How to Use Holistic Medicine to Treat Insomnia

Approximately 17 percent of people in the United States suffer from insomnia. There are a number of prescription drugs that offer temporary relief, but they can be dangerously addictive. Holistic medicine offers a less toxic way to treat insomnia. Holistic medicine diagnoses a person as a whole, taking a look at his or her entire environment. The treatments used through holistic medicine aim to resolve the cause, not just treat the symptoms. Follow these steps to find out how holistic methods can alleviate the fitful sleep and early awakening caused by insomnia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Money for herbal supplements and/or holistic treatments

Begin Your Journey Toward Sleep

1. Understand the root of your insomnia. It's often caused by anxiety or depression. Once you understand the root cause, you can treat the cause rather than the symptom, or your insomnia.
2. Use an anti-anxiety herb, like kava, to treat insomnia caused by stress and anxiety. Kava is most often taken in a tea.
3. Help yourself doze off to sleep with Valerian root. This natural substance can help you fall and stay asleep.
4. Opt for chamomile to help you fall asleep. Chamomile is FDA-approved and has no side effects. There are a wide variety of chamomile teas on the market, sold in health food stores and chain grocery stores.
5. Use melatonin supplements to help you sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced in humans, animals and plants.
6. Avoid caffeinated drinks for 4 to 5 hours before bed. Don't drink soft drinks that contain high levels of caffeine or coffee and some black teas.

Treat Your Insomnia Through Relaxation

7. Use relaxation methods to let go of your anxiety and stress. Massage therapy is a great way of achieving relaxation. Other tricks and tips can be found at MedicineNet.com (see Resources below).
8. Meditate at night to ease your mind and find balance within yourself. An overactive mind can lead to restless sleep or no sleep at all. Meditation can also help bring equilibrium to your body, mind and soul.
9. Practice a low-impact exercise such as yoga or tai chi. Learn more about tai chi at MayoClinic.com (see Resources below).
10. Use acupressure as an alternative treatment for insomnia. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body in order to stimulate the body's natural healing properties. You can visit an acupressure practitioner, or use the information at the "Holistic Health Tools" Web site (see Resources below).
11. Remember to practice holistic medicine with an open mind. This will help you benefit far more from the treatments you receive.

Tips & Warnings

• Treating insomnia is easier when you can determine whether your insomnia stems from anxiety, depression or a more serious condition.
• Treating insomnia with holistic solutions is generally inexpensive.
• See a doctor right away if symptoms of restlessness, shortness of breath or anxiety worsen. These may be signs of hypertension or another serious illness.
• Do not mix herbs. Consult a health practitioner before combining herbal supplements or treatments.