Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder. People suffering from insomnia have difficulty staying asleep, falling asleep, or both. They don’t wake up refreshed in the morning. This may result in other symptoms such as fatigue, changes in mood and difficulty with concentration during the daytime. There are certain factors which may increase the risk of developing insomnia. These risk factors are high-stress levels, emotional disorders like anxiety or depression related to some trauma in life, traveling to locations which have variable time zones, suffering from chronic medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having lower income, having problems with substance abuse and working in night shifts. 

 

Benefits of Acupressure for Insomnia

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy in which gentle pressure is applied using fingers over certain specific points on the body. These points follow specific energy pathways known as meridians. The aim of acupressure is to release or activate the stagnant energy in these points; thereby, improving the blood flow and healing and relaxing the body. The blockage of energy in these points results in various ailments that may manifest as aches and pains, sleep disorders, emotional problems, stress etc. 

How Using Ajnamat helps Insomnia?

Insomnia may occur due to a variety of reasons; however, the two most common reasons are pain and stress. At night, although you are tired, still the pain and stress keep you awake. Your stress worsens as you are aware that you should sleep and this makes your insomnia worse. 

Ajnamat consists of greater than 5000 specifically designed spikes that help in releasing the unblocked energy from the meridians thus relieving tension and activating body’s healing power. It also improves blood circulation in the body, which helps in relieving pain. 

According to a study, lying on an acupressure mat releases stress, reduces heart rate to a healthy rate which is optimal for inducing sleep, deepens and slows the rate of breathing and improves circulation of blood subtly. These changes suggest that due to acupressure mats there is a reduction in the reaction of the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for flight or fight response) and an elevation in the reaction of the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for digestion and rest). Due to this people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia can also find relief in their symptoms from acupressure mats. 

As there is improved circulation and increased relaxation after lying for some time on an acupressure mat, the body starts releasing feel-good chemicals or hormones referred to as endorphins and oxytocin. Due to this muscles unwind, pain and stress subside and you may feel drowsy and fall asleep easily. 

Initially, the spikes of the mat may feel sharp; however, the pain changes to gentle warmth after about three to five minutes as your muscles begin to relax and blood circulation improves. 

You can utilize Ajnamat to boost a 25-30 minutes nap in the afternoon. You can also use it before bed to induce more restful sleep at night. It also improves your quality of sleep. 

 

How to Use Ajnamat for Insomnia?

Lie down on the acupressure mat for a minimum of 20 minutes before going to bed at night or whenever you want to take a nap. Focus on the breathing as it helps in relaxing your mind. When you start feeling sleepy, remove the acupressure mat and sleep on your normal mattress. 

 

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About the Author- Dr. Ritu Goel

As a certified homeopathic physician and nutritionist, Ritu has worked for more than 10 years in the healthcare industry in various organizations as a physician and fitness and nutrition expert.

Rita also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital and Health Care Management from Symbiosis University, Pune, India, as well as a certificate in dietetics and nutrition.