What happens if you gently press this point on your leg?
While acupressure is considered a holistic approach, it is essential to recognise that scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is still evolving, said Dr Rohini Patil, nutritionist, and founder, Nutracy Lifestyle
Does this hack work? We ask our experts (representative) (Source: Freepik) Most times, social media offers some unique solutions addressing many of our day-to-day concerns like dehydration, stomach issues, or even sleep. But they need to be taken with a pinch of salt. As such, when we came across a post from content creator Alan Mandell, suggesting that it is possible to press a specific point on the leg to induce sleep, we decided to turn toward our in-house experts.
According to Mandell, pressing a point called SP6, located inside of the leg, four finger-widths above the ankle, just behind the tibia bone, can help with sleep and tackling menstrual cramps.
Dr Rohini Patil, nutritionist, and founder, Nutracy Lifestyle said that acupressure on specific points, such as SP6 is believed by some to have potential benefits for sleep and menstrual cramps. “By stimulating this point, it is believed to induce a state of relaxation, potentially reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. The pressure applied to SP6 may help regulate the body’s energy flow, addressing factors that contribute to sleep disturbances,” said Mandell.
Some proponents suggest that incorporating SP6 acupressure into a daily routine may lead to improved sleep quality over time.
Applying gentle but firm pressure to SP6 for about one minute and holding it for an additional two minutes is believed to help regulate the flow of energy and blood in the pelvic area, said Dr Patil. “While acupressure is considered a holistic approach, it is essential to recognise that scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is still evolving,” said Dr Patil.
Additionally, according to Dr Patil, it may offer relief from premenstrual syndrome and anxiety. “SP6 acupressure is often explored as a natural remedy for alleviating menstrual cramps,” said Dr Patil, underlining that more scientific study is needed.
Acknowledging that there is “anecdotal evidence” that acupressure via multiple pressure points can help in sleep disorders, Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad said that although large-scale randomised control studies are required for confirming this association in some patients, this stimulation of pressure points (multiple rather than single) may help in insomnia. “There can be a placebo/bias effect as well for sleep disorders,” said Dr Gude.
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