Heart Disease is a result of atherosclerotic changes in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a disease that results in the arteries becoming narrowed. The condition can affect arteries in any area of the body and is a major cause of stroke, heart attack and poor circulation in the legs. The arteries become narrowed when fatty substances, such as cholesterol, that are carried in the blood accumulate on the side lining of the arteries and form yellow deposits called atheroma. These deposits restrict the blood flow through the arteries. In addition, the muscle layer of the artery wall becomes thickened, narrowing the artery even more. Platelets may collect in clumps on the surface of the deposits and initiate the formation of blood clots. A large clot may then completely block the artery and result on an organ being deprived of oxygen. 

The risk of developing Atherosclerosis is determined largely by the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream, which depends on dietary and genetic factors. Since cholesterol levels are closely linked with diet, Atherosclerosis is most common in Western counties where people eat a diet high in fat.  Disorders such as diabetes mellitus can be associated with a high cholesterol level regardless of diet. Certain inherited disorders also result in a high level of fats in the blood. In addition to high blood cholesterols levels, factors that make Atherosclerosis more likely are smoking, not exercising regularly, having high blood pressure, and being overweight, especially if a lot of fat is around the waist.

Holistic Perspective

Due to sedentary life style and intake of more unctuous and sour foods the kapha in the body gets disturbed and reduces the pachaka pitta thereby causing improper digestion leading to formation of Ama. The ama (hidden metabolic toxin) is the source of atherosclerosis This leads to an improper formation of  rasa dhatu and raktha dhatu, gets manifested in the form of heart disease.

The heart is perceived as the seat of emotions. Negative energies, both physical and emotional, inflict great pain on the heart. It is not uncommon to notice a strong resistance to change as well as an inability to see another’s point of view among people suffering from heart disease. This could manifest itself further as stubbornness and result in either freezing of emotions or building up of emotions like pain and frustration.

Approach Followed in Ojas:

At Ojas, through Raktha Shodhana Kriya, Ojas Kriya, Pancha Prana Pranayama, Dhamani Samprasadhana Kriya and other supportive programme the vitiated kapha is restored leading to normalizing of pachaka pitta resulting in proper function of rasa and raktha dhathus in the body. Application of these suggested kriyas increases the metabolism of the body, strengthens the wall of the heart by stabilizing the pancha prana and also cleanses all the atheroma (vitiated kapha and medas) deposited in artery wall thereby helps in the reversal of the disease.

General Dietary Guidelines

Avoid food with a high fat content, such as fatty fried food, ice cream, heavy meats, and cheese. Some foods may actually help to reduce cholesterol. These include:

Oatmeal, Corn, Apples, Fresh fruit juice, such as orange or grapes, Millet, fresh vegetables, garlic

Suggested Asanas and Pranayama 

•  Pavanmuktasana part 1

•  Vajrasana

•  Padmasana

•  Relaxation poses

•  Savasana

•  Nadi shodana pranayama

•  Bhramari pranayama

All asanas should be done under the doctor’s guidance.

Meditation:

Meditation would be extremely beneficial for this health condition provided it is guided.

Listen to the Vedic chants CD “For a healthy heart” for minimum of 30 minutes every day.