Self-Help Tools For Insomnia Based on the Oriental Meridian Energy System:
Please refer to the Meridian Flow Wheel below. You now get a crash course in the Oriental Meridians. They are paths of energy flowing through the body--kind of like streams of electricity. These paths have been scientifically proven to exist (called Bonghan Ducts). The body's energy travels through these meridians, peaking in different organ channels throughout a 24 hour period. The Chinese system reports flows in odd numbers (i.e. 1-3 a.m., etc.), where the Japanese system reports flows in even numbers (i.e., 2-4 a.m.). I don't know why they are different. But just know that the flows are in the same order in both systems. I figure it doesn't really matter whether it's odd or even, as long as you have a general idea of which system peaks when.
Helpful Suggestions For Insomnia Due to Grief Via the Oriental Meridians:
For example, I have worked through quite a bit of grief. I know that grief is an emotion that originates in the Lung Meridian. So when I am processing grief, I may wake up at 4 a.m. Sometimes on the dot. If I have a hard time getting back to sleep, I will press a point on the Lung Meridian called the "Letting Go" point (aka "Lu 1"). It is the area just between the chest and the shoulder. I will lay there and hold it, and think of letting go of my grief. If that doesn't do it, I will press the points St 36 and Sp 6. (I really recommend that you get a book that has the acupressure points for help on this.*) If I am just a little bit awake, I will gently hold my ring finger on either or both sides. This helps balance the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians (Jin Shin Jyutsu theory). (You may find the link below to be helpful as well.)
If you are continuously having a hard time sleeping, I might start using a therapy light in the early morning, and even do an acupressure routine for insomnia before going to bed. It really does wonders! (If insomnia is due to tension, you can also soak in the tub before bed.) I will suggest some books at the end of this article.
Insomnia, Anger, and the Oriental Meridian Systems:
Insomnia, Anger, and the Oriental Meridian Systems:
If you wake up around 2:30 or 3:00 a.m. you can suspect your Liver Meridian. People with depression and anxiety often have an imbalance in the Liver Meridian. If you wake up during the Liver or Gall Bladder Meridian time, it may be helpful to think about what anger or frustration you might be working through--would forgiveness work help? You might be angry at yourself rather than someone else. Either way, it can help to push liver release points, or gall bladder release points depending on when you wake up. Detox can help with these meridians. Holding the middle fingers gently can help balance these meridians as well. BSFF work can help you let go of the hurt behind the anger--there is almost always some kind of hurt behind anger.
How Are the Meridian Flows Interrelated?
The energy systems are interrelated, and this briefly explains one way they are related. It is possible that your Bladder Meridian is actually what is out of balance if you wake up during the Lung time. If you look up on the chart, you will notice that the Bladder Meridian is directly opposite the Lung Meridian--so the Lung Meridian might be picking up on energy imbalance from the Bladder Meridian. Think back on if you are working through some fear that is directed outward, or coming from an outside source. You may need to do some Bladder Meridian points. Hold the index finger to help balance the Kidney/Bladder Meridians.
How Can I Get My Energy System Balanced for Better Sleep?
The energy systems are interrelated, and this briefly explains one way they are related. It is possible that your Bladder Meridian is actually what is out of balance if you wake up during the Lung time. If you look up on the chart, you will notice that the Bladder Meridian is directly opposite the Lung Meridian--so the Lung Meridian might be picking up on energy imbalance from the Bladder Meridian. Think back on if you are working through some fear that is directed outward, or coming from an outside source. You may need to do some Bladder Meridian points. Hold the index finger to help balance the Kidney/Bladder Meridians.
How Can I Get My Energy System Balanced for Better Sleep?
Just an FYI on the energy systems and the fingers. The pinky fingers help balance the Heart/Small Intestine Meridian and the Triple Warmer/Circulation Sex (aka Pericardium) Meridians. Then the holding the thumb helps balance the Stomach/Spleen Meridians. If you want further information on this method, see The Touch of Healing which teaches the Jin Shin Jyutsu method.
Another thing I've found to be very effective is something I learned from a meditation cd for insomnia. You breathe in slowly, hold your breath for 5-10 counts, then breathe out and hold your breath for 5-10 counts. I have found this to help me calm down. Often it only takes a few cycles of this and I'm gone!
I often pray for help to get back to sleep, and since I've learned BSFF, I've found that cuing works wonders. Now, I hope you see a trusted health professional if you can't get in a good sleep cycle. When I was really sick, my emotions were very suppressed and I didn't know how to let go. (Emotional release techniques can really help with sleep.) And of course, giving our burden to the Lord helps.
Books: The Touch of Healing, Burmeister and Monte; Acupressures Potent Points, Michael Reed Gach; Energy Medicine, Donna Eden; Heal Your Body Louise L. Hay
