Are you a heart patient? Have you gone through some sort of heart surgery? or Are you worried about your heart health? No need to worry folks! Take a deep breath and relax. We are here to provide you with the best Ayurvedic treatment for heart disease and a complete guideline on how to maintain your heart health. By creating a healthy heart approach towards life, one can make the best investment for their future. 
In today’s time, there is no certain age bar that determines heart ailments. Even people in their 20s are falling prey to heart attacks. Well, there could be multiple reasons hidden behind this. However, the main surveyed factor is that we are too familiar with skipping our meals and substituting it with convenience food with zero nutrition. Recent studies even indicate that there’s a peak rise in heart attacks among the individuals who are under the age of 40, mainly due to poor lifestyle choices. However, the good news is that one can undo their past mistake of overlooking their heart health by committing to a better lifestyle in the future.
Opting for a healthy way of living and putting fitness as your utmost priority is really crucial as heart disease has topped the list of ‘the cause of death’ worldwide, regardless of any gender or race. Our heart is one of the primary organs - responsible for maintaining blood circulation and regulating a proper balance of oxygen and nutrients in every part of the body. Despite its crucial functioning, the cardiovascular system is exposed to a lot of stress physiologically, making an individual more vulnerable to various heart diseases (such as coronary artery disease, heart stroke, heart valve problems, or arrhythmias).
Risk Factors of Heart Disease
Let’s dig more into what are the common causes of heart disease.
- Age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Consuming alcohol
- Unhealthy diet
- Health conditions such as High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Diabetes
- Stress
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Certain medications
Ayurvedic View Point on Heart Health and Diseases
As per the belief of Ayurveda, the heart, or ‘Hridaya’ is not just a physical organ but the origin of consciousness and emotions. Maintaining heart health involves more than just physical care. It requires a balanced lifestyle, a proper diet, and managing stress and emotions. This method also increases the quality of life of an individual.
In Ayurveda, heart diseases are often linked to an imbalance in the tridoshas of the body (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Each dosha represents different functions. For instance, Vata imbalance may lead to anxiety and irregular heart rhythms. Pitta imbalance can cause inflammation and high blood pressure. On the other hand, Kapha imbalance might manifest in cholesterol buildup and heart congestion.
Ayurveda seeks to address these imbalances through personalized treatments. It encourages individuals to live in harmony and listen to their body’s needs.
The Yoga-Heart Connection
What if a few simple stretches can strengthen your heart and make you feel good? Yes, here we are talking about YOGA.
Yoga combines techniques like pranayam, mudras, and asanas to provide significant benefits to our body. The practice of yoga for heart disease has been continued from thousands of years ago and it still maintains its popularity today. One of yoga's clearest benefits to the heart is its ability to relax the mind and the body. It also balances the heart health characterized by strong cardiovascular function, normal blood pressure levels, and balanced cholesterol in the body - the factors that can contribute towards chronic heart diseases, if imbalanced.
6 Yoga Poses for Heart Disease
Yoga is more than just a series of physical postures. It is a holistic practice that combines movement, breath control, and mindfulness. When it comes to heart health, yoga offers several benefits. However, one thing you need to remember is that ‘consistency’ is what matters and makes a fruitful change in our lives. So you need to stick to the routine to reap all its advantages. Also, always consult with your healthcare expert before starting any new exercise, especially if you are dealing with any existing heart disease.
Yoga is also considered as the best Ayurvedic medicine for heart blockage. Giving your health 30-40 minutes a day can show you some significant changes. Let’s discuss some of the most effective poses that will help you keep heart diseases at bay.
To know more about which Ayurvedic herbs are amazing for heart health, do not miss out on our other blog “Managing heart disease with Ayurveda”.
Vrikshasana (the tree pose)
Vrikshasana is basically a standing pose. Its name has been derived from the Sanskrit term which combines ‘Vriksha’ and ‘Position’. Where Vriksha means ‘Tree’ and Asana means ‘Posture’. This asana is named ‘The Tree Pose’ because the final posture looks like the shape of a tree.
How to perform?
Any posture in Yoga must be done correctly to avail its maximum benefits and avoid the risk of any injuries. The steps are followed as:
- Stand straight with your feet at a distance of 2 inches from each other.
- Balance firmly on your left leg and slowly lift your right leg.
- Exhale and bend your right leg, placing it on the inner part of your left thigh. Make sure the toes of your right foot are facing straight downward.
- Inhale, join your palms in Namaskar Mudra, and lift them over your head till your hands are stretched upward.
- Hold this posture for 10 to 30 seconds while breathing deeply.
- Now, breathe out and slowly bring your arms to chest level and then separate the palms. Also, bring your right leg back to the starting position i.e. stand erect.
- Repeat the steps with the opposite leg.
How does it benefit heart health?
Chronic stress and high blood pressure are directly linked to an increased risk of heart diseases. Practicing Vrikshasana can help reduce stress, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. This pose encourages mindfulness and relaxation that can lower blood pressure and reduce excess strain on the heart. By providing a calm state and peaceful mind, this Asana helps with overall heart health.
Bhujangasana (the cobra pose)
Bhujangasana or the snake pose is one of the popular yoga asanas. Its name is derived from the word ‘Bhujang’ from Sanskrit, which simply means ‘snake’ or ‘serpent’. Thus, it is referred to as the cobra pose.
