Insomnia (Anidhra) and Ayurveda
Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, yet it often becomes compromised during times of stress or illness. Insomnia and other sleep disorders indeed have profound effects on various aspects of a person's life. Fortunately, Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, has been used to treat insomnia and other sleep issues for thousands of years.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Sleep Disorder
Insomnia is correlated as anidra in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the balance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—is essential for maintaining health. Insomnia and sleep disturbances are often attributed to the vitiation (imbalance) of these doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta.
High Vata-type insomnia(results in anxiety, worry, and rushed activity during the day) and Pitta-type insomnia(there is intermittent awakening, You may fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently with palpitation, body pains, and emotional disturbances such as fear, anger, and sadness.) manifest differently and have distinct causes and remedies
Causes of insomnia include
· Stress, anxiety, depression
· Physical health conditions like chronic pain or sleep apnoea
· Lifestyle factors like excess caffeine
· Disturbed sleep schedule
Symptoms of Insomnia (Anidra)
· Difficulty in sleeping
· Waking up frequently
· Waking up too early in the morning and having difficulty sleeping back
· Tired or feels irritable
Ayurveda treatment modules to combat insomnia
It focuses more on balancing vata dosha, regulating the sleep schedule, monitoring the diet, and changing the lifestyle
Some of the common therapies administrated in insomnia conditions are
Herbal tea
Having an herbal tea right before bed can help calm one’s nerves and aid in falling asleep. Teas made from chamomile, lavender, and passion flowers are all excellent choices due to their soothing properties.
Essential oils
Diffusing or adding calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile to a warm bath can help one unwind and get a good night’s sleep
Ayurvedic herbs used in Insomnia like
Ashwagandha
Stress and anxiety contribute to a lack of sleep, so aswagandha is frequently used to alleviate those conditions.
Brahmi
Brahmi is recommended for those who want to enhance their sleep quality and mental capacity due to its purported ability to enhance memory and cognitive function.
Sankhapusphi
Shankhapushpi is an herb traditionally used as a natural sedative
Vacha
Vacha is widely used for the treatment of various ailments, such as epilepsy, headache, insomnia, and more. When combined with Amla and Brahmi powder at bedtime, it can be particularly effective in promoting restful sleep and overall well-being.
Jatamansi
Jatamansi indeed possesses a range of beneficial effects on neurotransmitters and overall neurological health, making it useful for conditions such as sleep disorders and neurosis.
Tagara (Valerina Wallichi)
Tagara root helps in reducing anxiety and improving sleep as it relaxes the central nervous system due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties
Somalata (Sarcostemma acidum)
Somalata being an adaptogen, helps the body adapt to stress. Reducing stress levels may contribute to better sleep.
Panchakarma treatment
Sirodhara
Shirodhara is very effective in curing sleeping problems, especially when carried out using herbs. Shirodhara using milk is also efficient in treating insomnia. The pineal glands get stimulated and melatonin is produced, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
ProcedureBefore the treatment, your scalp will be massaged with suitable oils for nearly 10 minutes. Depending on your condition, a full-body massage may also be required. You will need to lie on your back on the Shirodhara table, with a small pillow placed under your neck for support. Your therapist will fill the Shirodhara pot with oil and gently pour it over your forehead and head. A steady stream of oil will flow continuously, while the pot is moved back and forth across your forehead. Afterward, the oil will be collected from the table, and the entire process will be repeated.
Takradhara /ksheera dhara /jala dhara
In this therapy, warm medicated oil is continuously poured on your forehead for about 30 to 45 minutes followed by a 15 to 20 minutes Abhyanga massage. Depending on your body type, buttermilk or herbal decoctions are used to boost the therapeutic effect of the treatment. It provides deep relaxation to your central nervous system and rejuvenates it. Takradhara regulates the functioning of your hormonal system too, eliminating ailments such as high blood pressure, migraine, anxiety, and headaches. It also helps to treat diabetes while medicated milk serves as a good remedy for insomnia as well.
