Heart Harmony: An Ayurvedic Approach to Lifelong Heart Health

In Ayurveda, the heart and mind are considered intimately connected. The heart is not just a physical pump but a hub of our emotions, energy, and inner balance. In Charak Samhita, the master Ayurvedic text, the heart is described as the “seat of consciousness” and as such deeply connected to our emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.

The heart is called “Hridaya”, which translates to the essential qualities of the heart of receiving, giving and moving. These are expressed in the heart’s physical functions and deeply connected to our emotional expression, especially love, compassion, and courage. When our heart is healthy, we feel calm, joyful, and emotionally steady. But when out of balance, we might feel stressed, anxious, or irritable. Likewise, when we experience strong emotions like grief, overwhelm and loneliness out heart is also physically affected. So, maintaining a healthy heart also means nourishing our emotional health and nurturing our whole being.

Ayurvedic perspective on Heart and Cardiovascular health.

Influence of the Doshas

According to Ayurveda, three energies, or doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha influence our body and mind. When they’re expressing healthily, we experience harmony in the heart and the rest of our body. Each dosha plays a unique role in cardiovascular health, influencing the way blood flows, the strength of the heart, and emotional health.

• Vata: Governs movement and is linked to the circulation of blood, nervous system function, and rhythm of the heartbeat. An imbalance in Vata can lead to anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. When in balance it promotes good circulation, optimism and ability to regulate in times of stress.
• Pitta: Responsible for heat, metabolism, and digestion, Pitta affects the intensity and efficiency of blood flow. An excess of Pitta may lead to inflammation, increased blood pressure, and propensity for anger and intolerance. In balance it provides resilience and clarity in response to increased stress or pressure. It fuels the warmth and passion of the heart.
• Kapha: Relates to stability and structure, affecting the strength and tone of the heart and blood vessels. When Kapha is imbalanced, it can lead to conditions like high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and fluid retention. Emotions relating to imbalance include depression, apathy and possessives. In balance it provides the heart’s strength and stability, and is associated with compassion, loyalty and endurance.

Influence of Diet and Lifestyle

• Ayurveda says food is medicine! To nourish the heart, we should enjoy foods that are in tune with the unique needs of each season and protect the dosha most likely to be aggravated by our lifestyle. Ayurveda also emphasizes a sattvic diet to nurture a healthy heart and nurture compassion for others and ourselves. Most importantly whether you are preparing an elaborate meal or grabbing a snack take a moment to fully enjoy food and receive the nourishment.
• Lifestyle matters, too. Ayurveda recommends regular physical activity, breathing exercises, and moments of calm reflection to keep the heart and mind balanced.

The Importance of Breath and Meditation

• Pranayama (breathwork) and meditation are heart-healthy practices. Gentle breathing helps us let go of stress, improve circulation, and calm our mind.
• Techniques like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) are known to balance the body’s energies, reduce stress, and bring a sense of peace that the heart loves.

Herbal Allies for Heart Health

Ayurveda offers a treasure chest of herbs that support heart health

• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is a super ally, strengthening the heart muscles, improving and toning circulation whilst helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Emotionally it is said to help mend a “broken heart”, impart courage and strengthen the will to follow our hearts.
• Tulsi  (Ocimum sanctum) revered for its highly sattvic nature nourishes both lungs and heart and nurtures emotional opening of the heart. If fosters compassion and equanimity.
• Guggul (Commiphora mukul)rejuvenative cardio tonic and renowned for its scraping action within fine channels, clearing congestion and toxins that contribute to heart disease.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) renowned adaptogen, sattvic herb, brain and heart tonic.  It has a particular affinity for balancing Vata, regulates cortisol and rejuvenates all bodily systems.
• Coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in heart health by supporting cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress, which protects the heart from damage. It can improve circulation, enhance the function of blood vessels, and may help reduce blood pressure.

Self-Care for the Heart

• Ayurveda teaches that self-care is heart care! Taking time to relax, enjoy good company, laugh, and doing things you love helps keep the heart in balance.
• Practices like Abhyanga(self-massage with warm oils) are also recommended to help calm the mind and body, reducing stress on the heart.

In Ayurveda, a healthy heart is about balancing both our physical and emotional health. We can be proactive in our diet and lifestyle choosing foods, activities and connections which bring both nourishment and happiness. We can supplement with Ayurveda’s herbal allies which promote longevity and vitality. Most importantly by caring for ourselves and others with love, we can support a strong, vibrant, and peaceful heart.