Relieve Anxiety and Insomnia Through Acupuncture and Abdominal Release Massage

What is anxiety and how does the TCM view it?

From the Chinese medicine perspective, anxiety is an accumulation of emotional patterns most often related to the liver, spleen, and heart. This emotion is mainly caused by liver qi stagnation and heart and spleen deficiency. When these imbalances persist, anxiety can manifest through symptoms such as poor sleep, body aches, fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath, frequent urination, and digestive disorders.

Modern lifestyles and the overload of information often lead to excessive expectations and stress, contributing to heart fire and liver qi stagnation. When liver qi doesn’t flow properly, it disrupts the balance of qi and blood, affecting nourishment of the internal organs. This can lead to emotional instability, breathing difficulties, and digestive issues like diarrhea or IBS.

To support emotional regulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a variety of holistic methods including Chinese Herbal Formulas, Abdominal Release Massage, Acupuncture, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. These therapies help activate the body’s natural self-regulating system, expanding heart-lung qi, clearing the liver-gallbladder meridians, and promoting circulation. As qi and blood move smoothly, emotional stability and stronger immunity follow.

Abdominal Release Massage & Acupuncture

Abdominal release massage involves pressing specific points and using specialized massage techniques. Practitioners often guide breathing in sync with the client to stimulate these points, adjusting pressure accordingly. Some individuals may feel an immediate release, while others may experience bloating or discomfort initially. This technique helps open blocked energy pathways, improve digestion, ease menstrual discomfort, and promote emotional wellbeing. It is beneficial for both women and men. Combined with acupuncture, the therapy enhances energy flow and supports overall organ function.

What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)?

BCST works with the craniosacral system, a central structure developed in the embryonic stage. This system maintains a rhythmic motion that nourishes and energizes the body. When disrupted by stress, trauma, or poor lifestyle habits, the rhythm can become blocked. BCST aims to restore that rhythm, offering support in rehabilitation, chronic pain, emotional release, and even end-of-life care. During therapy, clients often experience deep relaxation, abdominal rumbling, or restful sleep—indicators of the body’s healing in action.

Sharing Healthy Living Tips:

Herbal Tea “Pressure-Relieving Drink” – Calms the mind and relieves anxiety

Ingredients: 1.5g sour jujube seed, 1g barley, 1.5g red dates, 0.8g chrysanthemum, 1g tomato, 0.3g licorice / one pack

Directions: Steep in 350mL of hot water for 5 minutes and drink. Recommended 1–2 times daily.

Acupoint Sharing

Chinese medicine uses acupressure to relieve fatigue and improve sleep.

1. Shenmen Point

Location: The depression between the wrist crease and the ulna bone of the little finger.

Effect: Nourishes the heart, calms the mind, enhances sleep, and helps ease depression.

How: Press gently for 5 seconds using the thumb, alternating hands for 2–3 minutes before bed.

2. Neiguan Point

Location: Palm side of the forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease.

Effect: Regulates qi and blood, calms the mind, and supports better sleep. Helps relieve insomnia and stress.

How: Rotate the thumb on the point for 5 seconds, alternating hands for 2–3 minutes before bed.