IDT: An Odd but Effective Method at Putting You to Sleep?

A Japanese Osteopath's Tried and True, 70-Year Method of Putting You to Sleep

Insomnia is a common sleep issue for modern people. Those who are troubled by it can try the Japanese Isogai Dynamic Therapy (IDT)—which helps to improve our sleep by tying our feet and leg with wide strips of cloth.

The IDT Improves Sleep and Nocturia

The IDT is simply tying your legs before you hit the sack, which can help you fall asleep quickly. This method was invented by Japanese osteopath Dr. Kimiyoshi Isogai, who has been practicing this treatment for 70 years.

The choice of ties is very important: the width of the belts should be at least 5 centimeters. Do not use something thin and rope-like. The point is not to cut off your circulation or cause irritation. If you don’t have strips of cloth like this, you can use a towel instead.

IDT Steps

1. Tie one around the ankles. Make sure it’s not too tight.

2. Tie one just below the knees.

3. Tie the last one just above the knees.

If you sleep on your back, extend your legs forward and place your hands flat naturally on your sides to maintain the usual sleeping position. When sleeping on your side, let your legs bend naturally.

There are three benefits to doing this:

1. People with cold hands and feet find that their limbs warm up and that their circulation and metabolism see improvements.

2. It’s a calming method, so the mental state is improved.

3. The symptoms of nocturia (needing to urinate at night) are also improved. Some people worry that they will not be able to get up in time to go to the toilet as their legs and feet are tied up. This is not likely to happen, because when you use IDT it improves the circulation of the lower body.  In this way, nocturia is naturally alleviated, and people see a reduction in their frequency of using the toilet at night.

In addition, people with insomnia should not take long naps. I would recommend trying to stay awake for eight hours before they go to bed in the evening so as not to affect their night’s sleep.

Massaging Two Acupuncture Points Improves Nasal Congestion for Better Sleep

Snoring can be a disturbance to good sleep. Some people snore loudly, which not only wakes them up but also disturbs their families.

One cure for snoring is to use abdominal breathing during the day. Doing this breathing method before going to bed can help relax the mind and body and can alleviate snoring.

Some people suffer from sleep apnea, and 80 percent of them are obese. So, weight loss will improve their sleep.

Some people do not have sleep apnea, but their sleep quality is poor due to nasal congestion. Massaging two acupuncture points can alleviate the nose congestion issue.

1. The yingxiang point: It lies just lateral to the nostril in the depression of the nasolabial groove. Massage this point with your fingers to relieve nasal congestion.

2. The inner yingxiang point: It is positioned above the yingxiang point, where it intersects with the nasal bone. There will be a feeling of soreness when you massage it, and your breathing will be smoother afterward. In addition, I would advise people with severe nasal congestion not to eat sweets such as candy, biscuits, soft drinks, and bread, and try not to drink cold drinks. Cold beverages will cause poor metabolism and easily produces phlegm. In this case, the airway of the nose will be blocked and nasal congestion will occur.