Helping Blood Pressure

The Cardiovascular program is conducted under the supervision of our Ayurvedic Consultant and draws on knowledge from Ayurveda, the world’s oldest and most complete system of natural health care.

Through its unique assessment of causal imbalances at the basis of a condition and its wide range of time-tested recommendations, Ayurveda provides the most comprehensive approach for cardiovascular health available in natural health care today.

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS:

Deterioration of structure can be of three main types:

1. Clogging of vessels with cholesterol and plaque. 2. Damaged areas due to increased pressure and free radical activity. 3. Loss of vessel wall thickness.

In addition to hereditary factors the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease are:

• Excess stress and over-activation of the “fight or flight” response• Overweight and inactivity• Too much saturated and Trans fats in the diet• Overeating• Sugar intolerance and diabetes• High cholesterol• High blood pressure and• Cigarette smoking

Ayurveda‘s approach to removing the true causal imbalance of cardiovascular disease differs markedly from the standard modern medical approach of matching specific drugs to symptoms. Drugs often just eliminate or masks symptoms but do not really cure and heal. Rather, they leave the root imbalances in place and often further deteriorate the body’s natural healing response through the side effects they create. For example, blood pressure, cholesterol reducing and anti-anxiety medications provide only temporary improvement, as the risk factor or symptom promptly returns if the medication is discontinued.

Following are the main Ayurvedic approaches for cardiovascular disease:

1) Opening the Channels of Circulation:

There are several sources of circulatory blockage, most of which come from areas completely outside the cardiovascular system. The program at Ayush Wave aims to prevent blockage of vessels through:

1. a) Improving nutrition: 

Certain foods are heavier and more clogging in nature. Consultations and health education classes will help target the foods that can be most clogging to circulation, so you may reduce or eliminate these foods. Conversely you will receive recommendations for foods that do not clog the physiology and could actually aid the natural cleansing and healing processes within the cardiovascular system.

1. b) Strengthening digestion: 

Even more important than what we eat is our ability to digest food properly. If we eat proper foods we still may create toxic and clogging impurities that localize in vessel walls due to the fact we have poor digestion. Digestion and nutrition are cornerstones of Ayurveda and you will receive a comprehensive set of individualized recommendations for improving digestion.

1. c) Better elimination:

When elimination slows down, impurities which should be removed end up being absorbed. The impurities travel throughout the body and localize in tissues. They not only block vessels but when toxic they can damage vessel walls. You will receive individualized recommendations to improve elimination and maintain its proper function.

1. d) Improved metabolism: 

It is not enough for the body to have strong digestion and elimination. It also needs strong metabolism to build tissues properly and remove waste products created by cells and tissues. Free radicals are an example of toxic waste products that can seriously damage vessel walls if allowed to accumulate. In fact, science is now seeing that it is not so much the cholesterol levels that create cardiovascular damage but the levels of free radicals.

If needed, our Ayurvedic Consultant will provide recommendations aimed at improving metabolism and reducing free radicals. It is worth noting that there are herbal preparations that scientific research has shown to be some of the most powerful free radical scavengers yet studied. In many cases these particular herbal preparations are recommended by our Ayurvedic Consultant for their anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging effect.

1. e) Regular regimens for internal cleansing

Cleansing programs

Ayush Wave programs include powerful yet gentle internal cleansing procedures administered by our highly trained Ayurvedic therapists. The combination of massage, herbalised oil application, heat treatments and mild herbal enema provide a thorough, multi-faceted approach to removing impurities that may have already accumulated. By administering these treatments, layer after layer of toxins and impurities are able to be loosened from tissues and eliminated from the body.

Herbalised oil massage: 

Our Ayurvedic Consultant will choose specific herbalised massage oil that is individually prepared for your condition. Herbalised oil massage provides a deeply soothing and balancing effect to the entire nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat and friction which enhance circulation and help cleanse the areas of chemical impurities that could be causing cardiovascular disease. The oil and herbs cleanse and nourish the tissues so that tissue development and repair is hastened.

