Sleep Apnea Natural Ayurveda Management

Sleep Apnoea disorder is characterized by periods of not breathing, or even shallower breathing, during sleep. More importantly, each pause in the breathing can last from several seconds, to even several minutes, and can recur several times within an hour. The condition can also be associated with snoring, and in many cases, this is how the condition is discovered.
 

Sleep Apnoea and Ayurveda
 

Through Ayurveda, we can see the causes of the Sleep Apnoea as:

• Congested Medovaha (which means the adipose tissues aren’t creating energy efficiently)
• Congested Manovaha (slowed down neurological function)
• Ksheena-Agni (problems with the digestive tract)
• High Tamas levels (slowness and concentration is affected)
• Aggravated Kapha (stress and anxiety)
• Aggravated Vata (circulatory system is compromised)

Moreover, from the Ayurvedic perspective, sleep apnoea is seen as an imbalance of the Vata Dosha and which may possibly be well managed under guidance and supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
 

Sleep Apnea Natural Remedies
 

More than 1000 thousands herbs and the herbal recipes are described in Ayurvedic texts. Ayurveda Herbs used traditionally to treat condtions like Sleep Apnoea are mentioned below. All of these herbs, and more, can be made into a specific vege capsule for the patient, and thus is customised to that individual, and can be combined with several Ayurvedic treatments  to be beneficial effects.
 

After having a full consultation from Ayurvedic doctors of Melbourne, Australia, at “Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic” one can get unique herbal formula to help remove the toxins from the body.
 

Herbal Remedies For Sleep Apnea 
 

There are many different herbs or combinations of herbs that have been used traditionally in Ayurveda to treat this condition, including Tagar, Jatamansi and Shankhpushpi, but some may be restricted to use in Australia. One should be very careful before purchasing any Ayurvedic herbs online etc.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
 

Jatamansi herb is another herb with natural sedative effects that fights insomnia, and may promote a calm and balanced mind, plus a restored nervous system.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
 

Ashwagandha herb may help to strengthen the immune and nervous systems and decreases fatigue.
 

Natural treatment and Management for Sleep Apnea 
 

There is a wide array of Ayurvedic treatments that can be combined with herbs and a specific daily regimen to manage sleep apnea as below.
 

Shirodhara
 

Shirodhara, which involves pouring liquids over the forehead of the individual. The type of liquid being used depends on the ailment that is being treated, but can include milk and a variety of oils. Most commonly used for sleep apnoea is Cow’s milk (Godugdha), and allows mental clarity and a sense of calmness to come over the patient. The application of the warm liquid is said to increase and stimulate blood flow to the brain.
 

Ayurvedic massage
 

Ayurvedic massage is also a great way to combat Sleep Apnoea, especially when combined with other aspects of ayurvedic practice.  It is said to boost the immune system, improve circulation and blood flow, promote deep relaxation, decrease stress, and keep the individual in overall good health, relieving many ailments. Throughout the practice, oils are used consistently, normally infused with the specific herbs that will carry the practice further to improving wellbeing. It is beneficial for the neuromuscular, lymphatic, gastrointestinal and circulatory systems. Finally, it is also said to clear the energy channels, so they can flow more freely, opening up our vitality and senses.
 

Nasya (Nasal Herbal Treatments)
 

Nasya is another form of ayurvedic treatment that can be used for Sleep Apnoea. It involves the application of herbs into the nasal cavity, and is said to clear the head. It is also part of the five Panchakarma (detoxification) techniques, used in Ayurveda. Common forms include applying Ghee (clarified butter) or different oil types, combined with powdered herb combinations, again specific to the individual’s body type and ailment.
 

It is said to improve mental clarity and disorders associated with the brain, eliminate excess doshas (metabolic waste build-ups), allows for a smoother flow of prana (oxygen/life force) through the nasal cavities, promotes the flow of the lymphatic fluid around the body, and eliminates symptoms of various diseases (normally affiliated with the head, neck and central nervous system). 
 

There are two types of Nasya: Shamana and Shodana. Shamana is considered more relaxing to the nervous system, and reverses imbalances. Shodana is more detoxifying and clears any channels in the head. Nasya is usually preferred as a method of treatment, as the herbs and their effects will reach sinus passage quicker and more efficiently. Moreover, it is said to practise this in the morning or afternoon if you want to see more successful effects.
 

Panchkarma Treatments
 

Panchakarma, the detoxifying practices can be made into different combinations to suit the individual’s needs and the condition at hand, according to their body types. It detoxifies the body, strengthens the immune system, reverses the negative effects of stress, corrects any imbalances, provides rest and relaxation (greatly needed in this condition!), increases energy and concentration, and promotes a sense of overall wellbeing. It involves a variety of the treatments, performed over a period of a few days. All of these therapies will be in combination with a cleansing diet, yoga and meditation.
 

How to manage Sleep Apnea with Yoga Naturally 

Yoga can be very beneficial in relieving some of the risk factors associated with sleep apnoea. As this practice increases heat in the body, it can burn calories, and so can reduce the chance of being overweight. Breathing exercises within the practice can also tone the muscles in your throat and windpipe that collapse due to the condition. Breathing exercises are seen as the most important for the condition, but both types can improve your sleep and whole quality of life.
 

Sleep Apnea Prevention
 

Certain lifestyle changes can make any sleep disorder easier to live with or to prevent it:

• Limit sensory input in the evening
• Relax before bedtime; don’t do anything too exciting for the body, too close to bedtime
• Have the same times to wake up and go to sleep each day
• Reduce or have no lighting in the bedroom
• Adjust your sleep rhythm with the cycle of the sun
• Yoga, meditation, and mantra chanting

If you combine a variety of all these techniques and practice them through your own daily routine, then the symptoms of this condition should start to ease.

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may choose to contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic".  People who can't reach us personally, may choose for online Ayurveda consultation.