Kokin Healing Blog

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The Science Behind Acupncture for Better Sleep

Nov 25, 2025

How hormone balance, targeted acupoints, soothing rituals, and herbal blends support deep, restorative rest.

If you’ve been finding it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, you’re not alone. Modern stress, screen-heavy evenings, and irregular routines disrupt the natural rhythms that help us rest. Acupuncture offers a proven, holistic way to restore balance—and now, emerging research is helping explain why it works so well.

How Acupuncture Helps You Sleep: A Hormone-Balancing Reset

Healthy sleep relies on the harmony between two essential hormones:

Melatonin — your evening “sleep switch”

Acupuncture supports the natural rise of melatonin at night, helping your body shift into relaxation mode. This is why many people feel calmer, lighter, and more grounded right after a session.

Cortisol — your stress and alertness regulator

When cortisol stays high at night, sleep becomes difficult. Acupuncture helps quiet the body’s stress response, lowers evening cortisol, and cools the mental “noise” that keeps you awake.

In today’s world—where overstimulation and stress are the norm—acupuncture acts as a reset button for your hormone rhythms.

Top Acupuncture Points for Better Sleep

To help the nervous system unwind and regulate nighttime hormones, these three points form a powerful sleep-focused combination:

HT7 (Shenmen) — The Spirit Gate

Located at the wrist, this is one of the most important points for calming the mind, easing emotional tension, and improving sleep onset. Perfect for those whose minds race at night.

SP6 (Sanyinjiao) — The Three Yin Intersection

Found on the inner lower leg, SP6 is essential for grounding the nervous system and supporting hormonal balance. Ideal for both stress-triggered and hormonal-pattern insomnia.

BL62 (Shenmai) — The “Calm Sea” Point

Located just below the outer ankle bone, BL62 is a key point for regulating the sleep–wake cycle, especially when the “yang” of the body becomes overactive at night.

  • Helps quiet an over-alert mind
  • Soothes restlessness or nighttime anxiety
  • Traditionally used for difficulty staying asleep or waking between 1–3 AM
Why this trio works:

HT7 calms the mind, SP6 balances internal systems, and BL62 regulates the flow between wakefulness and rest—addressing insomnia from multiple angles.

At-home tip: Gently press each point for 2–3 minutes before bed for a mini self-care ritual that supports your treatments.

Evening Rituals That Calm the Mind

Acupuncture works even better when paired with simple nighttime habits that support your natural rhythms:

  1. The Wind-Down Hour
    Dim lights, warm hues, quiet activities—signal to your brain that the day is ending.
  2. Calming Breathwork
    Slow breathing reduces heart rate, relaxes internal tension, and prepares your brain for rest.
  3. A Warm, Herbal Nighttime Drink
    Soothing teas help transition the body from alertness to restfulness.
  4. A Consistent Sleep Schedule
    Routine strengthens your melatonin rhythm and makes falling asleep easier over time.

Sleep Trivia: Adults, just like children, respond strongly to bedtime cues. A consistent sequence—tea, stretching, breathing—gradually becomes a psychological “sleep button.”

Herbal Blends & Teas for Restful Sleep

Some herbs naturally support relaxation and nighttime hormonal patterns:

Chamomile
Mild, calming, and perfect for quieting a busy mind.

Lemon Balm
Bright yet grounding — excellent for easing mild anxiety.

Lavender
Aromatic and soothing; helps release physical and emotional tension.

Valerian Root
A stronger option for people who have trouble falling asleep due to stress or mental overstimulation.

Kokin Healing Center Blend Suggestion:
Try chamomile + lemon balm + a pinch of lavender for a peaceful, floral tea that encourages deep relaxation.

Why Acupuncture Matters More Than Ever

Recent sleep science highlights several reasons acupuncture is becoming a leading natural solution for insomnia:

  • It increases parasympathetic activity (your “rest mode”).
  • It influences brain areas tied to emotional regulation and sleep quality.
  • It supports the gut-brain-sleep connection, which plays a major role in nighttime rest.
  • It works with your natural rhythms instead of forcing sedation.

For people who prefer natural solutions—or want to avoid dependency on sleep medications—acupuncture offers gentle yet powerful results.

Your Personalized Sleep Plan Starts Here

At Kokin Healing Center, your sleep plan may include:

  • Weekly acupuncture sessions focusing on HT7, SP6, BL62, and calming auricular points
  • A customized herbal tea or supplement recommendation
  • Simple breathwork & lifestyle strategies
  • At-home acupressure guidance on HT7, SP6, and BL62

You deserve to wake up refreshed, clear-headed, and energized.
We can help you get there — naturally.

Ready to Sleep Better?

Book your Sleep Reset Session today and receive a plan designed specifically for your sleep patterns and needs.

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Meet Marin L. Kokin, L.Ac.

Marin — acupuncturist, nutritionist, and owner of the Kokin Healing Center — is beloved by her patients. Read about patients that have found success at the Kokin Healing Center in Calabasas.