The heart holds a crucial role, serving as more than just a blood-pumping organ; it plays a significant part in our emotional welfare. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the heart is intricately linked to our emotional experiences, particularly those related to love and compassion. It is believed that our emotions exert a direct influence on the heart’s performance, underscoring the significance of nurturing emotional equilibrium for one’s holistic heart health and overall well-being.
What can cause problems in your heart?
- Imbalanced Doshas: Ayurveda believes that imbalances in the doshas can lead to various health issues, including heart problems. Imbalances in Pitta dosha, in particular, are associated with heart-related conditions.
- Improper Diet: Consuming foods that are excessively hot, spicy, salty, and oily can aggravate Pitta dosha and contribute to heart problems. A diet high in saturated fats and processed foods is also considered harmful.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
- Stress: Chronic stress is believed to increase Pitta dosha and can negatively affect heart health. Managing stress through practices like yoga and meditation is recommended in Ayurveda.
- Toxic Buildup: The accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body can disrupt the functioning of various organs, including the heart. Detoxification practices, known as Panchakarma, are used in Ayurveda to remove these toxins.
- Poor Digestion: Weak digestion can lead to the accumulation of undigested food particles (ama) in the body, which can contribute to heart problems. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong digestive fire (Agni).
- Lack of Sleep: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep is considered a risk factor for heart disease in Ayurveda. Establishing a regular sleep routine is encouraged.
- Heredity: Ayurveda recognizes genetic predispositions to certain health conditions, including heart problems. However, it also emphasizes that a balanced lifestyle and proper diet can mitigate these genetic factors.
- Excessive Alcohol and Smoking: These habits are known to increase Pitta dosha and are considered detrimental to heart health in Ayurveda.
- Excessive Emotions: Strong emotions, especially anger and hostility, are believed to increase Pitta dosha and can negatively affect the heart.
Ways to keep your heart healthy – A Holistic Way
Maintaining Holistic Heart Health and Nurturing the Ojas
Ojas, residing in the heart, play a pivotal role in emotional and spiritual well-being.
In Ayurveda, Ojas is revered as the most refined and subtle bodily substance, serving as the essence of all tissues and vital for holistic heart health, immunity, and overall well-being.
Holistic Heart Health Care with Herbs
Discover the power of natural remedies for holistic heart health care:
- Arjuna: Known as the “guardian of the heart”, Arjuna is used to strengthen the heart muscles and improve cardiovascular function.
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.
- Guggul: Guggul is used to lower cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood circulation.
- Triphala: This combination of three fruits is known for its detoxifying properties, which can indirectly support heart health by reducing the burden of toxins in the body.
Heart Health and Digestion
In Ayurveda, digestion (Agni) is closely linked to heart health. A strong digestive fire ensures that nutrients are properly assimilated, nourishing the heart and the entire body. An imbalance in digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body, which can, in turn, affect the heart.
To maintain a healthy heart, Ayurveda recommends eating by your dosha type, following a balanced and wholesome diet, and engaging in practices like fasting and detoxification (Panchakarma) to remove accumulated toxins from the body.
- Oil Pulling
Ayurveda recommends oil pulling, where you swish sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before brushing. This is believed to promote oral health, which can indirectly affect heart health.
- Meditation
Studies indicate that maintaining a consistent meditation routine may offer a safeguard against the development of heart disease. Regular meditation practice can help lower stress levels and mitigate the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system. Include heart-opening yoga postures and pranayam along with meditation.
- Spices
Certain spices are valued in Ayurveda for their heart-protective properties. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Cumin and coriander are also commonly used in Ayurvedic cooking. Ginger too, has been utilized by people to enhance various aspects of heart health, which encompass better circulation, improved cholesterol levels, and regulated blood pressure.
Naturopathy
Acupuncture can help in mitigating irregular heartbeats, offering potential benefits for individuals experiencing cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms. This alternative therapeutic approach involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body, stimulating various nerve pathways and potentially influencing the electrical signals that regulate heart rhythm. Using acupressure points to manage high blood pressure (BP) is an additional and effective approach to regulating this condition. As per the Ministry of Ayush, the application of pressure to specific acupressure points for elevated BP in the body helps alleviate muscle tension and facilitates improved blood circulation, thus promoting the healing process.
Osteopathy
Osteopathic practitioners are skilled at identifying and relieving muscle tension and imbalances in the body. Tight muscles and misalignments can contribute to discomfort and reduced mobility, potentially affecting cardiovascular health indirectly.
Heart Care Through Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is paramount for heart health care. Antioxidant-rich foods play a pivotal role in heart care by shielding the cardiovascular system from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and nuts like almonds and walnuts are excellent choices for heart care as they support overall cardiovascular well-being.
Watch the healing power of Osteopathy Treatment
In conclusion, the paths to holistic heart health with Ayurveda, osteopathy, and naturopathy are not only deeply rooted in the wisdom of ancient healing traditions but also offer valuable heart care insights. These complementary approaches guide us in nurturing our hearts, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. By embracing a balanced lifestyle, mindful nutrition, and natural remedies, we can pave the way to a healthier heart, ensuring comprehensive heart care.
Remember, your heart is not just a physical organ; it’s the seat of your emotions, the wellspring of your vitality, and the core of your well-being. By exploring these natural healing modalities, you’re not only supporting your heart but also embarking on a journey to connect with your body’s innate wisdom.
As you walk this path to holistic heart health, consider consulting with qualified practitioners in Ayurveda, osteopathy, and naturopathy to tailor a wellness plan that suits your unique needs. They can provide you with tips for a healthy heart and comprehensive heart care. With their guidance and your commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can set yourself on a course toward a heart that beats with vitality, resilience, and boundless love.
Additionally, always inform your healthcare provider about any herbal remedies, treatments, or food you plan to incorporate, especially if you’re taking prescription medications or have pre-existing health conditions. Similarly, it’s important to consult an ayurvedic, naturopathic, or osteopathic practitioner for heart care before embarking on any specific treatments.
At Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital, we also offer online consultation support with our Ayurveda specialists to get the right guidance from the comfort of your home. Connect to our specialists and plan an individual path back to health.