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...
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 suppression of emotions. The heart is the centre of our emotions, so if you experience heart related problems, it is a good idea to look at your emotions first.
In addition to the widely known and accepted dietary and exercise recommendations for preserving a healthy heart, Ayurveda takes into account a wide range of physical and energetic impacts on the heart. It recognises that our mind, emotions and consciousness are all connected to the heart and have a direct impact on our heart health.
Heart function through an Ayurvedic lens
Based on Ayurvedic observations, the heart performs a number of critical functions, including:
Pumping the blood: the heart is responsible for pumping the blood, carrying oxygen to different parts of the body, nourishing tissues and organs.
Circulation of life force: Ayurveda emphasizes the role of the heart in the circulation of prana (life force). A healthy heart ensures a balanced flow of Prana, promoting overall vitality and well-being.
Emotional and spiritual well-being: The heart is also linked to emotions, awareness and the ability to experience love, compassion and empathy.
Our heart and the doshas
Ayurveda believes that everything around us is made up of five elements: ether, air, water, fire and earth. When the five elements take biological form (plant, animal, human), they are transformed into biological ordering principles called doshas. There are Three doshas: air and ether create the VATA dosha, water and fire elements form the PITTA dosha, and water and earth elements manifest the KAPHA dosha in living organisms. The organism is healthy when these three doshas are working in harmony.
The state and balance of each dosha affects the health of our heart, but our cardiovascular health also affects the balance of the doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Arjuna is considered a ‘Tridosha’ plant, meaning it has a balancing effect on all three doshas. This means that it can be used to support overall health and balance without aggravating any of the doshas. The effects on each dosha in more detail:
Blood is associated with Pitta dosha, so blood pressure related diseases are predominantly of Pitta origin, just think of the reddish face of people with high blood pressure, which is a clear indicator of excess fire energy. Pitta is also related to metabolic processes in the body (agni is the digestive fire). An excess of fire energy (pitta) can cause high blood pressure and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Choosing cooling and anti-inflammatory foods and herbs can help counteract this. Recommended spices and herbs: arjuna, shatavari, gotu kola, saffron, turmeric
Kapha is associated with the structure and stability of the heart. Imbalances in Kapha can lead to congestive heart failure and high cholesterol. Coronary artery disease is caused by obesity of organs and tissues, which is kapha or water energy in nature (overeating causes fat to accumulate and cholesterol levels to rise). To balance Kapha, Ayurveda recommends regular exercise and a diet with less heavy, oily and sweet foods. Recommended spices and herbs: arjuna, trikatu, cayenne pepper, ginger
Vata is linked to blood movement and circulation. Vata imbalances can lead to irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias and circulatory problems. “Vata-type heart problems are most common later in life, as the energy of the air dries out the tissues and stiffens the blood vessels”.3 Calming practices, including meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises), can help to treat Vata-related heart problems. Recommended spices and herbs: arjuna, aswhagandha, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom
If you want to find out your Ayurvedic body type, take our free online dosha test.
Healthy heart and the impact of flavours in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the six flavours (Rasa) play an important role in health preservation, including a healthy hearts. Each of the flavours have different properties and effects on the body, and a balanced combination of these flavours is essential for maintaining good health.
Sweet taste (Madhura): Sweet taste is nourishing and grounding. It helps pacify the Vata and Pitta doshas, which can be beneficial for cardiac health. Excessive consumption of sweet foods can lead to weight gain and contribute to heart-related problems, so moderation is key.
Sour taste (Amla): Sour taste stimulates Agni (digestive fire) and can increase Pitta (fire energy). In moderation, sour foods can be beneficial for digestion, but excessive consumption can lead to acidity and inflammation, which can negatively affect heart function.
Salty taste (Lavana): The salty taste can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which puts a strain on the heart. It is important to consume salt in moderation and to choose natural, untreated salt.
Pungent tase (Katu): The spicy taste increases heat production and stimulates blood circulation. In moderation, it has a stimulating effect on the heart and improves blood flow. However, excessive consumption of spicy flavour can lead to increased heat production, which is harmful to the heart.
Bitter taste (Tikta): The bitter taste has a cooling and detoxifying effect. It can help to counteract excess heat and reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for a healthy heart. Eating bitter foods such as leafy greens and herbs in moderation supports cardiovascular health.
Astringent taste (Kashaya): Astringent flavour is drying and mildly diuretic, which helps to reduce excess fluid and mucus levels in the body, thus preventing kapha-type heart problems. Eaten in moderation, it can help maintain a healthy blood pressure and heart function.
Balancing flavours in the diet is essential for our overall health. Ayurveda emphasises the importance of understanding the individual body type (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti) to determine the right diet. If you want to know your Ayurvedic body type, complete our free dosha test.
Herbal remedies for a healthy heart
Ayurvedic traditional medicine has used herbs and spices in their natural form as ground powder (👀not extracts) to support heart health for thousands of years. Here are the benefits of some of the most commonly used herbs and spices that Ayurveda recommends for cardiovascular health:
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna)
A powerful herb known as the queen of heart remedies in Ayurveda. It strengthens the heart muscles, improves blood circulation and blood supply to the lungs. It reduces high blood pressure (contains coenzyme Q10) and its cholesterol-lowering action effectively protects against atherosclerosis. Regular use helps prevent blood clotting and supports healthy heart function. It is an effective antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. A useful herb for heart conditions of all three of dosha types.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
A versatile adaptogenic herb, that help to relieve physical and psychological stress, one of the most common causes of heart disease, while strengthening the immune system. Taking a combination of Arjuna and Aswhaganda is highly recommended for Vata types.
Tulsi (holy basil)
A herb known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce stress, its sattvic (pure energy) nature supports mental health. Tulsi reduces excess kapha build-up in the lungs, stimulates healthy circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.
Amla (indian gooseberry)
A powerful rasayana (rejuvenator), rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is a tissue-nourishing herb. Supports a healthy heart function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Amla supports digestion and has the ability to stimulate agni (digestive fire 🔥) without aggravating pitta. It can help lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
In addition to herbal remedies, a number of spices are also effective heart tonics and circulatory stimulants, such as garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, hawthorn, cardamom.
The concept of the heart chakra comes from Yoga and spiritual practices. The heart chakra is the centre of love, compassion and emotional balance. It is connected to the heart plexus and is considered the gateway to higher consciousness. Practices such as yoga and meditation are often used to open and balance the heart chakra, promoting emotional and spiritual well-being.
Ayurveda recognises the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the heart and that a healthy heart is an integral part of one’s overall health and balance.
💚 Choose natural herbs and spices to proactively care for the health of heart! 💚
Please note that, based on the holistic approach of Ayurveda, the recommended treatment for health preservation is always customised. It takes into account the individual’s constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti), which in Ayurveda is essential for maintaining and promoting cardiovascular health.
References: 1,3 Dr.Frawley Ayurvedic healing, 2 KSH.hu
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