Abstract
Ayurveda is a medical science which describes physical, mental and spiritual health as complete wellness. As per Ayurveda, sleep disturbanceis due to aggravation of vatadosha . Now a days modern science doctors prescribe different type of transquillizers for treatment of Insomnia. In initial days of treatment these medication gives considerable relief but continuous and long-term use of these medicine results into adverse effects. In such instance engage with an Ayurvedic treatment specialist in Bangalore.
Insomnia can be classified as-
- Chronic Insomnia – Occurs most nights and lasts a month or more.
- Short term Insomnia – lasts about two to three weeks and is usually attributed to emotional factors such as worry or stress.
- Transient Insomnia – lasting from a night to a week to a week and is usually caused by events which alters normal sleep pattern, such as travelling or sleeping in an unusual environment.
Etiology
Insomnia is occasionally a symptom of an underlying medical or psychological condition but it may be caused by stress or life style changes. About half of insomnia cases have no identifiable cause. Some conditions or situations that commonly lead to insomnia include-
- Substance abuse, such as smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms, such as shift work, changes in work-schedule.
- Psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as depression, maniac depressive disorder, restless leg syndrome(RLS), posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Chronic illness – such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart burn, prostatic problems, menopause, diabetes etc.
Ayurvedic treatment for Insomnia
- Shodhanachikitsa (purification therapy)
The procedure that are recommended for Shodhanachikitsaof Insomnia are Virechana (purgation), Basti( enema) and Nasya(snuffing).
- Virechana
It is one of the Panchakarmas, the five treatments that purify the body. The purgative medicines used in this process eliminate the toxins from the body. They are specially helpful in treating pitta-related causes of insomnia.
- Basti Karma
This is one of the primary panchakarma treatment for reducing vatadosha. In this treatment method, Ayurveda medicines are given through anal routes. It reduces vatadoshaand its related disorders by moistening dry tissues and organs.Hava a word with Ayurveda doctors from the best Ayurvedic clinic.
- Nasya
Nasya, one of the five panchakarmas, uses the nasal route to administer herbs and herbal formulations to the body. It can help treat diseases related to the head, throat, sense organs and neck. Along with treatment of the diseases, nasya also gives strength to muscles in these organs.
- Shamanachikitsa
The procedures, which are recommended for shamanachikitsa in nidransha are snehana, murdhataila(head oil), and dhara.
- Snehana
Oil therapy, either with internal or external administration of oil, is an essential treatment method used in Ayurveda. Various oils like sesame oil, herbs like yashtimadhu(mulethi), guduchi(giloy), haritaki(chebulicmyrobalan) , and katuki are infused in oils to perform snehana.
- Murdhataila
Murdhataila is the process of applying oil on the head to prevent conditions such as hair loss, greying and matting of hair, cracking of the skin,vata disorder of the head, and insomnia.Lukewarm sesame oil, chandanaditaila , ksheerabalataila or other medicated oils are applied to the head to improve sleep duration as well quality.
- Dhara
The process of dhara includes pouring warm medicated liquid and oils over the body. This method is employed for the treatment of disorders related to vitiated pitta and vata. The herbs and foods used in the process reduce the imbalance of all the doshas in the body. It draws out ama (toxins) , kapha and excess fat from the body.
- MedhyaRasyana
Medhyarasayana therapy works on the mind to improve intellect. This therapy includes the administration of brain tonics, such as brahmi which is commonly used for its memory-enhancing and anti-depressant properties and for promoting sleep. It also rejuvenates the brain functions.
Dietary and lifestyle changes for insomnia
Do’s
- Eat nutritious and easily digestible foods.
- Have dinner at least two hours before bed time.
- Practice Yoga and meditation before bed.
- Include curd, ghee, sugarcane, grapes, wheat, black gram, milk in your diet.
- Take a walk post dinner.
Don’ts
- Avoid consuming stimulants like tea and coffee.
- Avoid hectic and irregular daily routines as much as possible.
- Avoid sleeping in
- Do not smoke or drink.
Takeaway
Nidra (sleep) is an essential act that determines an individual’s health. It affects both the mental and physical well-being. Ayurveda uses herbal tonics and formulations to relax the body and eliminate toxins, thereby inducing good quality sleep. Methods like nidanaparivarjana and procedures like dhara and murdhataila help relax the body and mind. Connect with the top ayurvedic hospital in Bangalore.
