Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala

Sleep is a natural and essential phenomenon in which our bodies and minds undergo a period of rest and restoration. Experiencing challenges in falling and staying asleep can indicate an underlying insomnia issue. When the body remains active, and the mind is consumed with a rush of thoughts, achieving a state of restful sleep becomes difficult. 

Acute episodes of sleep disorders may occur in situations where anticipation or excitement about a significant event the next day disrupts the usual sleep pattern; however, such instances often resolve on their own without the need for specific treatment. Conversely, if an individual consistently struggles with sleep difficulties, it may signify chronic insomnia, warranting careful attention and prompting the need for professional treatment. In such cases, seeking medical advice becomes essential to address the persistent challenges of achieving a good night’s sleep.

Theory and Ayurvedic View on Insomnia Treatment

Nidranash, or lack of sleep, is described in Ayurveda as a disruption in one of the three essential pillars of life. These pillars are Aahar (diet), Nidra (sleep), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Together, they ensure a person’s well-being, providing strength, complexion, and growth. These pillars are like sub-posts, supporting the body’s health throughout its entire lifespan.

Nidra is a unique mental state where the mind is not connected to the senses. This detachment from external stimuli occurs when the body and mind are fatigued. Disturbances or reductions in this state are referred to as anidra or nidranasha.

In Ayurveda, sleep troubles known as Anidra or Nidranasha arise when there’s an imbalance in three key elements: Tarpaka Kapha, Sadhaka Pitta, and Prana Vayu. Tarpak Kapha, a part of Kapha, is responsible for nourishing the brain cells and promoting restful sleep. When this element is imbalanced, it results in reduced nourishment to the brain cells, leading to insomnia. Sadhaka Pitta, a subset of Pitta located in the heart, governs emotions, determination, desires, and spirituality. Imbalances in Sadhaka Pitta can affect these aspects, potentially causing sleep disruptions. Additionally, Prana Vayu, a component of Vata, renders the nervous system sensitive. When a sensitive nervous system interacts with an aggravated Prana Vayu, it can lead to insomnia and sleep difficulties.

Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment: Causes

Causes for the disturbance of nidra include excess dosha in the body, eliminated through various methods like virechana, Vamana, Nasya, and others. Factors such as fear, worry, anger, smoke, excessive physical activity, bloodletting, fasting, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, predominance of positive qualities (satva guna) overcoming negative qualities (tamoguna) contribute to nidranasha.

It’s important to note that both Vata dosha and the mind are closely linked. If one is imbalanced, it negatively affects the other. Therefore, maintaining balance in both vata and mental well-being is crucial in preventing disturbances in nidra.

Causes of Sleeplessness:

Short-term Insomnia (Acute Insomnia):

• Stress
• Upsetting or traumatic events
• Changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping in a new location
• Physical pain
• Certain medications

Chronic Insomnia (Lasting at least 3 months):

Secondary Insomnia (Occurs with another condition):

• Medical conditions affecting sleep, like arthritis or back pain
• Psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression
• Substance use
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes

Ayurvedic Treatment for Insomnia

In Ayurveda, insomnia is often considered a result of an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Vata dosha. Panchakarma, with its holistic approach, aims to restore balance to the doshas and promote overall well-being, which can indirectly contribute to improving sleep quality. Here are some Panchakarma therapies and Ayurvedic approaches that may be beneficial for treating insomnia.

Panchakarma like

• Vamana 
• Virechana 
• Anuvasana Vasti
• Niruha vasti
• Nasya can be practiced according to the condition

Alongside cleansing therapies shamana treatments can also practice. These treatments can include taking internal medicines and receiving external therapies like massages or herbal applications. This combined approach helps in both cleaning the body and calming the mind to improve sleep

Shiroabhyanga (Head Massage):

• Shiroabhyanga involves the application of herbal oils through gentle massage on the head, neck, and shoulders.
• It promotes relaxation, relieves tension, and can have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for conditions like insomnia.

Padabhyangam (Foot Massage):

• Padabhyangam is a therapeutic foot massage using herbal oils.
• It stimulates vital points on the feet, improving circulation and inducing a sense of grounding and relaxation, which can positively impact sleep.

