Another lifestyle-related condition on the rise globally, sleep apnea, has been identified in almost 936 million people worldwide. Patients with sleep apnea report shallow or no breathing for a few seconds every night. Throughout the entire sleep cycle, these pauses happen more than once! Fatigue, stress, worry, decreased productivity, cognitive disturbance, and in severe cases, even death can be side effects of the illness.
One common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. However, owing to the health risks associated with CPAP Machines, many Sleep Apnea patients are now filing CPAP recall lawsuits, suggesting that Ayurveda Treatment should be preferred now more than ever.
Three different varieties of sleep apnea have been identified worldwide: central, obstructive, and complicated, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most prevalent.
Low Agni, or digestive fire, strong tamas, and worsened Kapha and Vata may be brought on sleep apnea, according to Ayurveda.
Here are some common signs:
- Low levels of ghrelin and leptin due to inadequate sleep cause hormonal imbalance. A rise in ghrelin levels could make people feel more hungry and exacerbate weight issues.
- Impair Brain Functions
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Depression
- Low level of activity
Who is at more Risk of Sleep Apnea?
- Overweight people.
- Those with large necks, both sexes: 16 inches or more for men and women.
Elderly adults, postmenopausal women, and persons in their middle years.
- Young children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- A family history of sleep apnea is a genetic risk factor.
- Several endocrine conditions, including acromegaly and hypothyroidism.
- Smokers
- Those who have rhinitis and are experiencing nasal congestion.
How can Ayurveda help?
Shirodhara
Shirodhara, one of the most soothing relaxation therapies for modern life, is a specific treatment from Ayurveda’s ancient therapeutic system. It is derived from the Sanskrit words Shir, which means “head,” and Dhara, which means “stream.”
An ancient pattern of stimulating spots is used to pour a constant stream of lukewarm therapeutic herbal oil onto the scalp and forehead. The entire forehead is covered. Shirodhara revitalizes and enlivens the central nervous system, which becomes clogged by ongoing stress, concerns, poor food and lifestyle choices, and work pressure. The central nervous system is damaged in cases of central sleep apnea. It cures a variety of nervous system disorders and diseases like sleep apnea resulting from a disturbed Vata Dosha.
Nasya
Oil massages are a fantastic way to balance the Vata dosha and lessen Kapha aggravation. The entrance to consciousness is the nose. Nasal therapy relieves acute and chronic sinus issues such as allergies, mucus congestion, dry nasal passages, and snoring by clearing and lubricating the sinus pathways. The administration of herb-infused oils into the nasal cavity also lessens anxiety, clears and strengthens the mind, and stimulates the nervous system while easing headaches and migraines caused by sinusitis. After this procedure, you shouldn’t instantly fall asleep or lay down.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is one of the most well-known and frequently suggested therapies in Ayurveda for treating sleep apnea symptoms, such as severe anxiety, exhaustion, a disoriented nervous system, and stress. It involves rhythmically massaging warm, aromatic oils into your body to release toxins, calm the nervous system, and provide rest, nourishment, and rejuvenation. It enhances lymphatic function, increases blood circulation, moisturizes and tones the skin, and relaxes the neurological and limbic systems.
Herbs
Patients with apnea may benefit from using herbs such as ashwagandha, jatamansi, shankhpushpi, and sarpagandha to help with their impaired cognitive skills. The consumption of these herbs lessens stress and anxiety-related obstructive apnea disorders. These herbs have restorative properties that aid in sleep induction and brain and nervous system calming. In addition to lowering blood pressure, sarpagandha is beneficial in treating sleep-related issues.
Karna Purna
Many aspects of treating sleep apnea revolve around calming the nerve system, which requires balancing the Vata dosha inside the body. A treatment called Karna Purna is intended to quiet your nervous system and induce profound stillness. Warm oil is slowly and carefully poured into the ears, lubricating the ear canal and calming the nervous system and mind.
Practice Yoga
Regular yoga practice helps with breathing and sleep quality. It also helps with breathing by strengthening the muscles in your airways. Sudarshan Kriya, a potent breathing technique, has been linked to improved sleep quality in over 65 independent research carried out on four continents and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Conclusion:
Ayurvedic medicine promotes whole-body healing, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Yoga, meditation, mindful eating, sleep hygiene, spending time alone and with others, and managing your work-life balance can result in good control of Sleep Apnea.
