Michael Reed Gach, creator of the Acu-Yoga system, has developed a combination of gentle yoga stretches plus guided self-acupressure to “relieve stress and discomfort, and enhance vitality, circulation and wellness”. His self-care steps are purported to be simple, but quick, effective and empowering, and may be used anywhere. Gentle stretching, acupressure, relaxing eye movements and guided breath work are said to allow you to fall asleep more easily, while waking up feeling rested.

Yoga, an ancient Hindu technique often believed to offer the paths to achieve liberation, is composed of poses and breathing practices that must be studied and practiced intensely over a lifetime. It has become quite popular in the last decade or so as a form of secular exercise, a way to meditate, concentrate and unwind. Yoga develops strength and a “quiet mind”. The consumer may focus attention on one physical aspect of yoga, or stretching to achieve fitness and peace, although no yogic training could ever divest the body from the mind. Stretching is a wonderful way to learn about one’s body, to work our aches and kinks and stress, and may be revitalizing, empowering as well as soporific.

Guided Self-Acupressure, like guided visualization and meditation, requires a certain amount of self-discipline and education. It is suggested to have at least a basic understanding of how the technique works before attempting it. Taking the time at night to breathe, to relax, to banish racing thoughts and anxieties of the day, may be beneficial in inducing sleep. Also, self-massage or acupressure may be useful for this purpose. Applying pressure to certain muscles or meridians is said to slow breath and relax the body overall.

For an audio CD like this to be effective, we believe the consumer must have at least some knowledge of yoga and the pressure points of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Without references and some experience, it may be easy to muddle through the exercises, fake it or never commit to the depth and breadth of the possibilities.

• A rather inexpensive option
• A non-invasive choice
• Suitable for drug-averse insomniacs

• Some may require more support for sleep than this CD may offer
• Individuals who have a history of mental illness may wish to seek an alternative remedy

We feel Sleep Better, by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., is not an entirely bad choice for a certain population of pro-active health conscious consumers who experience very mild or infrequent insomnia related to stress.

However, many individuals require a more focused solution to sleeplessness. Natural supplements made with a high quality main ingredient are some of the more sought after remedies for insomnia today. We suggest looking for one made with Melatonin and a patented delivery method, so you may ensure it will work fast. A clinically-proven sleep aid may be just what you need to get back on track to sleeping regularly and renewing the body, mind and spirit.