During the quiet hours of the night, it is the best time for rejuvenating sleep, but some people often wake up suddenly at this time, finding it difficult to continue their beautiful dreams. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, this is often related to an excess of “liver fire.” The liver is responsible for the regulation of emotions and energy. Once its function becomes imbalanced, such as with stagnant liver qi or excessive liver fire, it may lead to troubles like insomnia and vivid dreams. Don’t worry, the following three simple massage techniques will be introduced to help you alleviate the phenomenon of waking up in the middle of the night caused by excessive liver fire.
Massage Taichong Acupoint: The Taichong acupoint is located on the top of the foot, approximately between the big toe and the second toe, about two finger widths above in a slight depression. Whether sitting or lying down, you can gently massage this acupoint with the thumb of the opposite side for about three minutes until you feel a slight soreness or distension, then switch to the other side for continued massage. As an important acupoint on the liver meridian, the Taichong acupoint can regulate liver qi, calm liver fire, and be quite effective in improving symptoms such as irritability and insomnia caused by excessive liver fire.
Massage Yongquan Acupoint: The Yongquan acupoint is located on the sole of the foot, in a depression at about one-third of the front part of the sole when you curl your foot. Before sleep, in a comfortable position, gently massage the Yongquan acupoint on the opposite side with your thumb for five minutes, with moderate pressure until you feel a slight soreness locally. The Yongquan acupoint is related to the kidney meridian. Massaging it can reduce internal heat, calm the mind, and significantly alleviate insomnia, irritability, and other issues caused by liver fire flaring up, while also enhancing the depth of sleep.
Massage Dadun Acupoint: The Dadun acupoint is on the outer side of the big toe, about one centimeter from the edge of the toenail. Similarly, in a comfortable sitting or lying position, massage this acupoint with the thumb for about two minutes, feeling a slight soreness, and then switch sides. The Dadun acupoint is an acupoint on the liver meridian well. Massaging it can regulate qi, resolve stagnation, alleviate anxiety and insomnia caused by excessive liver fire, promote emotional stability, and have a significant effect on aiding sleep.
Adjustment of Lifestyle Habits: In addition to massage, changes in daily habits are also crucial: – Maintain a regular daily routine, adequate sleep, and avoid staying up late to help stabilize the biological clock and reduce liver fire. – In terms of diet, consume fewer spicy, greasy foods, and alcohol, and eat more light foods such as vegetables, whole grains to nourish the liver and clear heat. – Moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, not only strengthens the body but also regulates emotions, relieves stress, and benefits in reducing liver fire. – Maintain a positive attitude, avoid excessive worrying, learn emotional management, relax through meditation, music, reading to enhance sleep quality.
In conclusion, a comprehensive adjustment of massage and lifestyle habits is the key to improving waking up in the middle of the night and enhancing sleep quality. Starting today, pay attention to and practice these methods, and let every morning be filled with vitality.