The various herbs that have been boiled into base oil, and the oil itself, are specifically chosen for their balancing and cleansing influence. The oil allows the herbs to deeply penetrate the tissue beds, thereby balancing the tissues throughout the body. Our Ayurvedic Consultant will choose specific herbalised massage oil that is individually prepared for your condition. Herbalised oil massage provides a deeply soothing and balancing effect to the entire nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat and friction which enhance circulation and help cleanse the areas of chemical impurities that could be causing cardiovascular disease. The oil and herbs cleanse and nourish the tissues so that tissue development and repair is hastened.

The various herbs that have been boiled into base oil, and the oil itself, are specifically chosen for their balancing and cleansing influence. The oil allows the herbs to deeply penetrate the tissue beds, thereby balancing the tissues throughout the body.

Herbs for Cardiac Care:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a tonic effect on the heart, lowers cholesterol and inhibits blood platelet collection. Ayurvedic physicians suggest that eating a little bit of ginger every day will help to prevent heart attack.

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) Arjuna is a coronary vasodilator. It protects the heart, strengthens circulation, and helps to maintain the tone and health of the heart muscle. It is also useful in stopping bleeding and to promote healing after a heart attack. Current scientific research has proved that T. Arjuna contains specific medically active constituents namely triterpine glycosides like arjunetosides I, II, III, IV, arjunine and arjunetein. Bark of Arjuna tree has been found to be rich in Co-enzyme Q-10 which is highly prescribed in cardiology departments now days to prevent heart problems

Lasuna (Allium Sativum) Garlic is a wonder drug for heart. Clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. When people with high blood pressure were given one clove of garlic a day for 12 weeks, their diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) A unique herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that leads to better physical fitness and helps cope with life’s daily stress. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) it has been shown to lower blood-fat levels while raising levels of HDL, the so called “good cholesterol”. It is useful in atherosclerosis, psoriasis and cardiac ischemia.

Note: The above herbs should be taken only after consultation with an Ayurvedic Consultant. These herbs should be taken with a proper anupana (adjuvant), dose, time etc. as per body constitution.

2) Stress Management: 

Cardiovascular disease is often worsened by the experience of chronic stress. This is due to hormonal changes and other biochemical responses to stress that activate the cardiovascular system and place it under greater pressure. Stress can contribute too many of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, poor eating habits, weakened digestion, slow elimination and increased cigarette smoking.

Scientific research on meditation shows it to create virtually the opposite physiological effect of chronic stress and reduce many of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

3) Proper Lifestyle and Daily Routine: 

When we eat, sleep and exercise in constantly fluctuating and disturbing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles and cannot cleanse or heal itself as effectively. Disruption of natural biological rhythms is a major factor in weakening the body’s natural healing and balancing ability.

Our Ayurvedic Consultant will review your daily routine and provide the information you need to help create a daily schedule that will actually increase balance in your physiology and aid in healing your body.

 

4) Exercise and Flexibility Education: 

Ayurveda considers proper stretching and flexibility exercises to have a very positive effect on the body’s healing response and the treatment of many chronic conditions. We offer Yoga classes and teach you a simple but profound set of postures that can be practiced daily to create a healthy flexibility throughout the body. We also instruct you in individualized Yoga breathing practices that create a state of restful alertness in mind and body.

YOGA POSES FOR HEART DISORDERS:

The concept of yoga for heart disease is in currency for long. Of late, it is getting better coinage following concerted studies which have shown how symptoms of coronary artery disease have been reduced.

There are types of poses you can practice offered by yoga for heart disease cure as follows:

Yoga Mountain Pose

Tadasana, a completely balanced standing posture is the foundation for all asanas which start from standing. Promotes experience of stillness, strength, relax power, and immovable stability. The position has two primary lines of energy radiating outward from your center: one line moving upward through the spine and one line downward through the legs. Your hips will be in cat tilt.

