The Asian culture boasts of many ancient practices of healing. Aside from the use of plants or herbal medicines, there are practices from China, India and other Asian countries that may provide cure to the problem of sleeping. These practices may serve as natural sleep aids to those with insomnia. Take note also that these may not only cure your problem with sleeping but also other address other health problems. However, it is important that you inform your physician of your intention of undergoing any of these natural alternative sleep aids especially when you are already undergoing medications.

Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, time and again is used in treating insomnia. The procedure basically entails the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. More often than not, these needles are either combined with electrical stimulus or with heat produced by burning specific herbs. These needles enter the skin at specific points so that it can enhance the performance of the body.

The concept of acupuncture is based on the idea that diseases, including sleeping problems, are results of imbalance of energy moving throughout the body. There are 14 pathways in which the energy moves along. These pathways are called meridians. Through time, practitioners have identified and charted these meridians.

Studies have shown that acupuncture improved the sleep quality of people with insomnia. A study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh found that five weeks of acupuncture increased melatonin (the "sleep hormone") secretion at nighttime and lengthened total sleep time. However, it was said that additional research should be done before the effectiveness of this traditional Chinese healing practice is proved conclusively for the relief of insomnia.

Acupressure

This healing practice is a combination of massage and acupuncture. It is basically a close cousin of acupuncture. The key points and areas of the body in acupuncture (meridian points) are the same with this practice. However, instead of using needles, pressures applied by the fingers are used to these areas to address the sickness. It stimulates the points along the meridians to increase, decrease, or balance the energy running through the body.

Yoga

Exercise and meditation has been identified to help people deal with problem of sleeping. These two help relax muscles and clear off the mind of any disturbances. Yoga is an ancient self-healing art. Apart from these, there are a number of benefits derived from practicing yoga. The most notable of these benefits include better circulation of blood, enhanced flexibility of muscles and joints, relaxation, and improved sleep.

There are many forms and variations of yoga but many of them use different poses that include stretching and breathing exercises so that mind, body and spirit will be in unison. Practicing yoga doesn't mean you have to make yourself look like a pretzel in order to achieve its benefits. The basics of it will surely help bring you to sleep.

Since it is yoga's principle to harmonize the mind, body and spirit, this will surely help you loosen muscles, release tension and put you into a deep state of relaxation (that's exercising and meditation in one!). Practicing yoga will help in holding back the flow of stress hormones in cases when you are under severe stress. Indeed, when your body, mind, and spirit are connected and relaxed, you are quicker to recover from stress. In the end, you will surely have the best sleep you've ever had.