Recently, I was hospitalized due to illness and experienced significant discomfort. The doctor was concerned that the pain would affect my sleep, so they instructed the nurse to apply a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal paste to my Yongquan (Kidney 1) point to help me sleep.
So, where is the Yongquan point located?
Location of the Yongquan Point
The Yongquan point belongs to the Shǎo Yīn Kidney Meridian and has the functions of strengthening the body, expelling pathogens, tonifying deficiency, draining excess, and balancing Yin and Yang. This point is located on the sole of the foot, serving as a crucial point for the body’s ascending and descending functions. When the toes are flexed, it is approximately at the depression located at the front one-third of the sole, and it can be used to treat insomnia and mental disorders.
Application of Herbal Paste on the Yongquan Point
The method of applying herbal paste to acupoints is guided by the holistic principles of TCM, based on the concepts of treating internal diseases externally and treating upper diseases from below. The herbs are ground into a fine powder and mixed with an appropriate liquid to form a thick paste, which is then applied to the corresponding acupoint, combining the therapeutic effects of both the acupoint and the herbs to treat diseases.
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia rutaecarpa), which has a pungent and bitter taste and a warming nature, is effective in calming the five organs and stabilizing the spirit. During my hospitalization, the doctor also used Wu Zhu Yu externally on the Yongquan point to help me sleep.
Readers interested in herbal acupoint application can consult a professional TCM doctor for guidance.
Developing Good Sleep Habits
My poor sleep during hospitalization was due to pain from the surgical incision, while some friends experience insomnia due to poor sleep habits or constant worry about not sleeping well:
(1) Correcting Poor Sleep Habits
– Avoid stimulants such as coffee, strong tea, or smoking within 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
– Do not consume alcohol before bed; do not rely on alcohol to help you sleep.
– Regularly schedule moderate physical exercise, avoiding intense workouts within 3 to 4 hours before sleep.
– Avoid overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods before bed.
– Refrain from engaging in stimulating mental activities or watching exciting media within 1 hour before sleep.
– Ensure the bedroom environment is quiet and comfortable, maintaining appropriate lighting and temperature.
– Keep a regular sleep schedule.
(2) Adjusting Perceptions of Insomnia
Insomnia patients often feel fear regarding their insomnia, becoming tense as bedtime approaches and worrying about not sleeping well.
These negative emotions can exacerbate insomnia symptoms, creating a vicious cycle where worsening insomnia further affects the patient’s mood.
Therefore, adjusting perceptions of insomnia is also very important.
– Maintain reasonable sleep expectations and do not attribute all problems to insomnia.
– Allow yourself to fall asleep naturally without forcing it.
– Do not overly focus on sleep; do not feel defeated if you do not sleep well one night.
Additionally, when it’s time to rest, try not to think about work or other issues; prioritizing your rest is most important. Place the alarm clock out of sight.
During hot weather, it is easy to feel irritable and have poor rest. Listening to soothing music and engaging in appropriate exercise can help alleviate negative emotions such as irritability and anger.
Of course, I must emphasize that if physical discomfort is significant, one should still seek treatment at a reputable hospital.
Editor: Zhang Li, lll666
Submission Email: [email protected]
Cover Image Source: Pexels
References
[1] Xiao Kangping, Xu Junfeng. Research Progress on the Intervention of Insomnia by the Yongquan Point [J]. Chinese Acupuncture Electronic Journal, 2022, 11(1):4.
[2] Sun Yuzhi. Overview of Clinical Applications of Wu Zhu Yu Paste on the Yongquan Point [J]. Journal of External Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2009, 18(002):53-54.
[3] Wang Chenni, Zhang Qingping. A Brief Exploration of the Functions and Mechanisms of the Yongquan Point [J]. Gansu Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2007, 20(7):2.
[4] Liu Yabo. Observation of the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yongquan Point Paste in Treating Insomnia in Elderly Patients [J]. Chinese Nursing Journal, 2010(1):2.