Heart Health & Ayurveda
“The heart is not just a pump — it is the seat of consciousness.”
In Sanskrit, the heart is called Hṛdaya, meaning:
Hṛ: to receive
Da: to give
Ya: to circulate
More than an organ — it’s a physical, emotional, and spiritual center.
Location:
Anatomically: Chest (thoracic cavity)
Energetically: Center of Anāhata Chakra
Functionally: Seat of Ojas, Prāṇa, Sattva, and consciousness (Ātmā)
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Ayurvedic View of Cardiovascular Health :
| Ayurvedic Concept | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Hridaya | Heart |
| Rakta Vaha Srotas | Blood circulation pathways |
| Prāṇa Vāta | Nervous regulation of heart |
| Sadhaka Pitta | Emotions & heart metabolism |
| Avalambaka Kapha | Structural support, lubrication |
| Ojas | Immunity, vitality, resilience |
Vata-Type Cardiac Imbalance :
Anxiety, irregular heartbeat, dry arteries, fear
Cause: Prāṇa Vāta disturbance
Symptoms: Palpitations, poor circulation, insomnia, cold limbs
Support:
Warm, grounding foods; daily routine
Herbs: Ashwagandha, Arjuna, Dashamoola, Jatamansi
Practices: Abhyanga, yoga nidra, Vata-pacifying pranayama (Anulom Vilom)
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Pitta-Type Cardiac Imbalance :
Inflammation, hypertension, anger, burnout
Cause: Sadhaka Pitta excess + Rakta heat
Symptoms: High BP, ulcers, sharp chest pain, irritability
Support:
Cooling diet, reduce salt & spices, early dinners
Herbs: Arjuna, Brahmi, Amalaki, Guduchi, Rose
Practices: Sheetali breath, rose water spritz, compassion meditation
Kapha-Type Cardiac Imbalance :
Congestion, sluggish circulation, emotional stagnation
Cause: Avalambaka Kapha buildup
Symptoms: High cholesterol, fluid retention, heaviness in chest, attachment
Support:
Light, warm, spicy foods; regular cardio movement
Herbs: Trikatu, Guggulu, Arjuna, Cinnamon, Pushkarmool
Practices: Dry brushing, Surya Namaskar, invigorating breathwork (Bhastrika)
Ayurvedic Herbs for Heart Health :
1.Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
2. Ashwagandha
3. Brahmi / Gotu Kola
4. Guggulu
5. Jatamansi
Practices to Protect the Heart :
Daily gratitude journaling (enhances Sattva)
Abhyanga: Heart-centered oil massage (rose or sesame oil)
Pranayama: Anulom Vilom, Sheetali, Bhramari
Mantra: “Yam” — sound of Anāhata chakra
Avoid: Suppressing emotions, eating while stressed, excessive screen time
The Role of Ojas in Heart Health
Ojas is the subtle essence of immunity, vitality & love, resides in the heart and is depleted by stress, grief, fear, poor diet and disease.
To build Ojas: Eat nourishing foods (ghee, dates, almonds), rest well, connect with loved ones.
"A peaceful heart is not a luxury. It is your natural state."
