Sleep Practices for Nightly Serenity
Aryuvedic Principles and Acupressure Massage for Sleep
Aryuvedic Principles and Acupressure Massage for Sleep. Welcome to a tranquil sequence rooted in Ayurvedic principles and TCM acupressure massage techniques to elevate your sleep experience.
Discover ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, unlocking the keys to harmonizing your body and mind for a peaceful night’s sleep. John Platt’s wisdom will guide you toward profound relaxation and rejuvenation.
Learn how to release tension and promote deep relaxation throughout the body with acupressure massage. From gentle strokes to precise pressure points, expert techniques dissolve stress, preparing you for a tranquil night’s rest.
Whether seeking relief from insomnia or aiming to enhance sleep quality, this video provides invaluable insights and practical tips to support your journey toward restorative sleep and overall well-being. Join the path to nightly serenity.
What are morning and evening ragas?
Morning and evening ragas are specific musical compositions or melodies in Indian classical music that are traditionally associated with specific times of the day. These ragas evoke the mood, essence, and energy of particular times, enhancing the listener’s experience and connection with the natural rhythms of the day.
You can read notes from Ravi Shankar’s 1967 lecture on Ragas here. Ravi Shankar was a virtuosic sitar player and composer whose innovative fusion of Indian classical music with Western influences profoundly influenced global musical culture. You can also enjoy an evening raga he performed.
Morning ragas, also known as “pratah” ragas, are typically played or performed during the early hours of the day, from around sunrise until late morning. These ragas are designed to evoke a sense of freshness, vitality, and optimism, aligning with the energy of the rising sun and the beginning of a new day. Examples of morning ragas include Raga Bhairav, Raga Ahir Bhairav, and Raga Todi.
Evening ragas, also known as “sandhya” ragas, are performed during the late afternoon or early evening hours, as the day transitions into dusk and eventually nightfall. These ragas are characterized by a more contemplative, introspective mood, often conveying a sense of serenity, longing, and depth. Evening ragas capture the essence of the setting sun and the gradual transition into the night. Examples of evening ragas include Raga Yaman, Raga Bageshree, and Raga Malkauns.
What acupressure points does John recommend for sleep?
Here’s a summary of each acupressure point and how they relate to sleep and calming the mind and emotions:
- Heart 7 (Shenmen): Located on the inner wrist, Heart 7 is known as the “Spirit Gate” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Stimulating this point can help calm the mind, alleviate anxiety, and soothe the spirit. By promoting a sense of tranquility and emotional balance, Heart 7 can support relaxation and facilitate better sleep.
- Spleen 6: Situated on the inner side of the lower leg, Spleen 6 is considered a powerful acupressure point for harmonizing the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians in TCM. Stimulating this point can help regulate the digestive system, alleviate insomnia, and reduce feelings of worry and overthinking. Spleen 6 nourishes Yin energy, promoting a sense of grounding and stability that is conducive to restful sleep.
- Kidney 3: In Chinese, Kidney 3 is known as Taixi which translates to “Great Stream.” Kidney 3 is considered an important acupressure point in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for regulating the Kidney meridian and nourishing Kidney Qi. Stimulating this point is believed to tonify Kidney energy, strengthen the lower back, and promote overall vitality. It is often used in TCM for conditions related to the Kidneys, such as fatigue, low back pain, and reproductive issues.
- Liver 3: Found on the top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe, Liver 3 is known as the “Great Surge” point in TCM. This point regulates the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body and clears stagnant energy from the Liver meridian. Stimulating Liver 3 can help alleviate stress, irritability, and pent-up emotions, promoting a sense of relaxation and emotional balance that supports better sleep.
- Kidney 1: Situated on the sole of the foot, Kidney 1, also known as Yongquan or “Gushing Spring,” is considered the starting point of the Kidney meridian in TCM. Stimulating this point can help ground excess energy, calm the mind, and nourish Yin energy, which is essential for promoting deep relaxation and restorative sleep. Kidney 1 has a profound calming effect on the mind and emotions, making it a valuable acupressure point for those struggling with insomnia and anxiety.
VIDEO INDEX
0:00 | Introduction
2:00 | Consistent Nightly System
2:45 | Develop Your Own Routine – Primes the Nervous System for Sleep
3:40 | Watch the First 20-25 Minutes of Sunrise and Sunset – Amazing for Jet Lag
6:00 | Unplug and Avoid the Screen
8:55 | Reading Should be Positive and Uplifting, Makes You Smile
10:00 | 2nd Book of the Dao Allegory
12:00 | Music
18:30 | Picking Out the Most Positive Event of the Day
19:10 | Haiku
19:40 | Classic Haiku rooted in Satori – a Split Second into Enlightenment
23:00 | Pressure Point Therapy
23:24 | Heart 7, Shenmen, Spirit Gate
25:35 | (Don’t do the following points if you are pregnant)
26:18 | Spleen 6, Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Points
27:35 | Kidney 3, Taixi, Great Stream
28:15 | Liver 3, Taichong, Great Rushing
29:18 | Kidney 1, Yongchuan, Bubbling Spring
31:25 | Waking in the Middle of the Night – Reverse Abdominal Breathing Technique