Considering cardiovascular conditions from an Ayurvedic perspective
Cardiovascular and blood vessel problems are seen quite differently in Ayurveda than they are in Western medicine. Cardiology, according to Ayurveda, is associated with the balance of the three Doshas, the vital forces that govern all bodily functions.
These energies represent a person’s unique biological essences. Each of them oversees a certain category of emergence and development processes:
Vata – movements
Kapha– fluids
Pitta – transformations
Nature sets these energies in precise ratios for each Dosha to the other two even before conception. This energy balance may have one or two dominant energies. When the balance is preserved, the organism performs at its peak and is able to defend, correct, and evolve in accordance with natural principles.
However, if a Dosha is out of balance, various processes become disturbed. Additionally, because the body functions as a whole, this results in deviations in the other Doshas as well, which causes a variety of ailments.
According to Ayurveda, there are three different types of cardiovascular disorders depending on the patient’s body type, symptoms, and underlying causes. Reduced blood vessel flexibility, pathological cardiac muscle hypertrophy, decreased conductivity, issues with cardiac contractions, and other symptoms are brought on by vata energy imbalances. These heart conditions are typically brought on by aging-related changes, making older people more susceptible to them.
Pitta-type cardiovascular disease is a disorder characterised by elevated nervous system excitability and high blood pressure. Typically, these patients have elevated heart rates and strokes. As these traits are highly particular to Pitta dosha and are part of their nature, they frequently get annoyed and have outbursts of wrath.
Atherosclerotic vascular alterations, obesity, and heart failure symptoms all fall within the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases of the Kapha type. Blockages in the body, excessive salivation, poor blood circulation in the brain, easily becoming tired, and general tiredness are symptoms of this form of cardiovascular disease.
According to Ayurveda, the causes and symptoms
Heart attacks, strokes, angina, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, etc., are a few of the primary illnesses of the cardiovascular system.
These diseases have a wide range of causes.
Emotional stress is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disorders since according to Ayurveda, the heart and emotions are strongly connected. For instance, a heart attack might occur as a result of a stressful encounter. Along with extended exposure to stress, other harmful variables that might cause cardiac problems include frequent mental and physical strain.
For instance, persistent anxiety is extremely harmful because, unlike anger, it has a “silent connection” to heart attacks. Chronic fatigue is both a result of strain and a risk factor for heart disease.
Alcohol and cigarettes both contribute to the development of cardiovascular illnesses. Smoking results in atherosclerosis, a condition marked by fat deposits in the arteries that reduce blood flow and raise blood pressure, both of which raise the risk of stroke. Alcohol is included in the list of “foods of ignorance” in Ayurveda because it is linked to obesity, organism poisoning, and hypertension.
Of course, if a particular disease runs in the family, heredity may also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disorders. Age and certain chronic conditions might also play a role.
The chest pain or tingling, sleeplessness, and intense palpitations are among the symptoms. Additionally, symptoms of a cardiac condition such as blue lips, fever, and unconsciousness can be present.
Shortness of breath, dizziness, and general weakness may also be signs of a heart attack or heart failure when the elevated or “jumping” pulse is present. Edema may also be linked to cardiac issues since the body begins to retain fluids when it experiences heart failure.
This also holds true for fluid buildup in the lungs; in this case, coughing or wheezing may accompany breathing, and bloody sputum may result. Another sign is uncontrollable perspiration, especially if it’s accompanied by nausea and chest pain.
Cardiovascular disease treatment using ayurvedic principles
The treatment of the heart and blood arteries using ayurveda is complicated. In order for the systems of the organism to start operating as efficiently as possible, it is intended to correct the energy deviations that have already happened and to restore balance between the Doshas.
Yoga as well as specific foods, herbs, oils, and their mixtures are used to achieve this. Another factor is meditation, which calms the nervous system by restoring the individual’s harmony and pacifying their emotions and spirits.
Risk factors such as stress, anxiety, decreased physical and mental activity, etc. are excluded from the daily regimen. It incorporates the appropriate asanas and a reasonable amount of yoga practise. Each person’s herbs are chosen precisely individually by an Ayurveda specialist based on the characteristics of their bodies, the diseases that fall within the Ayurvedic umbrella, their age, and other factors.
Toxin removal from the blood vessels and from the body as a whole is particularly crucial. Herbs, potions, and oils that are derived from nature and have no negative effects are used to achieve this. Laxatives and purifying natural therapies are also utilised to eliminate toxins from the body. Ayurveda enhances sleep and mental equilibrium by removing toxins from the body, which also returns the heart rate to normal, the cardiac tone, and the blood vessels to their ideal condition. However, it is equally crucial that the Ayurvedic approach to healing offers a viewpoint on preventing the recurrence of existing disorders or the emergence of new ones. Specialists in ayurveda assist patients in understanding themselves and the factors that contributed to their illness so they can alter their lifestyle and stay well without medication. Because it merely treats the symptoms and not the underlying sickness, conventional medicine is frequently unable to do this.
