Acupuncturist Dr. Eileen Lee claims the oddly named TikTok trend can help you sleep a little bit more, but don’t worry, there’s no creepy crawlies involved
If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, you may have tried countless remedies to help you wake up a bit more. From avoiding screens to smelling lavender, it’s very difficult to find effective hacks among the unsubstantiated internet myths.
But acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist Dr. Eileen Lee says a TikTok trend called “cricket feet” can save you a lot of effort as it only takes a few minutes. Despite its strange name, you might be grateful to know that it doesn’t involve any creepy crawling, but simply refers to the act of rubbing your feet together.
Although this technique may seem trivial on the surface, this movement can actually stimulate countless nerve endings and pressure points in the feet, causing a calming effect. In an interview with Bustle magazine, Dr. Lee said, “Foot rubs, also known as foot massages, are a form of relaxation and stress relief.
“It can relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and bring a sense of comfort and well-being.”
According to Dr. Lee, two specific areas called “Liver 3” and “Kidney 1” are key points to focus on when trying out cricket. The former is located between the first and second toes on the top of the foot, and the latter is located at the base of the foot between the second and third toes.
These are known as “acupoints” and when stimulated, it is thought that they can send chemicals to the brain and muscles while relieving pain. Massaging these areas with your fingertips is also recommended by Dr. Lee for a better night’s rest, which she reported on in a recent TikTok.
She posted on her page (@anew.acu) and wrote, “It’s time to go to bed. Rub your feet. Half an hour before bedtime, try these two points: 2nd and 3rd. Look at the soles of your feet between the two.” Drop your toes from the top of the footpad into the small groove. Use her thumb to push down.
“Hold it there for about 30 seconds and massage in a circular motion, clockwise and then counterclockwise. This pressure point is known as Kidney 1 in Chinese.”
Moving on to liver 3, she continued. She says, “Between her big toe and second toe, find the web and fall into a small groove. You can also use her big toe.”
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also rub Kidney 1 and Liver 3 at the same time using just your index finger and thumb, says Dr. Lee. She adds, “Kidney 1 and Liver 3 are two amazing acupoint combinations commonly used in acupuncture, but you can experience the benefits of Chinese medicine by doing acupressure at home. ” he added.
Want to talk? Contact us at lauren.haughey@reachplc.com.
