|
According to Ayurveda, the heart is one of the three main
marmas (vital organs). There are many types of srotas (channels)
responsible for the circulation of various materials like
dhatus (tissues), energy, wastes and prana (life air). Prana
vaha srotas, which are responsible for the flow of prana
in the body, are the main srotas. The heart is the root
of prana vaha srotas. All the main blood vessels originate
from the heart. The heart is also the seat of the consciousness
or soul. It is also related to ojas (vital fluid), which
sustains the consciousness or soul and keeps the person
alive. Modern science too emphasizes the importance of the
heart. The heart is the basis of life and we should take
proper care of it. The heart is the seat of emotions like
love. So, to establish love, harmony and peace, it is important
that one has a healthy heart.
Taking care of your heart
- According to Ayurveda, ama is the main cause for heart
diseases. Ama is the toxic material that is produced by
undigested food. Therefore, one must make sure that one
eats only the amount and type of foods one can digest
properly.
- Avoid over-eating and eating frequently. Eat a light
breakfast and dinner. Lunch should be the main meal. Milk
products, fried foods, cold foods and acidic foods should
be taken in small quantities. White flour products, and
foods that contain chemical preservatives and additives
should be avoided. Animal products, especially red meat,
are not good as they take a long time to be digested,
and create a lot of toxins in the stomach.
- Seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables (steamed or cooked),
wholemeal bread or chapatti, salad, sprouts, vegetable
soup, buttermilk, cottage cheese (paneer), a little quantity
of fresh milk and ghee (clarified butter) make up an ideal
list of food items to choose from. Anything sweet should
be taken in moderation. Honey and jaggery are healthier
than purified sugar.
- Amla (Indian gooseberry) is very beneficial for the
heart. It can be taken fresh, preserved or in powder form.
- A very common cause of heart diseases is mental stress.
Regular practice of yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises)
reduces stress levels. Also, meditation has been scientifically
proven to prevent as well as cure heart diseases.
- A gentle head massage with or without oil several times
a week is very beneficial. A full-body self-massage with
oil once a week is also good.
- Too much tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking is not good
for the heart and should be given up. They weaken the
liver and digestive power, and so form ama.
- Drinking water kept overnight in a copper pot strengthens
the heart.
- A herb that has been scientifically proven to prevent
and cure heart diseases is Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna).
It can be taken in powder form or the bark of the tree
can be boiled to make a tea.
- Rudraksha, which is a fruit from a tree found mainly
in the Himalayas, also has a beneficial effect on the
heart. These seeds can be strung together and worn in
the form of a necklace, or the seeds may be soaked in
water overnight and the water should be taken early in
morning.
- Obesity is a very common reason for heart disorders.
If you have put on some extra pounds, you must reduce
it by physical exercise and diet control.
Try out these remedies and keep your heart healthy.
Recommended Ayurvedic preparations
Archives
|
