26 Jan 2024 - News

Ayurveda Helps Cure Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people globally. It’s when an individual has trouble going to sleep or staying asleep. The lack of restful sleep it offers can lead to a multitude of health problems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even depression. But Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine system, has remedies for this condition. And in this guide that will be presented here today, we will explore its causes and how Ayurveda treats them.

Causes of Insomnia

Sometimes stress could be the most common cause of insomnia, but there are many others. When our body gets stressed, it produces cortisol, which stops us from sleeping soundly at night. Anxiety and depression take a toll on our mind too but so do chronic pains and certain medications as well. Sleep apnea also causes insomnia since it interrupts breathing during sleep.

Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Insomnia

Ayurveda describes sleep as one of the three pillars of health, along with food and lifestyle. So they believe that balancing the body's doshas (energies) is key to promoting restful sleep. Vata dosha carries dryness, lightness and movement within itself, while Pitta carries heatness intensity and transformation qualities within itself.Kapha dosha carries heavy stability calmness qualities within itself. If any of these get out of balance, they may affect your sleep in some way.

Vata dosha is associated with the qualities of dryness, lightness, and movement. When Vata is out of balance, it can lead to insomnia. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend warm, nourishing foods and drinks, such as milk with nutmeg and cardamom, to calm the Vata dosha and promote sleep.

Pitta dosha is associated with the qualities of heat, intensity, and transformation. When Pitta is out of balance, it can lead to difficulty falling asleep. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend cooling, calming foods and drinks, such as coconut water or aloe vera juice, to balance the Pitta dosha.

Kapha dosha is associated with the qualities of heaviness, stability, and calmness. When Kapha is out of balance, it can lead to oversleeping or difficulty waking up. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend light, stimulating foods and drinks, such as ginger tea, to balance the Kapha dosha.

Herbal remedies are also included into the mix besides dietary changes. And some of the most popular ones for insomnia include valerian root and chamomile teas.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep

On top of Ayurvedic remedies, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to promote better sleep:

Make sure you have a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle.

Create a relaxing sleep environment. This should be free from electronic distractions or bright lights. The mattress and pillow that you use also promotes better sleep when it is comfortable enough.

Avoid using electronics or any bright lights as well because they could stimulate your brain and keep it awake.

Using a comfortable mattress and pillow can also promote better sleep.

The Power of Shirodhara: How Ayurvedic Therapy Can Improve Your Sleep and Overall Wellbeing

Shirodhara, a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves warm oil being poured over the forehead, is one of the most effective remedies for insomnia. This treatment will help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. All this to promote a good night's sleep.

The session starts with an assessment by our trained practitioner who will identify your specific needs and dosha imbalance before getting started so you know its catered to you. The client then gets comfortable on a massage table as warm oil is poured at a slow even pace over their forehead non-stop. Usually the oil used in this part is blended with herbal oils chosen for their therapeutic properties

While it’s being done, you'll be lured into deep relaxation thanks to the warmth of the pouring oil which actually helps balance your body's doshas. One being Vata which often causes disturbances in sleep or restlessness. On top of that, this rhythmic pouring stimulates your pineal gland (which controls sleep-wake cycle), promoting better nights rest overall.

Christianne Madrazo: Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, graduate of Mount Madonna Institute, College of Ayurveda and student of Dr. Vasant Lad, one of the world’s foremost experts in Ayurveda.

I can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle with the power of Ayurvedic healing. Find out what’s really causing your ailment and make use of my diet, lifestyle and herbal supplements advice. It’s time to get to know your unique body-mind constitution so that you can make a personalized self-care and nutritional plan for yourself - one that will maintain good health throughout your lifetime.

If you have any questions about the process, Feel free to text 619-637-0201 and I’ll help out as much as possible.