Action is based on rest, says Tao Te Ching. The opposite is also true, that is, rest is based on action. This is why it is very important to take care of the quantity and quality of rest. Rest is the first healing for every illness, the first solution for every internal problem. In my opinion, if the conditions for quality rest are lacking, any other therapeutic, psychological and even spiritual discussion remains secondary.

Let's see in a brief overview some points that characterize quality rest, considering both the principles of Chinese tradition and current and daily practical conditions.

1. Rest is connected to Shen or spirit. Only if the spirit is calm can the body rest and regenerate during the night. When the spirit is disturbed by worries, unbalanced emotions and obsessive thoughts, the Shen has no way to descend into the heart. Therefore, in addition to the obvious and necessary resolution of the causes of the problems that disturb the mind, it is also important to work on the heart meridian so that it can free itself from the pressure that constrains it and can welcome the spirit from heaven.

2. Physical work is the best viaticum for resting the body and mind. In our society today we have often lost the consistency and daily routine of physical work. Nowadays almost no one works using their body in a balanced way. Sedentary work consumes a lot of mental energy but does not allow the body's energy to circulate. By not letting the body to get tired during the day, it does not require sufficient rest at night. This is why, especially for those who live a sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to add time for walking, doing a moderate and balanced sport, practicing Qigong or other disciplines that can enhance and free the energy of the whole body.

3. The room in which you sleep must be spacious, sober in furnishings, sparse in representations. It must be a quiet place that does not continuously emit information, memories and suggestions. Not a place of activity, but a place of rest. Often the rooms are overflowing with objects and clothes. The room should then be well oriented and distributed. Sources of electromagnetic pollution, including lamps, radio alarm clocks, computers and cell phones near the bed, must be avoided. It is also advisable to detach the bed from the wall as very often current wires pass right behind the headboard of the bed, forming an electromagnetic field.

4. The bed must not be made of iron and the mattress must not contain iron such as springs because, especially in today's times so full of radiation and electromagnetic waves, all this metal acts as an antenna. The bed and mattress should therefore be made of natural fibers, comfortable but not too comfortable to leave the body free to move. A bed that is too soft and too cozy invites to laziness.

5. Nutrition is very important. Dinner should be before 6pm, low in quantity and calories. The ideal for a healthy dinner is a vegetable soup. Proteins in the evening as well as sugars can disturb sleep.

6. Do not use computers, cell phones and do not watch television for at least an hour before falling asleep.

7. Airing the room for a few minutes before going to bed brings fresh vital energy.

8. Supplements, natural substances such as magnesium and others can help. A good naturopath will be able to recommend any beneficial natural substances.

9. There are techniques for practicing qigong while sleeping. By attending Celestial Essence Qigong courses you will be able to learn these wonderful techniques that will not take even a minute of your time, and will make your sleep productive and extremely restful.

10. Before sleeping it is very important to dedicate at least a few minutes to meditation, regularity of breathing and resolution of outstanding problems: forgiveness given and requested with heart is the best medicine.

11. A warm foot bath in the evening helps bring qi back to the lower part of the body, warming the kidneys and taking pressure off thoughts, relaxing the mind.

12. Feng shui: an expert can help you make small but decisive changes in the room. Write to me if you want to meet a Feng Shui expert, for a free first contact.

13. Qigong practice: there are numerous exercises that help you sleep well. By participating in online practices you will be able to get to know them.

14. There are some points that can contribute to proper rest with acupressure. Below you will find the most significant ones.