Abhyangam
It is a combination of long strokes and synchronized soothing that helps restore balance, harmony, and composure in the body. Your body is massaged with oil in seven different positions and the type of oil is chosen based on the body equilibrium. It stimulates healing at a micro-cellular level as the oils get absorbed in the intra-follicular and intra-dermal layers of the skin. It helps you to steer clear of tiredness and enhances immunity and sleep. It cures psychological imbalances and fosters flexibility in the joints and muscles, thus rendering softness to the skin glands.
Nasya
Nasya or nasal administration is a procedure for cleaning the accumulated Kapha from the head and neck region. At first, the face, head, and chest are massaged thoroughly using certain herbal oil which promotes perspiration. The excess mucus accumulated in the throat, sinus, and head is drained out through the nearest opening- the nose. This treatment helps in treating sinusitis, headaches, migraine, Rhinitis, facial palsy, paralysis, insomnia, frozen shoulder, and neurological dysfunctions.
Basthi
The procedure involves introducing ayurvedic liquid and herbal concoctions made of oils and milk through the perineum to remove the toxins accumulated in this part through the colon. It cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, through the colon. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction are given as an enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This treatment is provided for several days, based on the medical condition of a person. It provides treatment for: Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly, Obesity, and Piles.
Thalam
Application of medicated paste or oil with medicated choornam on the crown also helps to reduce anxiety and improve qualitative sleep
Siropichu
It is a procedure of applying oil to the crown with a piece soaked in medicated oil which helps to improve the quality of sleep
Pada abhyanga
Padabhyanga is believed to have several benefits that may support better sleep and overall well-being.
Pranayama
Pranayama, practices like "naadi shodhana pranayama" or alternate nostril breathing, is highly valued in Ayurveda for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
Mindful eating
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of meal timing and mindful eating practices for overall health, including sleep quality
Yogasanas to alleviate insomnia (Anidra)
Yoga can be a beneficial practice for managing insomnia and improving sleep quality. Some yoga asanas Like balasana ,vipareeetha karani ,suptha badha konasana ,uttanasa,shavasana help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, aiding in better sleep
What is the Ayurvedic approach to insomnia?
In Ayurveda, insomnia is considered a disorder of the mind-body system that can be caused by various factors related to dosha imbalances, poor lifestyle choices, and psychological stressors.
What are the causes of insomnia according to Ayurveda?
Insomnia in Ayurveda is often attributed to imbalances in the pita and vata doshas, which can be aggravated by factors like stress, improper diet, lack of exercise, and disruption of daily routines.
What are the consequences of untreated insomnia in Ayurveda?
Untreated insomnia in Ayurveda can lead to a range of health issues, including compromised immunity, fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
How does Ayurveda manage insomnia?
Ayurvedic management of insomnia involves targeting the root cause of the problem through lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, herbal remedies, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies tailored to the individual's dosha imbalances.
What are the different types of insomnia recognized in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda recognizes different types of insomnia based on the underlying dosha imbalances and specific symptoms exhibited by individuals, such as difficulty falling asleep (anidra) or waking up frequently during the night.
What are the side effects of long-term use of conventional insomnia medications?
Long-term use of conventional insomnia medications can lead to side effects like dependency, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, daytime drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and an increased risk of accidents.
How can Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia help avoid these side effects?
Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia focuses on addressing the underlying imbalances in the mind-body system without causing harmful side effects, using natural remedies that promote holistic healing and overall well-being.
Which food is best for sleep in Ayurveda?
Warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg can induce good sleep
What is the cause of insomnia in Ayurveda?
An imbalance in vata dosha
How do you treat Vata's insomnia?
By following Vata's balancing diet and lifestyle
Does Vata dosha cause insomnia?
Yes of course
How can I calm my vata immediately?
You can follow breathing techniques and medication
How to get deep sleep at night in Ayurveda?
You can have a glass of warm milk with nutmeg
What foods are good for sleep in Ayurveda?
Almonds, cardamom, milk, etc
How can I sleep fast in Ayurveda?
You can medicate and practice sleep-inducing practices
What to eat in the night as per Ayurveda?
Warm, well-cooked foods
Which dosha is responsible for sleep?
Vata and pitta