Heart health is one of the most significant concerns in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Stress, irregular eating habits, junk food, lack of exercise, and poor sleep are making people more prone to heart problems. While modern treatments are available, many people in Pune and nearby areas are looking for natural and safe solutions. Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, provides time-tested ways to protect the heart and manage heart-related conditions. In Pune, Dr. Manoj Deshpande, Founder and Chief Consultant at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, Narayan Peth, Pune, is known for his expertise in Ayurvedic treatment for heart diseases and chronic conditions. With more than 25 years of experience, he has helped many patients in Pune, PCMC, and Mumbai with safe and natural Ayurvedic treatment.
Understanding Heart Health in Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda, the heart is called Hridaya. It is considered the seat of consciousness, emotions, and life energy. According to Ayurvedic principles, the imbalance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) can affect the heart and circulatory system. Ayurveda explains heart diseases as Hridroga, caused by improper diet, stress, accumulation of toxins, and weak digestion.
- Vata imbalance: It can cause irregular heartbeat, palpitations, anxiety, and weakness.
- Pitta imbalance: It can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and anger.
- Kapha imbalance: It often causes cholesterol deposition, obesity, and blocked arteries.
By balancing the doshas through diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and Panchakarma therapies, Ayurveda aims to prevent and manage heart problems naturally.
Key Causes of Increasing Heart Diseases:
- Unhealthy Diet: Excessive consumption of fast food, fried snacks, and processed food has become very common in urban areas . A diet high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats puts extra strain on the heart.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Modern desk jobs and long working hours leave little scope for physical activity. This lack of movement slows down metabolism, leads to obesity, and increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Stress and Anxiety: Work pressure, financial responsibilities, and personal issues create constant tension, which increases blood pressure and releases stress hormones harmful to the heart.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and alcohol are dangerous to the cardiovascular system. Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply to the heart, and increases the chances of blockages.
- Obesity and Overweight: Being overweight forces the heart to work harder than normal. It is closely linked to other health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
- Genetic and Family History: Family history is another major risk factor. If close relatives have suffered from heart disease, the chances of developing similar issues increase. However, following a healthy lifestyle and Ayurvedic care can reduce these risks significantly.
7 Ayurvedic Ways to Protect Heart Health:
Ayurvedic Herbs:
Ayurveda offers several natural herbs that are powerful allies in protecting the heart.
- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): The best-known heart tonic in Ayurveda. Strengthens cardiac muscles, improves circulation, and helps in managing high blood pressure. This herb is extensively researched for its cardiprotective properties.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces stress and anxiety, supports heart performance, and balances blood pressure.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Calms the mind, lowers stress-related heart risks, and improves overall mental and cardiac health.
- Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Lowers cholesterol, manages obesity, and prevents plaque buildup in arteries.
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) & Garlic (Allium sativum): Together, they improve blood flow, reduce cholesterol, and protect the heart from blockages.
- Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera): Helps in reducing cholesterol, obesity, and regulating blood pressure.
- Bruhati (Solanum indicum): Improves respiratory health and supports circulation, indirectly reducing strain on the heart.
- Kantakari (Solanum virginianum): Strengthens lungs, improves oxygen supply, and keeps heart function smooth.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Excellent diuretic; reduces water retention, high blood pressure, and cardiac swelling.
- Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa):Detoxifies the liver, improves fat metabolism, and prevents cholesterol buildup.
- Aragvadha (Cassia fistula): Natural mild laxative that helps in cleansing toxins (ama) and improving heart function.
- Paneer Phool (Withania coagulans): Helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, protecting the heart from metabolic disorders.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): A powerful rejuvenator; improves digestion, reduces toxins, and strengthens cardiovascular health.
Specific Ayurvedic Preparations:
Ayurveda utilizes specific herbal and mineral preparations for heart health, including fermented tonics and mineral-based compounds.
- Sandhana Kalpana (Fermented Tonics): These preparations are believed to have a subtle yet deep effect on the heart.
- Arjunarishta: It is a famous tonic made from Arjuna bark, used to strengthen the heart muscle.
- Dashamularishta: It is a general restorative tonic that boosts vitality.
- Kumari Asav and Punarnavasav support: The liver and kidneys, respectively, which in turn contribute to heart health.
Rasa Kalpa (Mineral-Based Preparations):
These are potent medicines that must only be taken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Bhasma (Calcinated Ashes):
- Shringa Bhasma: Made from the ash of a horn, this is used for heart-related ailments.
- Abhrak Bhasma: A preparation of mica, known for its rejuvenating properties.
- Hirak Bhasma: A preparation of diamond, considered highly potent.
- Suvarna Bhasma: A preparation of gold, used as a powerful tonic.
