Abstract

INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC APPROACHES TO NIDRA IN THE ASPECT OF HARMONIZING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Dr. Monika Mahawar*, Dr. Ravi Sharma and Dr. Devesh Jaiman

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Abstract

Aahaara (Diet), Nidra (Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Celibacy) are considered as Trayopastambha, means three supportive pillars of life. Ayurveda recognized Nidra (sleep) as one of the most important dimensions of health and is an outcome of relax mental state. Happiness and unhappiness, proper nourishment or emaciation, strength and debility, sexual powers and impotence, knowledge and ignorance, life and its absence (death) all dependents on sleep. Sound sleep at night is a natural and nourishing phenomenon, so it is also called Bhutadhaatri (nourishes all living beings). On the other hand, sleeping at inappropriate times, sleeping more than required or not sleeping even a little, destroys the happiness and longevity of life. This type of irregular sleep is like Kaalaraatri (night of destruction). The disturbance in Nidra (sleep) might be related to the life style, environmental influence, mental tension, changed food habits and day to day stress. It is also enumerated as the natural urge which should not be suppressed and if suppressed would lead to various diseases. However the pattern of sleep and duration of sleep are individualized depending up on various factors. It is hence a very important concept of life, which if taken and practiced accordingly it will lead to a healthy state of body, mind and spirit.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Nidra, Trayopastambha, Bhutadhaatri, Health.