Talam (Medicated Paste Application on Head):

• Talam involves applying a medicated paste on the forehead, which is then allowed to dry.
• This therapy is often used for conditions related to the head, including headaches and sleep disturbances.

Takradhara (Continuous Pouring of Buttermilk):

• Takradhara involves a continuous and rhythmic pouring of medicated buttermilk over the forehead.
• It is known for its cooling and calming effect, making it suitable for conditions where excess heat or Pitta imbalance is a contributing factor to insomnia.

Talapotichil (Oil Pooling on the Head):

• The herbal paste used in Talapotichil can be customized to suit the patient’s dosha imbalance. The treatment duration and frequency may also be adjusted based on individual needs.

It’s crucial to undergo these therapies under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can assess your specific condition, dosha imbalances, and overall health status. They will create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of Panchakarma procedures, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications to address the root causes of insomnia and promote overall well-being.

Cure Prospective of Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia varies among individuals. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is crucial to receive personalized guidance and a tailored treatment plan based on your unique constitution and health condition. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes play a significant role in supporting the holistic approach to managing insomnia through Ayurveda.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda recommends various lifestyle adjustments to enhance the quality of sleep.

• Maintain a calm, dark, and quiet bedroom free from electronic devices to enhance sleep quality.
• Establish and adhere to a consistent sleep pattern throughout the night for improved rest.
• Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods in the evening to prevent sleep disturbances.
• Indulge in a relaxing hot bath before bedtime to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep.
• Practice yoga or meditation right before bedtime to unwind and alleviate stress, facilitating a smoother transition into restful sleep.

Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment: Prevention

Stress Management:

• Learn to manage stress and work pressures positively.
• Regular meditation and exercise can help in de-stressing the body and mind.
• These practices strengthen the body and mindset, reducing anxiety, stress, and depression.

Regular Exercise:

• Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
• Exercise promotes overall well-being and can contribute to better sleep.

Healthy Sleep Habits:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body that it’s time to wind down.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment:

• Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep – dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Limit Screen Time:

• Reduce exposure to screens before bedtime as the blue light emitted can interfere with melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Healthy Diet:

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
• Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to calm the mind before bedtime.
• Deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial.

Recommended Yoga Poses for Insomnia

Yoga brings a bunch of benefits for your overall well-being, especially when it comes to dealing with sleep issues like insomnia. By focusing on deep breathing and mindfulness, yoga helps to chill out and reduce stress. People who regularly practice yoga tend to enjoy better and longer sleep.

Balasana (Child’s Pose):

• Benefits: Calms mind, relieves stress, stretches back, hips, and thighs, releases tension in shoulders and neck, promotes deep relaxation and better sleep.

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose):

• Benefits: Relieves tired legs, calms the nervous system, enhances circulation and lymphatic flow, induces deep relaxation, and combats insomnia.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose):

• Benefits: Relaxes body, calms mind, opens hips and groin, stimulates abdominal organs, relieves menstrual discomfort and menopause symptoms.

Savasana (Corpse Pose):

• Benefits: Induces deep relaxation, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, relieves fatigue, enhances mental clarity, and promotes better sleep.

Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist):

• Benefits: Releases tension in the spine and lower back, stretches hips, shoulders, and chest, massages abdominal organs, calms the nervous system, and promotes relaxation.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend):

• Benefits: Calms mind, reduces stress and anxiety, relieves tension in spine and back muscles, encourages blood flow to the brain, promoting relaxation and better sleep.

Insomnia Ayurvedic Treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda

Dheemahi Ayurveda is dedicated to prioritising patient health and well-being through a rich tradition of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through five generations. Our team comprises expert doctors who are committed to your health journey. Dheemahi Ayurveda is an authentic and traditional Ayurveda Hospital.

With daily consultations we provide more reliability as by doing physical examinations, doctors can get more findings about the condition of the patient.

For chronic diseases – routine follow-up check-up is also an essential requirement which cannot be ignored. In the case of therapies needed for the relief of the symptoms, the supervision of a doctor is very much important. Dheemahi facilitates the supervision of our doctors in every Panchakarma therapy with exact documentation of your treatment schedule.