Ayurvedic Treatments for Insomnia
Lately, it seems like 2 out of 3 people have been asking about insomnia so I figured I'd give you a bit of the ayurvedic perspective. (On
a typical day in America, 125 million people wake up feeling
exhausted. Insomnia and fatigue are among America's top health
problems. Researchers have identified lack of sleep as a cause of
serious disorders ranging from diabetes to high stress levels.)
Ayurveda identifies 3 types of sleep disorder:
· Vata-Type: is characterized by an inability to fall asleep. There's alot of tossing and turning, mind racing, anxiety and worry. Eventually, sleep comes but it's usually light and fitful. Due to the mobile nature of vata, this is the type of person that moves all over the bed, gets wound up in the sheets, etc.
· PItta-Type: one can fall asleep without problem but staying asleep is difficult. It's typical to awaken between 2 am and 4 am (often with a racing heart and/or tense muscles) and be unable to go back to sleep. There may be thoughts related to fear, anger and self criticism.
· Kapha-Type: is when there's no trouble falling asleep or staying asleep...the trouble is waking up, much less waking up alert and refreshed. This is the person who can sleep for 12 hours (or goes back to bed after waking) but still feels sluggish and lethargic.
Generally, the dietary choices and lifestyle practices that decrease an out-of-balance dosha will aid with sleep disorders as well. Since most of the cases I see are related to Vata-Type Insomnia, this is where I'll focus my suggestions. If you'd like to know more about pacifying all of the doshas, please go to the Vikruti page of my site, under Ayurveda Basics.
Some recommendations to aid sleep:
· Do daily self massage with warm oil. Sesame oil is the traditional choice for pacifying vata dosha but I prefer sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is cheap, widely available and works on all doshas. Daily massage soothes the nervous system. This is my number-one, top-of-the-line recommendation for almost all nervous system or stress disorders...which everyone seems to have.
· For at least an hour before bedtime (which should be before 10 pm): no TV, no talking, no computer, no loud or fast music, no eating, no reading of stimulating material, no vigorous exercise. Listen to slow, quiet music (I'm partial to Healing Ragas). Take a warm bath. Do slow, gentle restorative stretching. Breathe. Meditate.
· Drink a cup of warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg in it. Chamomile tea is good too.
· Apply warm sesame oil to your scalp and feet before getting into bed. Be sure to cover your pillow with a towel and wear socks.
· Do Yoga Nidra (a guided form of relaxation/meditation) for sakes! How many times do I need to tell everyone?! This doesn't have to be done just before bed, you can do it anytime. Just aim for a few times a week, whenever you have a free half hour. (I'm working on a CD that will feature several 15-to-20-minute sessions!)
· Lie on your right side with your left elbow bent across the front of your body and your left hand resting in your right armpit. This induces right-nostril (relaxing, cooling, female energy) breathing which is conducive to sleep.
· Come see me for herbal recommendations and instruction of breathing techniques (like alternate-nostril breathing, bee's breath and 3-part breathing).
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NEW PRODUCT: Rosehip-Meadowfoam Anti-Aging Serum
One of the best products I've made! This jojoba-oil-based serum is lightweight, hydrating and perfect for all skin types. Jojoba oil is actually a wax that closely resembles human sebum and has the ability to both hydrate and balance oiliness. This means it's suitable for both dry skin and oily skin. I've added meadowfoam seed oil and rosehip oil for their anti-aging properties--improvement of skin elasticity, reduction of the formation of wrinkles and regeneration of cells. Rose and geranium essential oils have also been added for their balancing and anti-aging properties as well as their scents.
Use morning and evening after cleansing and toning. May be used on its own or under a moisturizer, if necessary. (I alternate this with the Antioxidant Treatment nightly.)
I know you're wondering, "where can I get such a fabulous anti-aging serum?" And, guess what? I know the answer! Click here.
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THE 12 MOST TOXIC FRUITS & VEGGIES -- BUY ORGANIC, PLEASE!
Since it's Summer and we naturally eat more fruits and vegetables, it's good to know which are the most sprayed with pesticides and thus, most toxic. Buy the organic versions of these--especially if you have children:
Peaches, Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes, Carrots and Pears.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SERENITY NOW: Yoga Nidra
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Yoga Now Gold Coast
1p.m. to 2 p.m.
$20 The ancient yogis developed Yoga Nidra as a method of achieving deep and complete relaxation while maintaining consciousness. During this session, all you'll need to do is wear comfortable clothing, lie down, be at ease and listen as I guide you through systematic relaxation and visualization techniques.
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KK Ayurveda OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
40 East Oak Street, #1002
Chicago, IL
312.479.3300
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Love, 