Love this contribution from our very own Manas Kshirsagar. He has a way of explaining foreign concepts in a way that's easy to understand.
In the ayurvedic texts the heart is described as "Hrdaya." This Sanskrit word consists of several parts, each with its own meaning: Hr means to receive, Da to give, and Ya to move. The very qualities of the heart are contained within its Sanskrit name. It is further described as Mahata (great) and Artha (serving all purposes). Thus, it is an organ par excellence.
The ayurvedic text Charaka describes the heart as, "indispensable for all mental and physical activities," because the entire sense perception depends on the heart.
The heart is also, most importantly, the seat of ojas. Ojas is the most refined substance in the physiology. It is the essence of the body's inner intelligence. Ojas is maintained through good diet, digestion, and living a happy, stress-free life.
The Key points to balancing heart health are Diet, excercise, and effective stress management.
Making sure to avoid excessive indulgence in food that is too hot and spicy, or food that is too heavy or astringent. Food should be consumed at the right time of day, should contain all six tastes and should be fresh, in the right proportions and eaten only when the previous meal is digested. Ayurveda also promotes favoring whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and good-quality protein, along with spices that are balancing to the prakruti.
There have been countless articles published and studies done on the effect of excercise on Blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular health. A brisk 30 min walk a day is all you need!
Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and pranayam have all been proven to have a significant impact on hypertension, high cholesterol and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
Take care of your heart and your heart will take care of you.
*Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about
the tradition of yoga and ayurveda. This information is not intended
for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any
disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern,
please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess
your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor
before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or
nursing.
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