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Chinese Wisdom for Better Sleep

posted by Annie B. Bond Apr 21, 2008 8:00 am
Chinese Wisdom for Better Sleep
16 comments

Adapted from The Secret Teachings of the Tao Te Ching, by Mantak Chia and Tao Huang (Inner Traditions, 2005).

The Chinese have practiced this simple position to improve the quality of their sleep (and their breathing while asleep) for thousands of years. Today, as sleep disorders and chronic ailments resulting from poor-quality sleeping and breathing are on the increase, we can learn from this powerful yet simple technique.

Get the easy how-to instructions here:

1. Lie in bed on your back.

2. If you are right-handed, cross your left foot over your right foot (vice-versa if you are left-handed).

3. Interlace your fingers on top of your chest.

4. Close your eyes and gently concentrate on your breath. As you listen to your breathing, you will soon drift into a deep and restful sleep.

More on Alternative Therapies (93 articles available)
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16 comments

16 comments

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16 comments add your comment
Jos V.
  • Jos V. says
  • Jun 2, 2009 1:04 AM

Here's my advice: get rid of all wireless technologies in your house and make sure your not sleeping right next to your neigbour's wireless devices (wireless internet, cordless DECT-phones, ...).

Also watch out for cell phone antennas nearby...

More info: http://www.hese-project.org/hese-uk/en/niemr/index.php

Teri Smart

I fall asleep on my right side, it's more comfortable to me, and can't sleep well on my left side. A lot of the time, I do wake up on my back. I have had sinus problems all my life (working hard to naturally decrease this now) but have been a loud snorer in the past. I have a prescribed nasal spray that I use before bed, and have never been able to breathe more clearly in my life. Now, when I find something natural to replace that, I will be doing well.

Azul Marino

In my country , doctors and people say different things, we have been told by both sides that sleeping on your back is not good because of the trachia position will contribute to apnia, or as it is called commonly as snoring, although we tried to sleep on the side instead, i have heard my family and sometimes snoring no matter what position we are at that moment, is there a reason why people snore? ive heard it was for being over weight, but my 5 yr old is very skinny, and he snores very loud., sometimes it sounds like he had stopped breathing.

Catherine Blackberry

... I don't really think Maria is good enough in Spanish, cause you can't say "comes un calzones" that's a singular indefinite article (un) mixed up with a plural noun (calzoneS) ... it should be: "Comes un calzón" or "comes calzones".. which I dont see the relation to the original article, but remember that "calzone" it's also an Italian dish ... I don't understand why people make that kind of silly comments, which have nothing to do with the subject...
Never mind!

And Prashant S: thanks so much for that advice, I'll try both the Indian and the Chinese technique to see which one works best for me... And why on the left side of the body?... Doesn't it affect the heart?! ... just wondering.

Peace to all.

Anna M.

I have learnt Reiki and there is a simple routine of putting your hands side by side .... starting from just above your genital regions ... slowing reversing hands position up to the forehead ..... if you get that far! Concentrate on your gentle breathing as you go.
Not many people can get as far as the forehead.
Good luck :)

Jennifer B.

I am from India and have heard/read similar to what Prashant S has said about sleeping. It is written in ancient Indian texts, and has also been studied in labs. For the longest time, I did sleep on the left side out of habit without knowing it is good for you! I have heard that sleeping on the back is good for posture over time but not for breathing.

"The text & the research in this position says that you can have Asthama & indigestion as well.The best position to sleep is on the left side of the body & continue awareness of the breath until deep sleep.This also helps good digestion as the right nostrils gets activated which helps in digestion.The mentioned position is used in Yoga Nidra also called awareness relaxation which is powerful technique as well."

Jennifer B.

^^dude, "un calzones" is long underwear. "un calzone" is calzone. it's meant to be a joke i think. not cool.

Yelli B.

Well, for wisdom no one as the chinese and we have to try it for see the results right?, do you eat a calzone?

Belinda W.

I'm Chinese and I already do this. My parents didn't teach me and I didn't know it was anything special. Oh well, good to know!
In response to Prashant, I have heard of sleeping on the back being the cause of irregular breathing (snoring, and the like) so that would be something to keep in mind as well.

Tatiana Vivero

Maria says: "well, there is nothing like the chinese in regards to wisdom, we'll have to try to see what happens? What is after that I dont undertand the relation to the comment....

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Adapted from The Secret Teachings of the Tao Te Ching, by Mantak Chia and Tao Huang (Inner Traditions, 2005). Copyright (c) 2005 by Mantak Chia nd Tao Huang. Reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions.

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