

Acupressure for insomnia is a natural sleep therapy that can be practiced daily without side effects. The most important factor is consistency — performing it with deep breathing in a quiet environment, 20–30 minutes before bed, will yield the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions