Help! I can’t sleep! Reflexology for Insomnia:


Sleep gives our brain and body a chance to rest, repair, and prepare for the next challenge. There are also many other health benefits from a good nights sleep. This is why it is vital for our health and wellbeing. If you are feeling fatigued but unable to sleep here are for ideas of how to cope. If you fatigue is persistent and a change in your usual energy levels, perhaps get a health check or visit your G.P for advice.
A busy mind can make it difficult to get to sleep, or achieve a relaxing sleep. This reflexology for insomnia offers self help strategies and tips for those finding sleep a challenge.
What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears that link to every part of the body.

These reflex points are stimulated using massage techniques to promote balance, well-being and relaxation. As a qualified Reflexologist myself, I am a huge fan and promoter of the power of Reflexology.
Preparation for bedtime:
Good habits alongside reflexology can really help you to get a good nights sleep. Develop a healthy sleep routine, including exercising during the day. This helps to manage adrenaline, release endorphins and set you up for a positive, relaxed evening.

Adopting a calm bedtime routine to help promote a deep sleep. Try a relaxing bath, reading a book, or snuggling up with a pet- this works for me every time! Think about making your sleeping space relaxing, perhaps consider the feng shui of your bedroom? Create a relaxing, clutter free space that you want to spend time in. Maybe treat yourself to some new furniture or get involved in some bedroom decoration to really love your sleeping space. Using beautiful wall murals can really set the scene for relaxation.

When in bed, don’t be tempted to watch television or use a mobile phone screen as this is proven to interrupt sleep. Put your phone in a drawer, or even better keep it out of the bedroom.

Use a sleep balm such as Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm, or Neals Yard Goodnight Pillow Mist to help you relax. These are both cruelty free brands. If you are regularly unable to sleep, it is a good idea to try and find the cause of your insomnia so that you can address any underlying issues.
The reflexology for insomnia:
Now to the reflexology! To work the target reflex point, use a pressure that feels pleasant to you. Use a pressing, pushing motion with your thumb over the reflex point, breathe deeply and slowly as you do so. Try to focus your mind on the points, perhaps listening to relaxing music and in a quiet space.

First, calm the mind by working on the head and brain reflex. This is located on and across the top of the thumb on each hand. Pay particular attention to the top, outside edge of each thumb as this is the Pineal gland which helps to control sleep. Press and massage as deeply as feels comfortable whilst taking a deep, slow breath in. Release the pressure as you slowly exhale.

Then to the solar plexus reflex which is wonderful for promoting a sense of calm. Located below the joints of the index and middle finger. Apply a comfortable pressure to this area, front and back and hold this for a few seconds, inhaling as you press and slowly exhaling as you release the pressure. Working along your hand horizontally, across the finger joints as this will also stimulate the diaphragm reflex point which is also very calming.

Now to the adrenal glands which work very hard during stressful times. To locate the point on the hands, draw a V with your fingers down your index finger and thumb. The point should meet in the middle of the Venus mound. Hold here gently in the fleshy, web part of the hand. To use this with breathing, inhale through your nose as you hold on both sides of the hand and exhale slowly as you release the pressure. Use a gentle pressure on this reflex.
Using breathing exercises alongside:

Once you have stimulated and balanced using your reflexology points, try a simple breathing exercise to help drop off to sleep. For our favourites click here.
Dedicating some time to finding these reflex areas will make the routine more relaxing and natural when you come to use it at bedtime.
Wishing you a peaceful and relaxing sleep.
For more reading about how to get a good nights sleep.
For more relaxation and pampering .
More about Balance Me Reflexology here.
oh amazing!!! I never tried reflexology! Thank you so much for the amazing tips, I can’t wait to try them out.
Really interesting to learn about this…These are great tips… breathing exercises are also really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I am currently suffering from carpal tunnel in my hands. I am going to try your exercises and I hope it will help.
I never knew your muscles could be tied to so much of your body! What an interesting post.
A glass of wine usually helps me put to sleep real fast. Hope you will be able to get a good night’s sleep.
This is a great guide. I used to follow reflexology techniques years ago when my son had gastric issues and I know how beneficial it was. This is a great read to follow for my husbands insomnia.
I am sending this to my husband. He’s a horrible sleeper and needs all the help he can get! Thank you..
I haven’t heard of reflexology before. I will have to see if that works for me!
It is a good tip for people having insomnia. Reflexology is one way to help us achieve a relaxing sleep. Thanks for the info!
This is really neat! I have not tried it and have sleeping issues, would be great to try!
Reflexology is great for all sorts of things. I need to try your tips and see if they help my husband with his insomnia.
I’ve been told that reflexology does help with sleep and blood circulation. I hope to get this done again soon as it has been a while now
Exercise does work wonders. If I know the kids are not going to be tired because they napped too long, I take them outside to the park. I know the outside play will wear them out. 🙂
I wasn’t even aware that reflexology could help with sleeping! This is something I am going to totally try and get done.
We try not to use our phones too close to going to bed, but that’s the hardest. I’m lucky in that I fall asleep quite quickly, but my fiance is the opposite so this might be a good thing to try on him x