MANAGEMENT OF ANIDRA (INSOMNIA) THROUGH AHARA-VIHARA: A REVIEW

Vd. Bhaskar M. Perke and *Vd. Pallavi B. Dudhewad

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda the science of healthy living deals with physical, mental and spiritual components of health. Ayurveda considered Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacarya as important parts of life for achieving goal of Swasthavritta. Ayurveda recognises the importance of sleep to health. In fact, it maintains that sleep and diet are the two pillars of health. In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is one important component of Trayopsthambh. As per Ayurveda, Nidranasha which is due to aggravation of Vata Dosha (Vata Vrudhi). An improper diet and irregular lifestyle (Aahar and Vihar) develop cause of vata prakopa that travels through causing sleeplessness (Anidra). Nidra is a state of complete physical and mental relaxation of body which play vital role towards the good health status. Anidra is abnormal physiological condition which greatly affects quality of life and this problem increasing day by day due to the enhanced level of stress, diversified environmental condition, disturb pattern of life style and bad dietary habits. Insomnia or Anidra is not just about being tired, it means that the nervous system has been weakened and reduces our ability to cope. It is very important for physician society to put focus attention to reduces prevalence of this issue. Ayurveda mentioned different therapeutic approaches for the management condition of insomnia including use of Shaman, Shodhna Chikitsa and good conduction of Ahara-Vihara.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Nidra, Anidra, Insomnia.