Are you experiencing insomnia or trouble sleeping? Japanese Isogai Therapy for Sleep Improvement

The pandemic, which lasted for over two years, not only changed the lives of many people, but also created a number of problems such as long-term COVID and anxiety. Many people suffer from insomnia.

Now, “improve your sleep quality in a healthy manner” is the talk of town. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practitioners suggest that insomnia sufferers try Japanese Isogai Therapy. This involves strapping your legs together and sleeping while you sleep. This method has been passed from generation to generation for 70 years and it can improve insomnia effectively.

According to the “Survey of Sleeping Quality of Taiwanese Affected by COVID-19 in 2022,” the proportion of people who considered themselves to have insomnia increased from 42.9 percent, before the pandemic, to 59.7 percent, and the proportion of various physical and mental distress caused by sleep disorders also increased from 14.3 percent, before the pandemic, to 41 percent.

In addition to this, there is an increase in the incidence of insomnia among young adults.

A study of more than 3,000 young people aged 15 to 24 from mid-2019 to 2022 by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Hong Kong found that 23.5 percent had symptoms of insomnia.

Long term sleep problems or low quality sleeping can increase your risk for high blood pressure and other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Some people take sleeping pills for insomnia. However, side effects like sleepwalking or dementia can occur and there is a risk of becoming addicted.

Wu Kuo pin, director of Treatment with Heart Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic suggested that those with insomnia may consider Japanese Isogai therapy. This involves using bandages to keep the feet firmly in bed while you sleep, and can reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Sleeping with legs bound

Practitioner Wu said that you can use straps or bandages to fasten your legs and help with insomnia. The method of sleeping with legs tied originated in Japan, invented by Kimiyoshi Isogai, a Japanese expert on hip joint correction, and this method has been passed from generation to generation for 70 years.

Before you try the technique of sleeping with your legs tied, it is important to choose the right bandages. Bandages, belts, and ties should not be less than 5cm (2inches) in width. Using narrow tie could cause blood to stop flowing. You can also use gauze bandages if you don’t have Bandages, tie or belts. This is how to sew leg binding:

1. Tie a bow around your ankle using a bandage. It should not be tied too tight, but it should still be strong.

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3. Laying down, extend your legs outward, place your hands naturally on each side and continue your normal sleeping position. If you are sleeping on your back, bend your knees naturally.

Practitioner Wu said that the method of binding legs is somewhat similar to I Ching’s Tai Hexagram (the Book of Changes), an ancient Chinese divination text. This is similar to the TCM saying “taking pictures of something and making comparisons,” which means that images can have the same therapeutic effects if they are identical.

The Tai Hexagram’s characteristic is the 3 yin to 3 yang ratio. This is similar to a person’s legs being tied by three bandages in order for yang. The yang Qi (positive vitality) will increase and fall. This will create a state where yin (or yang) and yang (or negative vitality) exist simultaneously. It will provide the following benefits:

1. Persons with cold feet and hands will notice a warming sensation in their feet and hands. Their circulation will improve and they will feel warmer.

2. The mind is empty like the yin yao (one of the 64 Hexagrams) above so that the mind is stable and the mental condition is improved.

3. Reducing frequent urination symptoms.

Some people fear that, if they have to urinate at night, it might be difficult for them to move their legs to use the bathroom. However, this is not true. The lower 3 yang is sufficient to make the yangqi sufficient. This will improve circulation and reduce frequent urination.

Practitioner Wu also reminds those who suffer from insomnia not to take too much time off in the afternoon and to stay awake for eight hours before they go to bed at night. This will ensure that their sleep quality is not affected.

Improve Naal Congestion

Snoring is another sleeping issue. When people snore, they not only wake up but also disrupt the sleep of family members.

To reduce your snoring you might try the abdominal breathing technique as often as possible in the daytime. You can also use this method before bed to help relax the body and mind.

It is clinically found that 80 percent of people with sleep apnea are relatively obese, therefore weight loss is helpful.

Some people don’t experience sleep apnea but have poor sleep quality. Nasal congestion is often the cause. To alleviate nasal congestion you should first press and rub the two following acupuncture points.

1. Ying Xiang Point
This point is found between the middlepoint and the nostrils. This point is a good place to press and rub. It can help you breathe a little easier.

2. Nei Ying Xiang Point
Located inside the nasal cavity. Ying Xiang Point upwards is where the nasal bone meets it. There will be a sensation of soreness when you press the button. Your breathing will become easier after the massage.

People with severe sinus congestion should avoid sweets like candy, biscuits and beverages and refrain from drinking cold drinks. Drinking cold drinks can cause a poor metabolism and the production of phlegm which will lead to nasal congestion.

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