Insomnia and Ayurved

     Insomnia is seen to be increasing with the changes in lifestyles. With increasing stress, tension,anxiety patterns, overtime working hours and demands for leading high day today lifestyle – stress and anxiety- are not far away resulting in insomnia. Depending on heavy oily food can result in obesity and insomnia.Simple food that is easily digestible is highly recommended. Panchakarma treatment is said to be more effective for patients of Insomnia and its preparatory phase involving Snehana (oleatiion) and Svedhana (steam therepy)are usually prescribed for an insomnia. The success rate of this treatment is said to be very high. This treatment results in the tissues becoming soft, moist and pliable which results in the elimination of toxins and excess Dosha energies from the body and mind easily, effortlessly and completely.
     The Shirodhara therapy is one that is done for the treatment of neurological disorders like insomnia, depression, chronic headaches and burning sensation in the head. In this process medicated oil, milk, butter milk., Decoctions  etc. are poured in a continuous stream in the forehead. This process results in cooling the head and improving the blood circulation in the head resulting in a cure to insomnia.

      Other treatments for insomnia in  Ayurveda includes Abyangam, which involves massaging of the head, body and foot using medicated oils, Ghee, Milk. This helps in removing toxins and promoting sound sleep. The foot massage or Pada Abhyangam is usually done which promotes mind and body relaxation and encourages a good night’s sleep. Another treatment for stress, anxiety and insomnia includes applying medicated oils mixed with herbal powder in the centre of the head. The above treatments are usually done for acute insomnia, stress and anxiety. Breathing techniques practised under the supervision of a Yogi or Vaidya(Ayurveda Physician) helps eliminate insomnia. The most effective breathing technique to root out insomnia is SudarshanKriya, Pranayama, Anulom Vilom. This powerful breathing technique helps in clearing stress at the physical, mental and emotional levels. It thus relaxes the nervous system enabling the person to have a quality sleep. For a general lack of sleep Ayurvedic treatment can be done at home after consultation with a Vaidya. This includes:-

• An oil massage before your morning shower to relax your mind.
• Bearable Hot  shower or bath before retiring to bed at night.
•  Daily Meditation before going to bed is seen to calm the mind and body thus reducing anxiety and stress.
• Ensure strict bedtime routine and stick to your routine seven times a week.

Ayurvedic herbs used for treating insomnia

• Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera)
• Brahmi (Bacopamonneri)
• Jatamansi (Nardostachysjatamansi)
• Tagara .
• Shatvari (Asparagus racemosus)
• Khurasani
• Chandana
• Palndu    

Dr. Sushant Patil
Atharva Ayurved Hospital
In Front Of IDBI Bank
60 Feet Road
Vasai Road (west)
sushantayurved@gmail.com

9860431004

9158949110