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The A's of Sleep Apnea TreatmentThere are a variety of alternative therapies that can be used to help improve the symptoms of sleep apnea. These therapies are also useful to help other sleep disorders such as insomnia for example. We will look at the therapies that all begin with the letter "A". These include acupuncture/acupressure, Alexander technique, anthroposophical medicine, aromatherapy, autogenic training and ayurveda. Not all of these therapies have the same purpose. Some provide a way to relieve stress, others encourage relaxation, while others are helpful in centering the body's systems and improve health and well being in a general sense. The one thing they all have in common is that they promote a calmer and more restful state of
sleep. It is wise to always inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you are making use of a form of alternative therapy to work in concert with conventional western medicine.
Acupuncture is a Chinese practice that goes back centuries and involves the insertion of thin needles, usually consisting of stainless steel, into the skin very gentle and certain key points. Acupressure goes back many years as well and this form of an "ancient healing art" makes use of the fingers used to knead pressure points on the skin's surface in order to stimulate the body to begin its own healing process. Both acupuncture and acupressure help to increase blood circulation, bring down levels of stress and tension in the body and bring about a relaxing, calming effect.
The Alexander technique focuses on how an individual moves his or her body and it encourages ways to move the body for maximum effect. This technique also puts a lot of emphasis on learning ways to release tension from the body and ways to make sure the tension stays gone.
Anthroposophical medicine looks at not just the physical body but also how it works in concert with the mind, soul and the spirit. It is an all-inclusive way of looking at human beings. This method focuses on thoughts and feelings and how they are all connected.
Aromatherapy is considered to be both a science as well as an ancient art and it deal with the use of oils taken from aromatic plants to be used in therapeutic ways. These essential oils have been shown to have calming properties on the mind as well as a variety of emotions such as anger, irritability, stressfulness and so on. Some of the best oils used in the treatment of sleep apnea include elemi, which is inhaled and makes for a relaxed night of rest; lavender (a few drops dabbled on sheets or a pillow promotes restful sleep); nutmeg, which promotes a good sleep but should be used in small quantities; spikenard which can be used for a fitful sleep, relaxation and the reduction of stress and finally, oil that is taken from the berries of zanthoxylum which promotes restful a soothing night's sleep.
Autogenic training "is a system of very specific auto suggestive formulas" that is useful for so many reasons. Autogenic training is excellent when it comes to managing stress; it relieve tension; it improves one's ability to concentrate and it improves such problems as breakouts of the skin, high blood pressure and constipation.
Ayurveda is a science that ties in the balance of the human body with the balance of nature. It can help with problems of harmony and therefore is an effective alternative therapy for sleep apnea and constant wakefulness. Ayurveda practitioners attempt to make the body, mind and soul achieve natural balance and also to balance the relationship these parts have with nature.
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