In Ayurveda, the heart (Hridaya) is considered as one of the most important organs responsible for maintaining overall health and well-being. The heart is the seat of consciousness (Atman) and plays a crucial role in the circulation of vital life force (Prana) and blood (Rakta) throughout the body. “In Eastern medicine, the heart, and not the brain, is the centre of consciousness. Therefore, any heart condition points to deep-rooted problems of self-identity, emotions and consciousness. “1 Western culture focuses on individual achievement and constant competition, rather than spiritual connection with others, so our hearts are sidelined and often replaced by ego. The lack of exercise and the consumption of fatty, spicy, fried food and lots of meat, typical of European cuisine, also puts a strain on the heart. In Hungary, cardiovascular disease accounted for 49% of deaths in 2019, or 64,000 deaths.2 Primary causes of heart problems include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise and suppr...
The importance of cleansing for improving health has gained immense popularity in the last decade. A wide variety of cleanses are now available with supportive programs, books and online materials. There are fruit cleanses, vegetable cleanses, “miracle” weight loss and metabolic remedies plus countless supplements on the market which claim to detoxify and strengthen the system. Most of us are invigorated to clean up our act during the new year, but for those of us in the dead of winter, we have an extra challenge. Cleansing - and especially many of the fads out there today - can be very depleting and even damaging to our systems In our Ayurvedic practice at Kerala Ayurveda, many clients come to us after trying diets or cleanses which are not personalized to their needs and are too harsh or depleting for their systems, preventing any long term benefits. As a result, many individuals cannot complete the cleanses they begin or find themselves more imbalanced than when they first started t...