SLEEP
The Health Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side
According to Eastern medicines, whether Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, or Thai, the left side of the body differs significantly from the right side. Even some Buddhist monastic traditions include in their precepts for monks to sleep on their left side. Although it sounds unusual, resting and sleeping on the left side offer numerous health benefits.
Lymph Drainage: The left side of the body plays a dominant role in the lymphatic system, with most lymph draining down to the chest duct on the left side. This lymph carries proteins, glucose metabolites, and waste products purified by lymph nodes, emphasizing the importance of draining on the left side.
Congestion and Health: Eastern medicine suggests that conditions on the left side of the body may result from chronic congestion of the lymphatic system, highlighting the need for balanced drainage.
Digestive Aid: Sleeping on the left side optimizes digestion by allowing the stomach and pancreas to hang naturally, promoting gradual enzyme secretion and efficient digestion of fats.
Toxin Elimination: Sleeping on the left side aids in toxin elimination through the colon, facilitated by gravity's assistance in moving waste from the small intestine to the descending colon.
Heart and Circulation: Sleeping on the left side eases the heart's workload by promoting lymph drainage towards the heart and enhancing blood flow through the descending aorta, supported by gravity's effects on the cava vein.
Spleen Function: The spleen, vital for lymph and blood filtration, benefits from left-side sleeping as it aids fluid return to the pelvis, aiding in overall body purification through enhanced lymphatic drainage.
While scientific protocols may not explicitly endorse these practices, aligning with ancestral wisdom rooted in modern anatomy provides compelling reasons for adopting specific sleeping positions. Understanding these principles sheds light on the health benefits associated with Eastern sleeping traditions.