Insomnia or sleeplessness is a modern age complaint which is becoming more common due to worry, mental strain, over-use of stimulants like tea and coffee, lack of physical exercise, sleeping in over-crowded and ill-ventilated rooms, etc. Occasional sleeplessness is but natural, but persistent insomnia is a disease that should be treated because it can greatly affect the overall health of person.

Symptoms of Insomnia:

•Heaviness in head

•Feeling of pain in head

•Nausea

•Feeling of tiredness and weakness

•Body ache

•Burning sensation in eyes

•Irritation

Causes of Insomnia:
The main causes of Insomnia are digestive disorder, Constipation, mental tension, fear and worry etc. Even addiction to T.V. and reading of books, use of Tea, Coffee and other intoxicants also delay the sleep. By in ordinate increase in blood flow toward head the sleep disappears. Mind obsessed by thoughts at the time of sleep, becomes tense and disturbed and vanishes the sleep. Obscene literature disturbs the mind and prevents sleep.

Treatment of Insomnia by Nature Cure:
Water Treatment:
For immediate relief, Natural bath or hot footbath is useful. Spinal pack also promotes sleep. In case of application of Chest pack enhances sleep Insomnia due to breathing disorder. In winter season bathing with water of neutral temperature before sleep is beneficial. After that Cold mudpack may be applied over abdomen and forehead. Regular use of Cold hipbath is also beneficial.

For getting permanent relief from this disease cleansing of bowel by taking lemon water enema is also beneficial. Such patients should give up intoxicants like tea, coffee etc. to get quick benefit. The bedroom for such patients should also be sufficiently airy and open.

Treatment of Insomnia by Yogic Asanas:
In some cases tense mental conditions like worries, tension, fear, jealousy, attachment and aversion are the root cause of Insomnia. Some patients achieve its solution by the practise of Pranayama and Meditation alongwith the follow-up of Yama and Niyama. It has been observed that the practise of Vippasana meditation also relieves the Insomnia.

Regular practice of Kunjala and Jala Neti is also advantageous in Insomnia. The practice of Surya Namaskara, Tadasana, Katichakrasana, Supta Pavanarnuktasana, Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Vajrasana, Mandukasana, Matsyasana, Pashchimottanasana and Shavasana may be performed under the supervision of an instructor.

Ghrit Neti and Ghrit massage of head and sole before going to sleep enhances good sleep. The practice of Nadi shodhana, Kapala bhati and Suryabhedana in winter and Shitali and Chandrabhedi Pranayama in summer also benefits in Insomnia. Regularisation of the daily routine especially sleeping and eating habits is essential for such patients.

Treatment of Insomnia by Aromatherapy:
The oils that can prove beneficial in the treatment of insomnia are: Camomile, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Patchouli, Neroli & Marjoram. The procedure for using the same is as follows:


•You can use ten drops in your bath and soak well.

•Or for massage use twelve drops in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil.

•Or inhale neat and sprinkle a few drops on your pillow.

•Camomile is one of the most sedative oils and you could also try using it in a burner, and drinking camomile tea before you go to bed.

Treatment of Insomnia by Magnetic Therapy:
The South Pole CCM on the forehead for 15 to 20 minutes at bedtime induces good sleep and will prevent a chronic tendency to insomnia. Mixed magnetized water should also be taken thrice daily.