Complementary and alternative medicine, also known as CAM, is only growing in popularity. With the demands of modern society’s immediacy and quickened pacing, the sleep and overall wellbeing of many individuals fall to the wayside.
t’s gone so far that the trend of microdosing (taking a smaller dosage) psilocybin weekly propelled itself outside of Silicon Valley and into many other workplaces. While the creativity brought about by the magic mushrooms might be extremely beneficial to some, the cost of overworking the mind leads to burn out and an eventual landslide in quality of work.
How can modern folks find a means of healing their sleeping and working patterns while remaining productive and diligent? The need for sleeping pills and intensive studies played out throughout a night’s sleep, though in a rather dismal lab setting, no longer thrives.
Rather than turning to drugs and the like, CAM offers methods that are less harmful and more pleasurable all around. Although making sleep a priority might continue to fall to the wayside for some. But, at the very least, actions can be taken to aid in recalibration and maintenance of one’s overall wellbeing – mind. body. breath, and Spirit included.
For clarity, CAM methods are offered as another option or a simultaneous treatment for illness, disease, or symptoms. Complementary methods might be practiced alongside modernized medicine. Alternative medicine might take over a treatment path in its entirety.
The Intrinsic Importance of Sleep in Overall Wellbeing
Insomnia can be defined, according to the DSM, as dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality, associated with one, or more, of the following symptoms.
1. Difficulty initiating sleep.
2.Difficulty maintaining sleep, characterized by frequent awakenings or problems returning to sleep after awakenings.
3. Early-morning awakening with inability to return to sleep.
The above symptoms last for one month or longer.
The Holistic Methods.
Different practices will work for different folks, and it’s worth keeping an open mind as you begin to peruse the options. Below, a few popularized and proven methods for balancing sleep and aiding in energy healing are detailed.
1. Yin Yoga. A practice where yoga asana postures are held for extended periods, anywhere from 2 minutes to 5 minutes. Sometimes, shapes might be kept for longer. Yin allows access to connective tissues. Rather than stretching muscles, the extended time in stillness brings release to the connective tissues. Connective tissues run along your entire body and have been linked to energetic imbalances. Yin Yoga acts as a moving meditation. Each shape might be considered a container for meditation to unfold in its way.
2. Yoga Nidra. A guided meditation practice of sorts, Nidra guides yogis into a state resting between consciousness and sleep. With the repetition of a mantra, also called ‘Sankalpa,’ yogis invoke a deepened awareness and a heightened state of being. A 45 minute Nidra practice might be as beneficial as several hours of sleep.
3. Binaural Beats. With a range of frequencies, binaural beats offering healing through soundwaves. With different wavelengths moving into your right ear and your left ear, when combined, the effect is deeply soothing. Each frequency carries with it a specific energy or ‘purpose’ of sorts.
The Benefits.
A 2008 publication showed that CAM is practiced primarily by individuals aged 18 to 24 years old, with approximately 7.5% utilizing the methods. Following up on the age group mentioned above, less than 7% of 25 to 34 year olds and 35 to 44 year olds use CAM. The statistics came about from a 2002 National Health Interview Study.
By inviting relaxation methods, as ancient as yoga and as fresh as binaural beats, one might find new ways to recalibrate. Even if you cannot find time to get a full nights rest, CAM methods might allow you some pseudo-shut-eye.
