Stress has become the signature of modern life. The result? Poor sleep, restless nights, and a variety of sleep-related issues. Whether it’s shift work, working across time zones, or the pressures of daily life, getting quality rest is more difficult than ever. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can offer a holistic solution—an acupoint called Completion Bone (Wan Gu, GB12).
A Multi-Purpose Acupoint for Sleep, Stress, and More
Wan Gu is an incredibly versatile acupoint with powerful calming properties. It is particularly known for helping people regulate their sleep and ease stress-related tension. Located on the head, it is said to help alleviate headaches, reduce swelling in the cheeks, and address issues related to the eyes and mouth. Consider exploring this acupoint if you need relief from tension or want to improve your sleep.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Scientific Validation
Wan Gu was first documented in “Basic Questions” (Su Wen), a section in “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” a foundational text of TCM. The acupoint’s name reflects its role in energy transformation. According to TCM theory, the vital energy known as qi transforms from cloud-like droplets and condenses into liquid form, completing a part of the energy cycle at this point.
The term “bone” in its name hints at its connection to the kidney, the organ responsible for governing bones in TCM. Interestingly, TCM views good sleep as a result of the harmonious interplay between multiple organs, particularly the liver, gallbladder, and kidney.
While modern medicine is still uncovering the full potential of Wan Gu, emerging research supports its effectiveness in managing stress and insomnia.
A 2021 study on nurses working irregular hours explored the effects of meridian acupressure. The results showed significant reductions in stress, fatigue, and anxiety among those who received a 15-minute acupressure session compared to those who did not. This confirms the acupoint’s role in promoting relaxation and resilience against stress.
A clinical trial compared acupuncture stimulation with diazepam in treating post-stroke insomnia. Both treatments yielded impressive results, with success rates between 87 and 90 percent. Blood tests revealed that both acupuncture and medication lowered serum orexin A levels, a biomarker linked to sleep regulation. This suggests that when targeted correctly, Wan Gu can serve as an effective alternative to medication.
Another study investigated electroacupuncture at Wan Gu in rats with vascular dementia. The results were remarkable—learning ability improved, inflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus decreased, and nerve cell damage lessened. This suggests that Wan Gu may potentially protect brain function by reducing brain inflammation.
How to Finding Wan Gu
Locating Wan Gu is easy. Find the large, rounded bone behind your ear—it’s prominent and easy to feel. Then, slide your fingers down, following the outline of your ear and staying about half an inch away from your hairline. Once your finger is roughly parallel to the bottom of your earlobe, press around gently to find a pulse in the area. That’s Wan Gu.
How to Stimulate Wan Gu for Relaxation and Sleep
- Direct Pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage the acupoint in circular motions for one to three minutes on each side.
- Professional Treatments: Acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) can further enhance the effects. If using moxibustion, be cautious of hair in the area to avoid burns.
For insomnia, stimulate this acupoint in the evening or just before bed for optimal sleep benefits.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Acupressure is generally a safe wellness practice. Avoid stimulating this acupoint if you have injuries, open wounds, or mechanical damage in the region. If you have any medical conditions, consult a professional before incorporating acupressure into your routine.
3 Minutes to Better Sleep and Stress Relief
We can’t eliminate stress from our lives, but we can help our bodies manage it better. Quality sleep is one of the best medicines, and dedicating just three minutes to stimulating Wan Gu can make a noticeable difference. When you take care of your body, you help it take care of you.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 28 Feb 2025