How to perform?
- While lying down, keep your hands on the outward sides of your thighs, palm facing upward, while the forehead is resting on the ground.
- Slowly bend your hands from the elbows and place the palm on the ground, close to the shoulders.
- Raise your elbows off the floor slightly. Inhale. Raise your forehead with your chin pushed out, making an arc of your back.
- Maintain this posture for as long as you feel comfortable.
- Then slowly lower yourself back to the ground, back to the starting position.
- Repeat the steps for a few times.
How does it benefit heart health?
This pose helps open up the chest and improve blood circulation which can be beneficial for heart health. Bhujangasana offers other multiple benefits as well such as reducing stress and improving lung function. These combined effects help strengthen our hearts, lower blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular well-being. Therefore, making it a valuable addition to our routine lives, especially for those looking for support for their heart through yoga.
Utkatasana (the chair pose)
Utkatasana, when performed, appears as if someone is sitting on an imaginary chair. Thus, it is also known as ‘the chair pose’ yoga. It is a low squatting posture.
How to perform?
- Stand straight, take a deep breath, and raise your arms over the head, parallel to each other with palms facing inwards to shoulder level in front of your body.
- Now bend your knees while breathing out.
- Then lower your torso to achieve a half squat pose without bending forward. Keep your thighs parallel to the ground.
- Maintain this posture for 30 seconds and balance this while breathing normally.
How does it benefit heart health?
This pose strengthens the cardiovascular system by increasing its heart rate and stimulating better blood circulation. When you hold Utkatasana, your body works harder in order to maintain balance and stability. This in turn boosts heart functioning and efficiency. This mild cardiovascular workout improves overall heart health and can reduce the risk of heart diseases over time.
It also indirectly supports heart health by maintaining weight which can either put a lot of strain or stress on the heart.
Tadasana (the mountain pose)
Tadasana is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tada’ meaning ‘mountain’ and ‘asana’ meaning ‘posture’. The Tadasana symbolizes standing strong like a tree or a mountain. It is also called ‘the mountains pose’ or ‘the palm tree posture’. It is a basic pose of Yoga and forms the foundation of many other standing Yoga Asanas. Tadasana is a part of another asana like the Suryanamaskar.
How to perform?
It is necessary to do Tadasana on an empty stomach. Thus, it is recommended to have your meals at least 4-6 hours earlier before performing this pose. Also, ensure that your bowels are clean.
- Stand straight, keeping your feet two inches away from each other.
- Breathe in and raise your arms straight, parallel to each other - leveling up to your shoulder.
- Lock the fingers of one hand with the other and then rotate your wrist outwards.
- Now breathe in and lift your arms above the head.
- Also lift your heels off the floor, balancing all of your body weight on your toes.
- Hold this posture for 10 seconds to half a minute.
- Breathe out and relax your fingers and heels.
- Now bring your arms down and return to the original starting position.
How does it benefit heart health?
This posture encourages deep, rhythmic breathing, which increases oxygen intake. The mindful breathing and focus required in Tadasana help activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is responsible for the body's rest-and-digest functions. This activation helps lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and reduce overall stress levels. Thus, contributing to a healthier heart.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (the downward facing dog pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana is also referred to as ‘downward facing dog pose’, ‘downward dog pose’, or ‘bent head dog pose’. It is basically a forward bending position. In Sanskrit Adho means ‘down’, Mukho means ‘face’, and Svan means ‘dog’.
How to perform?
- Straighten your arms and legs on a yoga mat and extend your hips upwards while exhaling.
- Then lower your head down between your arms in such a way that your ears are parallel to them.
- Press your heels on the floor.
- Breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your calves, thighs, shoulders, and arms.
- Keep your neck relaxed.
- The body should resemble the mountain.
- Slowly come to the original position.
How does it benefit heart health?
Adho Mukha Svanasana is known for its stress-relieving properties. The deep-breathing paired with this pose also enhances oxygen intake. This is very beneficial for the heart.
Moreover, it strengthens and stretches the entire body, providing flexibility. This can contribute to better physical fitness which is vital for a healthy heart.
Shavasana (the corpse pose)
Shavasana is a relaxing position at the end of the yoga session. Although it looks easy, it is a challenging position because the art of relaxation is harder than it seems.
How to perform?
- Lie down flat on your back
- Stretch your arms and legs out.
- Keep your eyes gently closed.
- Breathe evenly and try to relax.
- Stay calm and rest in the pose for 5 minutes.
- Exit the pose by exhaling and slowly turning towards the side taking a deep breath.
How does it benefit heart health?
By calming the mind and lowering stress levels, Shavasana helps decrease the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Which can either strain the heart or elevate blood pressure.
Although it also encourages mindful breathing which promotes better oxygenation and circulation. Slow-deep breaths taken during this pose can lower heart rate, providing it with much needed rest and recovery.
Conclusion
Now you know how crucial it is to maintain your heart health. Following the guidelines provided above in the blog will provide you with visible results. However, if you are in search of a treatment of heart disease, the expert of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda will provide you with personalized treatments after understanding your body type and the root cause of the problem.
‘If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you’.
