Ayurvedic understanding and treatment of Insomnia: Ayurveda is a medical science that describes physical, mental, and spiritual health as complete wellness. As per Ayurveda, sleep disturbances due to aggravation of Vata dosha. Nowadays modern science doctors prescribe different types of tranquilizers for the treatment of Insomnia. In the initial days of treatment, these medication gives considerable relief but continuous and long-term use of these medicine results in adverse effects. In such instances engage with an Ayurvedic treatment specialist in Bangalore. Here will discuss Ayurveda treatment for insomnia and how helps to treat insomnia.
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 that alter normal sleep patterns, such as traveling or sleeping in an unusual environment.
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Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia is occasionally a symptom of an underlying medical or psychological condition but it may be caused by stress or lifestyle changes. About half of the 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, and changes in work schedule.
- Psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as depression, maniac depressive disorder, restless leg syndrome(RLS), and posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Chronic illness – such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heartburn, prostatic problems, menopause, diabetes, etc.
Read Also: Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes
Ayurvedic Treatment for Insomnia
Ayurvedic Treatment for Insomnia / Shodhanachikitsa (purification therapy)
The procedures that are recommended for Shodhanachikitsaof Insomnia are Virechana (purgation), Basti ( enema), and Nasya (snuffing).
Virechana Treatment for Insomnia
Virechana Treatment 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 especially helpful in treating pitta-related causes of insomnia.
Basti Karma Treatment for Insomnia
Basti Karma Ayurvedic treatment for Insomnia is one of the primary panchakarma treatments for reducing Vata dosha. In this treatment method, Ayurveda medicines are given through anal routes. It reduces Vata dosha and its related disorders by moistening dry tissues and organs.
Read Also: Ayurveda Doshas
Nasya Treatment for Insomnia
Nasya Therapy, 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 the treatment of the diseases, Nasya also gives strength to muscles in these organs.
Shamanachikitsa for Insomnia
The procedures, which are recommended for shamanachikitsa in nidransha are snehana, murdhataila(head oil), and dhara.
Murdhataila for Insomnia
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 as 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.
Medhya Rasyana Treatment for Insomnia
Medhyarasayana therapy Ayurvedic treatment for Insomnia 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
Diet to Eat for Insomnia Relief
- Eat nutritious and easily digestible foods.
- Have dinner at least two hours before bedtime.
- Practice Yoga and meditation before bed.
- Include curd, ghee, sugarcane, grapes, wheat, black gram, and milk in your diet.
- Take a walk post-dinner.
Diet to Avoid for Insomnia Relief
- 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.
Lifestyle Changes for Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Aim to sleep before 10:00 PM, as the Kapha dosha time (9-10 PM) promotes relaxation and sleep.
- Identify your dominant dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) with the help of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Insomnia is often linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs movement and activity. Focus on calming Vata with grounding and soothing practices.
- Take a warm bath infused with a few drops of calming essential oils like lavender or sandalwood.
- Practice Abhyanga (self-massage) with warm sesame or Brahmi oil to calm the nervous system.
- Listen to soothing music or practice chanting mantras like “Om” or “So Hum.”
- Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
- The blue light emitted by screens disrupts melatonin production, affecting sleep.
- Burn calming incense, such as sandalwood or chamomile, to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like journaling or gratitude practices.
Spend time in nature to connect with grounding energies.
Ayurveda Treatment for Insomnia: Takeaway
Nidra (sleep) is an essential act that determines an individual’s health. It affects both 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. Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia involves Ayurvedic treatments, Medications, meditations, diet, Proper exercise
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