Simple gestures to do at home in the evening to calm the mind, explained point by point.
By Dr Alexandre Fleury · Physician acupuncturist · ~4 min read · Updated October 2026
To do at home
Self-massage does not replace an acupuncture session (pressure stimulation does not have the same intensity as a needle), but it is an accessible gesture to do at home to encourage relaxation before bedtime. Massage each point for 1 to 2 minutes, with firm but comfortable pressure, in small circles.
Location: between the eyebrows, in the middle of the forehead. Effect sought: calms the mind, often used for rumination or a “full” head at bedtime.
Location: behind the ear, in the hollow behind the earlobe, along the edge of the skull. Effect sought: as its name suggests, this is a point traditionally associated with falling asleep.
Location: on the wrist crease, on the little-finger side, in the hollow just at the edge of the bone. Effect sought: the “gate of the spirit” in TCM, used for mild anxiety and evening mental restlessness.
Location: on the top of the foot, in the hollow between the 1st and 2nd toes, about two finger-widths up. Effect sought: calms the Liver, often useful when insomnia comes with irritability or tension.
Location: on the inner side of the leg, about 4 finger-widths above the tip of the ankle bone, against the edge of the bone (tibia). Effect sought: a point widely used to nourish Yin and calm the mind, particularly useful around menopause.
Good to know: this point (San Yin Jiao / SP6) is traditionally advised against during pregnancy, as it is associated with stimulating contractions. If you are pregnant, stick to the first 4 points.
Do the points in a calm setting, ideally with dim lighting, 15 to 20 minutes before bed. This isn’t a stand-alone miracle solution: it works all the better combined with good sleep hygiene (screens off, regular hours, a cool bedroom).
If sleep problems persist beyond a few weeks, or come with significant fatigue, marked anxiety or a depressed mood, seek medical advice: self-massage is a complement, not a core treatment.
