Aromatherapy & Marma points for better sleep

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, it's not hard to find advice. Drink chamomile tea, take a warm bath, turn off the screens, eat dinner a little earlier, or count sheep. You may already have your own bedtime ritual with restorative yoga, scented candles, and a guided meditation, but for many of you, sleep can sometimes be a difficult practice to perfect. Luckily, there are some proven techniques to help the mind and body sleep, and these specific methods have worked for thousands of years. Read on to discover a nightly ritual to put you to sleep, using specific marma points and aromatherapy to promote restful, rejuvenating sleep.

The use of aromatherapy dates back to before ancient Greece, where the gods were said to be gifted with the knowledge of perfume and scent. Texts from East and West describe ritual healing ointments, medicinal oils, and healing perfumes used for both physical and emotional well-being, and the ancient Vedic texts from India even include the use of cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, sandalwood, and coriander for religious and medicinal purposes.

Essential oils

Scent does indeed have a powerful influence on us – our brains are wired to associate smell with memory and emotion, and when we connect with our sense of smell, we also connect with the energetic “muladhara” or “root chakra.” Using essential oil fragrances is an effective way to naturally balance emotions, calm the mind, and promote a relaxed body. To improve sleep, you've probably heard of these relaxing oils:

lavender

This popular oil is often touted astherelaxant, and studies are increasingly showing that it's true too. Lavender is a mood stabilizer and sedative, can relieve anxiety and insomnia, and has also been shown to help with menstrual cramps and eczema. Dilute lavender essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut for a cooling, soothing massage oil.

sandalwood

Sandalwood's woody, earthy aroma is common in the East, and studies show it also has calming properties. Sandalwood is calming and emotionally calming. So it's great if your mind is overactive and you tend to think about work stress late at night. This relaxing oil can also fight bacteria and give the skin a “glow.” Blend sandalwood essential oil with a grounding, nourishing oil like sesame for a super soothing massage.

jasmine

Interestingly, the botanical components of jasmine essential oil are actually similar to those found in sleep medications and can be very helpful in resolving insomnia and sleep disorders. Research shows that jasmine essential oil can improve sleep quality and reduce restless sleep, and some studies even show that it is more effective than lavender at reducing anxiety! Jasmine is also helpful for balancing energySvadisthana,The sacral chakra related to the water element, creativity, sensuality and the ability to go with the flow in life. Blend jasmine essential oil with rosehip oil for a luxurious anti-inflammatory, collagen-boosting and truly feminine massage

Marma points

After you've mixed your oils, it's time to let them work on the marma points. Similar to acupressure points, marmas are points where energy accumulates, and we can use marma massage to either release accumulated energy, strengthen the energy at the point and associated organs, or revitalize stagnant energetic “blockages.” The Marma massage is an aspect of Ayurveda that, alongside yoga, nutritional advice, lifestyle advice and much more, helps to bring body and mind into a natural balance. Try the following Marma points to improve sleep:

Adhipati

Located at the top of the head and connected toSahasraraThe 'crown chakra', this marma point, helps with reductionvataEnergy – the energy associated with movement, wind, air and irregularities. By reducing vata energy, we also help reduce anxiety, overthinking, and worry, and bring a greater sense of calm to the mind. Massage slowly but firmly with your sandalwood oil for a few minutes.

Hridaya

The hotel is located onAnahataHeart center chakra point, this marma point can help calm the body and mind and regulate the flow ofPrana(life energy). This is a great marma point for massage if you've had a rough day and want to show yourself some love. It is further strengthened by the silent repetition of the heart chakra mantra,Sweet potato'.Using your entire palm, massage the heart space in circular motions with your jasmine oil.

Talahridaya (feet)

The palms of the hands and soles of the feet contain important energy points that can help us absorb or release energy. When we focus on the feet, we promote a greater sense of grounding and stillness, which is important for sleep. The feet are also incredibly absorbent. So when you rub essential oils, the body quickly absorbs their benefits. As the final part of your bedtime ritual, use your lavender oil to massage the center of the soles of your feet in a firm, circular motion for a few minutes, visualizing your energy flowing from your head to your toes. Sleep well!