- Raupya Bhasma: A preparation of silver, known to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Rasa kalpanas:
- Hemgarbha, Sameerpannag: A complex preparation used to support heart function.
- Mahalakshmi Vilas Ras: A powerful and complex formulation used for various chronic ailments.
- Makardhwaj Ras: A well-known preparation used to boost strength and vitality.
- Bruhatvat Chintamani Ras: A highly valued preparation for neurological and cardiac conditions.
- Hrudayanarnav Ras: Specifically formulated to address heart-related issues.
- Nagarjunabhra Ras: A preparation that combines mica and other ingredients for heart health.
- Suvarna Sut Shekhar Ras: A complex preparation that is used for a variety of conditions, including those affecting the heart.
Dietary Practices:
Ayurveda emphasizes that a proper diet and lifestyle are foundational to preventing heart disease.
- Mindful Eating: According to Ayurveda, eating in moderation, known as Alpahar, is crucial. Overeating or eating at irregular times can create a toxic substance called ‘Ama’ in the body. This ‘Ama’ can spoil the Rasa Dhatu (the body’s fluid tissue), which has its primary location in the heart and the major arteries. A faulty diet can therefore lead to heart disorders. Eating only when hungry and having an early dinner helps minimize ‘Ama’.
- Beneficial Foods: Incorporating specific dietary items can protect the heart. These include: Betel leaf, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, pomegranate, and fennel, Green tea, garlic, and ginger.
Therapeutic Practices:
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular full-body oil massage is highly beneficial. The massage helps push deoxygenated blood from the body’s tissues back toward the heart, increasing what’s called “venous return.” This boosts the heart’s pumping efficiency, as its capacity is directly linked to the volume of blood it receives.
- Panchakarma Therapy: Ayurveda believes that the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body weakens heart health. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (detoxification), Basti (medicated enema), and Hridaya Basti (oil treatment over the heart region) remove toxins, balance metabolism, and strengthen the heart. These therapies not only cleanse the system but also rejuvenate the body and mind, giving long-term benefits for heart health.
- Post-Procedure Care: After heart surgeries or angioplasty, a special preparation called Kshirpaka Kalpana is used to strengthen the heart. This involves boiling herbs like Arjuna, Pushkarmool, Sunth (dried ginger), Jeshtha madh (licorice), and Ananta Mool in milk.
Yoga and Pranayama:
Daily practice of yoga and breathing techniques is a natural way to protect the heart. Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama improve oxygen supply and reduce stress. Simple asanas like Tadasana, Bhujangasana, and Shavasana improve blood circulation and reduce stiffness. Meditation calms the mind, lowers stress levels, and creates a positive state of health. A combination of yoga, pranayama, and meditation ensures a healthy balance of body and mind.
Healthy Lifestyle:
A disciplined lifestyle is the backbone of good heart health. Following the rule of sleeping early and waking up early keeps the body’s rhythm in balance. A 30-minute walk every day boosts circulation and keeps weight under control. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is very important for protecting the heart. Spending time with family, connecting with nature, and engaging in hobbies reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. Regular health check-ups for blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol are also essential for prevention.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Heart Disease in Pune:
Today, heart disease is on the rise even among young people, often due to high levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and unhealthy habits like poor diet and addiction. The ancient Ayurvedic principles of proper diet, lifestyle, exercise, and stress management are therefore more valuable than ever for maintaining a healthy heart. The holistic approach of Ayurveda focuses not just on treating disease, but on building a resilient and healthy foundation to prevent it, making it a powerful system for long-term heart health. For people searching for heart disease Ayurvedic treatment in Pune, Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurved Chikitsalaya™ offers a complete care program. He uses a personalized approach by:
- Understanding patient history, lifestyle, and symptoms.
- Identifying the root cause through Ayurvedic examination.
- Designing an individualized treatment plan with diet, herbal medicines, and Panchakarma.
- Giving guidance on lifestyle changes for long-term heart health
Conclusion:
Heart problems are increasing due to fast-paced lifestyles, stress, and unhealthy habits. Ayurveda provides natural and safe solutions to protect heart health. With personalized treatment, herbal medicines, and Panchakarma therapies, Ayurveda focuses on root-cause healing. Dr. Manoj Deshpande, a highly experienced Ayurvedic doctor in Pune, offers effective Ayurvedic treatment for heart diseases at Kalpataru Ayurved Chikitsalaya™, Narayan Peth, Pune. With more than two decades of expertise, compassionate care, and proven results, he is trusted by patients from Pune, PCMC, and Navi Mumbai. If you are looking for safe and natural Ayurvedic treatment for heart disease in Pune, consult Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, Narayan Peth, Pune.