Tips for sleeping

Action is based on rest, says the Tao Te Ching. The opposite is also true: rest is based on action. This is why it is very important to take care of the quantity and quality of rest. Rest is the first healing for every illness, the first solution for every internal problem. In my opinion, if the conditions for quality rest are lacking, any other therapeutic, psychological and even spiritual discussion remains secondary.

Let’s look briefly at some points that characterise quality rest, considering both the principles of the Chinese tradition and current, everyday practical conditions.

1. Rest is connected to Shen, the spirit. Only if the spirit is calm can the body rest and regenerate during the night. When the spirit is disturbed by worries, unbalanced emotions and obsessive thoughts, the Shen has no way to descend into the heart. So, besides the obvious and necessary resolution of the causes of the problems that disturb the mind, it is also important to work on the heart meridian, so that it can free itself from the pressure that constrains it and welcome the spirit from heaven.
2. Physical work is the best preparation for resting body and mind. In our society we have often lost the consistency and daily routine of physical work. Nowadays almost no one works using their body in a balanced way. Sedentary work consumes a lot of mental energy but does not let the body’s energy circulate. If the body does not get tired during the day, it does not ask for enough rest at night. This is why, especially for those who live a sedentary life, it is necessary to add time for walking, a moderate and balanced sport, Qigong or other disciplines that enhance and free the energy of the whole body.
3. The bedroom should be spacious, sober in furnishing and sparse in images. It must be a quiet place that does not continuously emit information, memories and suggestions — not a place of activity, but a place of rest. Rooms are often overflowing with objects and clothes. The room should also be well oriented and arranged. Avoid sources of electromagnetic pollution near the bed, including lamps, radio alarm clocks, computers and mobile phones. It is also advisable to move the bed away from the wall, as electrical wires very often run right behind the headboard, forming an electromagnetic field.
4. The bed should not be made of iron, and the mattress should not contain iron such as springs, because — especially today, with so much radiation and so many electromagnetic waves — all this metal acts as an antenna. Bed and mattress should be made of natural fibres, comfortable but not too comfortable, leaving the body free to move. A bed that is too soft and cosy invites laziness.
5. Nutrition is very important. Dinner should be before 6 pm, small in quantity and low in calories. The ideal healthy dinner is a vegetable soup. Proteins and sugars in the evening can disturb sleep.
6. Do not use computers or mobile phones, and do not watch television, for at least an hour before falling asleep.
7. Air the room for a few minutes before going to bed — it brings in fresh vital energy.
8. Supplements and natural substances such as magnesium can help. A good naturopath will be able to recommend beneficial natural substances.
9. There are techniques for practising Qigong while sleeping. In Heavenly Essence Qigong courses you can learn these wonderful techniques, which take not even a minute of your time and make your sleep productive and extremely restful.
10. Before sleeping, dedicate at least a few minutes to meditation, to regular breathing and to resolving outstanding problems: forgiveness given and asked for with the heart is the best medicine.
11. A warm foot bath in the evening helps bring qi back to the lower part of the body, warming the kidneys, taking pressure off the thoughts and relaxing the mind.
12. Feng shui: an expert can help you make small but decisive changes to the room. Write to me if you would like to meet a Feng Shui expert, for a free first contact.
13. Qigong practice: there are many exercises that help you sleep well. By joining the online practice you can get to know them.
14. Acupressure: some points can contribute to proper rest.