How Ayurvedic Massage and Food Can Help You Sleep?
Have you ever counted sheep in your bed? Do you sometimes have trouble falling asleep?
I’m a person who goes to sleep in just a few seconds every night, I’m such a lucky woman. However, I have experienced sleep problems before. I’ve had many things coming up in my head while trying to sleep and I’ve started to worry about not being able to sleep. It’s stressful just staying in bed in the darkness during the night, isn’t it?
According to Ayurveda, insomnia and restless sleep are symptoms of aggravated Vata dosha. Vata is responsible for movement, activity and thinking process. It is light, fast and airy by nature. When Vata dosha is balanced, we feel creative, light, inspired and energised. When Vata is aggravated, we feel fatigued and unable to stop the constant flow of thoughts. We feel anxious and we turn into insomniacs with a hyperactive mind.
Consciously or unconsciously you might be doing a few things that keep you awake by aggravating Vata.
According to Ayurveda, you shouldn’t aggravate Vata by:
• Eating dinner late (less than 3 hours before sleep)
• Eating heavy, spicy, or fatty meal for dinner. Digestion takes up a lot of energy. While digesting, your body is active and you may be forced to stay awake because your belly is still working.
• Drinking coffee less than 5 hours before sleep
• Watching TV or staring at a computer screen or a phone before sleep. Bright lights activate your nervous system and increase Vata.
To improve your sleep, reduce Vata by:
• Rubbing sesame oil or Vata oil on your scalp and on the soles of your feet before going to bed. Massage the area gently for a few minutes. I recommend warming the oil slightly before applying.
• Drinking a cup of warm almond milk, soy milk before bed. You can use plain milk if you prefer. Add a pinch of cardamom.
• Eating a Vata-reducing dinner. Vata foods are warm, moist, and grounding. Avoid eating dry or raw foods. Don’t drink ice-cold beverages before bed.
• Reading a good book or having a conversation with your family instead of looking at an electronic screen. It will be less aggravating to the brain and nervous system, so you can fall asleep easier.
• Making a daily routine and bedtime ritual for yourself.
• Taking a bath to keep your body and mind calm (this is my favourite!).