Warrior Pose

Begin from the mountain pose and change to fully stretched legs and arms (horizontal) sideways.

This challenging pose strengthens the entire body while improving mental capacity and self-control.

Triangle Pose

The triangle is the shape formed by the trunk in this asana,

Laterally stretches the spine, tones spinal nerves, helps in the proper functioning of the circulatory system. Makes the body feel lighter.

Tree Pose

Vrukshasana. This is a balancing pose in standing position.

Regular practice of this posture will help focus the mind and cultivate concentration (Dharana).

Lotus Pose Yoga

Improvement over the classic cross-legged squatting.

It is a classic position for pranayama with chinmudra.

Excellent meditations pose. Helps you relax, be more comfortable and alert.

Swastikasana 

In ancient times, swastika was considered an auspicious symbol of good luck.

Benefits Concentration is improved. Abdominal muscles are toned. Strain on the heart is reduced.

Functioning of the backbone is improved.

Bhujangasana (cobra pose) 

This posture promotes flexibility in the spine and ensures movement of the chest.

Benefits: It strengthens the spine. It helps relieve stress and fatigue. It opens the heart and lungs.

Viparitakarani 

This traditional pose gives strength restores youth and vitality to the body.

Benefits: The practice of this asana improves blood circulation. The asana promotes health of the thyroid glands. It gives maximum rest to the internal organs.

Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) 

Sarvangasana activates the entire body. It helps stimulate the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems and rejuvenates the whole body.

Benefits: Purifies the blood and ensures good circulation. Improves digestion. Massages the heart. Relieves fatigue, sleeplessness, lethargy and mental sluggishness.

Pranayama for Heart Diseases:

Kapalabhati Breathing

Kapalabhati breathing is a pranayama technique. Kapalabhati requires that you breathe in rapid succession while consciously controlling the movements of the diaphragm (a membrane separating abdomen from chest.) This exercises the entire respiratory system forcing higher oxygen absorption in a short time. This ensures richer blood to reach cardiovascular muscles regardless of its quantity, thus removing the major complaint.

 

Ujjayi Pranayama

A deep breathing exercise such as Ujjayi pranayama is helpful for cardiovascular health

Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama

The practice of Ujjayi Pranayama raises body heat; the sound vibrations calm and focus the mind, letting you relax more. Ujjayi can also be used to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. Ujjayi can also be effectively used for pain reduction, insomnia, and migraines.
However, the most remarkable benefit Ujjayi Pranayama has to offer is that it performs internal purification, activation and energizing along with outer control and conditioning all at once. Ujjayi Pranayama cures heat in the head as well as, lung diseases like asthma, tuberculosis. It also improves digestive capacity and enhances functioning of the respiratory systems.

Anuloma Viloma

In this pranayama, due to the deep penetration of prana, the blood receives a larger supply of oxygen than in other types of pranayama.  The nerves are calmed and purified, and the mind becomes still and lucid.

Its practice keeps the body warm, destroys diseases, gives strength and brings serenity. The vital energy drawn in from the cosmic energy through inhalation, passes close to vital chakras and feeds the glands. The respiratory control center of the brain is stimulated and becomes fresh, clear, and tranquil. The light of intelligence is lit simultaneously in the brain as well as in the mind. This leads to right thinking, and sound Judgment.

Brahmari Pranayama

Besides having a profound effect on the ears, nose, eyes and mouth, it enlivens your looks, improves the glamour of the face. Its benefits do not end here it improves one’s concentration levels, relieves migraine pains, reduces stress and mental agitation, hypertension, and successfully combats and helps prevent many a disease. Practice of Bhramari is beneficial for pregnant women.

Diet

Diet should be light, a low- fat diet, and preferably vegetarian foods.

Avoid:

Meat, excessive protein, milk and dairy products, oil, excessive spices, excessive salt, overeating.

Include:

• Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Fix meal timing.