Yoga and Health: Yoga to cure Insomnia

By Acharya Vikrmaditya

Yoga and Health: Yoga to cure Insomnia

Practice of yogic techniques is perhaps one of the best ways of overcoming insomnia.

Mudra

Touch the tip of index finger (Targni) with the tip of thumb to form the Gyan Mudra. Acharya Keshav Dev calls this mudra as a Yogic Tranquilliser.

Pranayam

Deep breathing techniques like Bhastrika Pranayam help you fall asleep sooner and improve quality of sleep. The pranayam has a beneficial effect on the nervous system as it increases the process of elimination of toxins from the body and normalises the blood supply in the brain, which subsequently effects in relieving stress, tension and fatigue.

Process:

In fresh air, inhale and exhale rapidly through the nose for one minute; relax for a few seconds and repeat. Repeat for around 7-8 times at a stretch. (It should be practised before meals.)

Yogasan Balakasan

This is the best pose to sleep in. Children usually sleep in this pose.

-       Lie on the stomach with the head turned to right side and the arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.

-       Bend the right arm and place the forearms on the floor with the palm downwards on the side of head. Keep the right elbow close to the body and be fully relaxed.

-       Now fold your right knee sidewise. Normal and deep breathing. Both hands should be in Gyan Mudra. Relax in this pose as much as you can.

Healthy Tips

-       Even 30 minutes of daily exercise will give your body the activity and oxygen it needs to help you relax more and sleep better.

-       Your body likes regular routines. It likes to get up at the same time each day, eat at the same time and even to go to bed at the same time. So follow a routine.

-       Try keeping wake-up time early in the morning.

-       Sleep with your head facing north or east.

-       Massaging the whole body before going to bed is one of the best remedies.

-       Avoid drinking tea, coffee and soft drinks before going to sleep.

-       Avoid dinner; fasting helps a lot in curing insomnia.

-       Most essential - avoid day napping.

-       Try to avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol.

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See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)